The Power of a Dream Realised with Melissa Galloway

Melissa Galloway has become one of New Zealand’s brightest lights in international dressage — a rider whose determination and love for her horses have taken her from humble beginnings to the world stage.

As New Zealand’s highest-ranked dressage competitor, Melissa’s journey reached a new height at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she and her beloved horse Joey (Windermere J’Obei W) set a national Grand Prix record. Yet behind that achievement lies years of unwavering belief, overseas training, and a partnership built on trust and time — since Joey was just two years old.

Now in her early thirties, Melissa stands at a remarkable turning point. To have already represented her country on the Olympic stage is both a milestone and an opening — a doorway to what comes next. The experience has not only affirmed her place among the world’s elite riders but also expanded her vision of what’s possible, both for herself and for New Zealand dressage.

In this episode, we talk about the path that led her there — the highs, the lessons, and the quiet moments in between. We explore what it takes to stay true to yourself when new doors begin to open, and how purpose, presence, and heart continue to guide her forward.

Resources:
Connect with Melissa Galloway: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_gallowaynz
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rramossport
Follow along on the journey: https://www.pernillehogg.com/podcast
Music produced by Melissa Parris