Our Team
back row:Richard Malmgren, Judi Gilsdorf, Ashley Frechette, Paul Melzer, Lisa Rankin,
Jann Clark, Frani White, Scott Hassler, Emily Covington,
Scott Hassler, President, Director of Training, USEF Young Horse Coach
Susanne Hassler, Vice-President, Director of Breeding, International Competitor
Scott and Susanne have two lovely daughters, Mia (a 1993 model) and Sara (vintage 1996). Scott and Susanne hold family as a high priority and try to involve their girls in as much of their horse endeavors as possible, while supporting the girls in their other interests as well.
The girls have already had the privilege of traveling to Europe on many occasions, given their parents' work. Mia—the less 'horsey' daughter- plans to be part of the family business on the business-end of things, while pursuing her passion for fashion, soccer, music, friends, (and boys, of course)-- the typical teenage stuff. Sara is an avid developing rider, a true animal-lover, and a speedy soccer player herself. Sara is eager to move to Riveredge where she will be able to ride every day and be part of the daily workings of the farm. Scott often volunteers as coach to the girls' soccer teams and Susanne is always the dedicated team photographer, capturing each kid in action with her big lens! The Hasslers enjoy snow skiing, cruising to tropical destinations, and boating on the Chesapeake Bay—waterskiing, tubing, and wake boarding—to add some fun and quality family time to their busy schedules. One day, they hope to tour the alps on skis and the Mediterranean by boat…explore Costa Rica's jungles and Rome's ruins…the list goes on and on, though it will take serious planning to put those diversions into their lives!
Read more about Scott and Susanne: Scott Hassler | Susanne Hassler
Email Scott Email SusanneJann Clark, Administrative Assistant, Bookeeper
Jann is a transplant from the mid-west. She is from a small town (Eola, IL) outside the suburbs of Chicago; how small is small – how about seven students in her 8th grade graduating class (2 girls, 5 boys)? Jann received her BS degree in Physical Education from Wheaton College and taught physical education at the high school level for two years before her marriage to Ben brought her east.
An important piece of Jann's background history is her tie to the east coast and specifically the Colora area. Jann's father, Gil Dodds, being involved in education, always had his summers free. 
For several summers while Jann was in high school, her dad was athletic director at Hilltop Ranch where Jann was a camper and then a staff member, working in the kitchen where she had her first sighting of her future husband – at the other end of the kitchen cleaning pots. While at Hilltop Ranch, there were many opportunities to ride horses: riding western and following "nose-to-tail" on the well-trained trail horses. Jann returned to Hilltop Ranch, as assistant program director, the summer she graduated college and lo and behold, there was Ben again, status upgraded to Chef. Needless to say, sparks flew and within a year Ben completed his degree at the Culinary Institute of America, they married, and both settled into residency at Hilltop Ranch.
Once on the east coast Jann continued her teaching and coaching career for another six years until a variety of jobs became her main focus: child rearing (son Jonathan and daughter, Lindsay), day care, housekeeping, hospitality/food service and secretarial. These jobs kept her busy on the home front as well as employed in the work force. Ben worked for Morning Cheer, Inc.(the parent company) until the Hilltop Ranch property was sold in 1990. Long story short, Jann and Ben moved to Rising Sun, but the new property owners in looking for secretarial help hired Jann. I guess you could say, "..and the rest is history!" After 16 years immersed in the sport horse world, Jann learned a new language, and while working alongside Scott and Susanne, Jann is now a converted sporthorse-lover. Balanced with her physical education background, Jann is still developing her eye, but she appreciates the harmony and beauty of the horse and rider; she understands and appreciates the athleticism and training needed as the team flows down centerline. Jann can be seen supporting the team as a cheerleader from the fence-line. Jann can also be heard and is only a phone call away: "Good Morning, Hassler Dressage, Jann speaking!"
Email JannMelissa Wortman, Breeding Manager
Melissa is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.S. in Marketing (2000) and certification in Equine Management (2002). Her love of horses has coursed though her veins since youth when she would sneak away from the house and trespass on a nearby farm just to smell and stand with the horses. Her passion fully developed while at MSU, where she discovered dressage - taking lessons at a local barn and working at the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center. A Midwesterner at heart, she made the move from Michigan to the East Coast with Brad, her boyfriend at the time – now husband, in August of 2002 to pursue her obsession for horses and dressage at Hilltop Farm.
While at Hilltop, Melissa was on the frontlines with breeders for over four years under the tutelage of Susanne Hassler. 
The pair developed a dynamic working relationship and friendship that continues today. As part of her education in warmblood breeding and bloodlines, Melissa visited Hengststation Pape in Hemmoor, Germany in 2003, traveling back to the U.S. with Hilltop's young stallion, Royal Prince, and also attended the 2006 KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch; an exciting adventure that culminated with the crowning of Rousseau's son "Wamberto" as Champion of the show. Melissa's future development is part of the Hasslers' continued commitment to furthering her education.
Melissa treasures the relationships that are built with the breeders and loves to see the outcome of her work in the form of beautiful foals that arrive around the country each year. In her personal life, she enjoys photography, yoga, sharing Brad's love for live music, and traveling whenever possible. She and Brad live in Delaware. They became a family in November of 2007 with the joyous arrival of their son, Braxton.
Email MelissaEmily Covington, Design and Media
Emily was born and raised in Southern California. Her fascination and love for horses began early and deepened from year to year. Her mother drove long distances to take her to weekly riding lessons while she and her father shared Sunday rides on the bridle trails of the Los Angeles foothills.
When unable to be with horses, she began drawing them and there grew another focus. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, with a B.F.A. In 1992, Emily returned to horses full time to spend a year as a Working Student at Hilltop Farm in Maryland She was inspired by Scott and Susanne's expertise and harmony with dressage horses and ended up staying nearly five years, gaining skills in Stable and Breeding Management. She furthered her riding and enjoyed a focus on young horses. At Hilltop, Emily was also happy to combine her art background with horses by contributing photography and various artwork to farm publications.
After meeting her wonderful Paul, Emily returned to California to join him. While there, she was privileged to work as Assistant to Grand Prix Trainer Carol Plough at Shadow Ridge In Highland. The opportunity to ride a great variety horses through each level was a tremendous experience. The time with Carol was enhanced by opportunities to show, participate in clinics with top trainers and judges, and accompany her on horse buying trips to the Netherlands. A passion and love for working with and developing young dressage horses took a hold.
Emily and Paul moved east together to Maryland largely due to their friendship with Scott and Susanne. Emily is thrilled and honored to be part of the Hassler Dressage team. She thrives on the variety of work she can contribute, moving from the stable floor to creative design. Her belief in Hassler Dressage and Scott and Susanne's unparalleled stewardship of horses and riders in dressage sport remains unwavering.
Outside of her work with Hassler Dressage, Emily continues to ride and train young horses. She is highly honored to partner with Blue Waters Farm in Chesapeake City where she trains and competes their talented young horses. Her own horses keep her busy as well, and she is eagerly looking forward to backing her beautiful Rousseau-Riverman filly in the spring of 2008!
Email EmilyAshley Frechette, Stable Assistant and Working Student
Ashley was born in Johnson City, Tennessee but grew up in Maine on Sebago Lake. Days were spent fishing, skiing, ice skating, and hiking in New Hampshire's White Mountains. At the ripe old age of five, Ashley became a regular at Vienna Farm in Gorham, Maine. One lesson a week on a trusty schoolie was all it took to awaken a passion that would fulfill a lifetime. After years of pleading and gaining confidence through leasing horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes, the Frechettes finally took the plunge and purchased "Ace" for Ashley at age thirteen. Ace was an eight year old paint gelding bred by Ashley's instructor, Tanya Rennie. What he lacked in talent, he more than made up for in heart and brought Ashley from training through third level.
With the continued support from her parents and dedicated instructor, Ashley packed her bags and embarked on a journey that began with a move to Providence, Rhode Island to attend 
Johnson & Wales University. While there, she participated on the intercollegiate dressage team and studied Equine Business Management. During this time, Ashley also had the opportunity to ride and work for FEI rider Tina Konyot. Tina was extremely generous in the riding opportunities she shared with Ashley. After returning home, Ashley purchased Lugano, a four year old Rheinlander gelding which Tanya found for her. After nine months of building the new partnership, Ashley and Lugano relocated to Hilltop Farm to be a working student under Scott and Susanne Hassler. Over the year and half spent at Hilltop, Ashley and Lugano grew and developed into a true team. Ashley had the opportunity to further develop herself as a rider when Lugano needed time off for a minor injury and the pair came back stronger than ever. From there, Ashley and Lugano moved to New York to work with Courtney King, a student of Scott's. Courtney inspired enormous growth in the pair and was a strong positive influence in training and in life.
After the 2006-2007 Florida season, Ashley moved back to Maryland in hopes of reconnecting with her friends and mentors, Scott and Susanne. Thankfully, she got her wish and was able to join them at their beautiful new farm in Chesapeake City in September of 2007. Ashley, Lugano, and Cooper (aka. Ferdinand the Jack Russell) are very happy to finally have a place to call home after all of their travels and continue to feel blessed to have ended up in such an inspiring place. She is eternally grateful for the support of her parents, instructors, and friends along the way that have made chasing this dream a reality.
Judi Gilsdorf, Assistant in Field and Stable
Judi is a native of Delaware currently living in Middletown. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 1980 with a degree in Animal Science. Upon graduation, Judi worked for DuPont Pharmaceuticals as a customer service representative. She is married to her loving husband, Rob and has 2 children. Christi, 21, is an Athletic Training Student at the University of Delaware. Andrew, 18, is a student at the Delaware Autism Program.
Judi's lifelong love of everything horses began at an early age. She graduated from riding ponies bareback to hunt seat lessons at Highland Farms in Arden Delaware. Her love for dressage came when she rode as a working student with KC VanDyk at Wellspring Farm in Wilmington DE. After moving to Middletown in 1993, she spent 7 years working at Winbak Farm in Chesapeake City Maryland. At Winbak, Judi spent countless hours in the foaling barn including delivering foals and managing the broodmares and foals. Each summer and fall were busy times for yearling sales prep. After leaving Winbak Farm, Judi obtained her riding instructor's certification from the ARICP and spent many years teaching beginners the basics of horsemanship.
Free time is spent volunteering at the Delaware Autism Program, quilting and gardening.
"As a parent of an autistic teenager, I sometimes find it challenging to find work outside of the home. I am very grateful to Scott and Susanne for giving me an opportunity to become a part of their team."
Martina Thiel–Poblotzki, Groom
Growing up in Hanover, Germany one would think that Martina's exposure to horses was inevitable. But at early age, the fascination of speed dominated her life. Whether it was zooming down the Autobahn with her dad, a race car driver, or the downhill slopes of the Alps, reaching top speed as quickly as possible was her call. And it's still in her blood …
When her mother decided to settle for a slower pace and joined the dressage riding circle her whole family quickly developed a passion for horses. Martina started to fully embrace this sport as her love for the horses grew stronger and stronger. You could find her taking lessons at a local barn, riding in a fox hunt or through the tidal waters of the North Sea. The flatlands of northern Germany were her territory.
With a degree in Chemistry her work took her from Hanover to Hamburg. After meeting her husband Jürgen both made the move to Carson City, Nevada in 1996, where in 1998 their daughter Julia was born. While the slopes of the Sierra Nevada were just right to fulfill her passion for skiing and hiking, she advanced her riding skills under Seana Adamson, the trainer at the Franktown barn south of Reno.
Another work related move found her family back East in Middletown, DE by the end of 2004. For Julia, school started and a slew of after school activities such as soccer, running, volleyball and, of course, horseback riding. While searching for a place to ride herself, Martina met Emily Covington. Based in Chesapeake City, at what is now Riveredge West, Emily invited Martina to work for her in exchange for lessons on Emily's horse Rohan. The two became good friends and Martina's riding and horsemanship advanced through the varied opportunities presented through Emily's training and small breeding operation.
During those years, Martina was also able to see the start of a special dream; to have her own horse. Martina leased the lovely Dutch mare Cordilia, owned by Susanne Hassler, and bred her to Contucci. The result was a beautiful filly who she and Julia helped bring into the world. They named her Cordialle and Martina is eagerly looking forward to starting her under saddle in just a few years.
Martina's friendship with Emily led her to her current work with Scott and Susanne. She is enormously grateful to be part of Hassler Dressage and thrilled to work side by side with the Hasslers. She values the continued learning available to her at Hassler Dressage and advancing her horsemanship skills, especially with the fine stallions that are in her care.
In the little free time she has left, Martina enjoys gardening, crafting or redecorating the house. Annual trips back home to Germany are a must in order to stay in touch with family and friends.
Richard Malmgren, Sales and Marketing
Richard B. Malmgren was born and raised in southern Sweden in the mid '70s. He grew up on a horse farm and was exposed to horses from an early age. He started riding at age 7 and has never stopped. "Horses have been a passion from the get-go and it has turned into my profession. I feel privileged to have grown up in the countryside in Sweden and having taken part in the European system of riding at an early age. There are many people that I have learned from and respect as people and horsemen. The largest influence on my riding career and myself as a person was Bengt Malmgren, my father, friend and mentor. He competed at Advanced level eventing and show jumping in the 1960s. I learned early in my riding career that I had a lot to gain from him. I recall as if it was yesterday the feeling that I got after he rode my pony and the realization that I could learn so much from him. After that moment he was my trainer and my biggest supporter.
"My father made sure that I always had consistent help from other professionals that were active in the sport. He set me up to train with Lars Anderson, head trainer at Flyinge, 'Sweden's National Stud' and representative of the 1988 Swedish Olympic team. I trained for 5 years with him on a weekly basis.
"In 1996 I arrived in the US and at Hilltop Farm, Inc. I was a trainee and working student under Hilltop's Head trainer Scott Hassler. It was a life-changing year and I grew both personally as well as a rider. Returning to Sweden as a changed person with a new view of what the world had to offer, I started University in Sweden to pursue a degree in International Economics. Spring semester 1999 I transferred to University of Delaware and during my collage years I was a student at Hilltop Farm, only a 30 minutes drive from the University. After graduating in December 2003 with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing I earned a position as Sales and Marketing Manager at Hilltop Farm.
"I know riding horses will always be part of my life but becoming a trainer was not the profession that I wanted to have. Combining the business aspect of the horse industry by being involved with trainers and breeders, the education of the developing horse is a challenge that I enjoy very much. Everyone who knows me would say that I am very passionate about horses and creating a connecting between sport and breeding for a successful outcome. This is based on the European model and why Germany, Sweden and Holland and other European countries are so successful.
"Being very involved in the development of perhaps one of the most influential educational events in the USA, the "Young Horse Dressage Trainers Symposium" has been very exiting, awarding, and a great experience. Seeing young horse people of that caliber come together and share a great hunger for learning and connecting with people alike gave me great hope for the future of dressage training for young horses. The 2005 and 2006 YHDTS were two events that gave both a wealth of training knowledge but also a creation of business relations and networking opportunities."
Lisa Rankin was raised on her families’ horse farm in Southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. You could say that her love for the equestrian sport is embedded in her genes as both her mother and father have a history with horses. Her mother grew up in the hunter ring and was very active in 4-H, while her father could be found taking riding lessons as a child from Jill Hassler at the Hidden Acres location and obtaining his B rating in United States Pony Club. She also has two sisters that have been teachers, team mates, competitors, and cheerleaders throughout the years.
No doubt an avid horse lover from a young age Lisa joined the United States Pony Club at the age of six. Throughout her years in Pony Club she qualified for the USPC Championships in Lexington Kentucky and Lexington Virginia for Eventing and Tetrathlon. She also obtained her C-3 rating. She owes these accomplishments to her trusty Thoroughbred mounts named Tell Me Secrets and Ford Tuff. She now proudly travels aboard Chiros, a Hanovarian gelding that is currently competing novice level eventing and first level dressage, with a host of opportunities in front of them.
Lisa first started working with Scott and Susanne as a sophomore in high school. Through a school program she was able to work part time at Hilltop Farm during the school year and then continued her employment full time during the summer. Lisa cherishes the memories of traveling abroad with the Hassler family to the International Young Horse Championships in Verden Germany in August of 2007. As well as transporting Wamberto, the 2006 Champion of the KWPN Stallion Show, from Europe to the United States.
After spending a semester abroad in England Lisa is entering her fourth and final year at Penn State University where she is majoring in Agribusiness Management and minoring in Equine Science and International Agriculture. She is actively involved in the College Of Agricultural Sciences and is currently the Vice President of the National AgriMarketing Association, Vice President of the Coaly Honorary Society, Treasurer of the Collegiate Farm Bureau, an Agricultural Advocate for the college and a sister at the professional, honorary, agricultural, coed fraternity Alpha Zeta. She is also a teaching assistant for Dr Theodore Alter.
She keeps herself quite busy at Penn State, but her heart is where the horses are and she returns to them as often as possible. She would like to thank Scott, Susanne, Mia and Sara because without their generosity and support, she could not have achieved the milestones that she has. She would also like to thank her dad for pushing her to be only the best and her mom for encouraging her to take every opportunity available. She looks forward to what the future holds and will never be to far from the barn.
Paul Melzer--son of Douglas, son of Otto, son of Luke--was born and raised in the elfin forests of Southern California. A fourth generation Californian, Paul keeps a cool head amidst catastrophic events, having survived earthquakes, fires, and floods. He received his B.A. and his M.A. in music composition from the University of Redlands where he coerced musicians to turn his various scribblings into sound, including the symphonic tone poem "An Altered Constellation." These two degrees took a dozen years to complete, during which time Paul waited tables in restaurants, worked in Yosemite Valley, co-founded the company Talisman Restoration in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in textile conservation and restoration, was a Good Humor Man, and collected sundry books. Upon completion of his schooling, Paul opened an antiquarian bookstore which he operated for 17 years before moving to Maryland with his sweetheart Emily. In 2001, Paul edited, and was instrumental in publishing, an important posthumous work by William Henning on the history of penmanship, "An Elegant Hand: The Golden Age of American Penmanship and Calligraphy," (Oak Knoll, 2002). Since moving east, Paul has taken up long distance running and now competes in races with names like Mountain Masochist, Hellgate, More and More Difficult, The Wild Oak Trail, and Barkley. In addition, Paul loves horses...and they love him.
Email Paul
