Our Professional Staff

Biography & Background

Cindy Bell, owner and trainer at Silver Bell Barn, has been riding almost as long as she has been walking. Cindy started riding at four when her cousin Karen let her ride her horse and she promptly fell off. That rough start didn't stop Cindy from having horses become a major part of her life. At seven, Cindy's mom decided Cindy wasn't going to give up riding and signed her up for formal riding lessons.

Catherine Wishoff took Cindy to Pony Club, where she started eventing. Cindy loved the jumping and later developed a deep passion for classical dressage. In 2002, Cindy began riding with world-class trainer Miguel Tavora, where she caught the 'dressage bug' in full force.

Miguel helped Cindy find her first Lusitano stallion, Teorema VA, as a four-year-old. With Miguel's guidance, Cindy trained Teo to Prix St. Georges, Piaffe, and Passage. She later acquired Allure do Canaa, showing him through Third Level, competing in the 2014 CDS Championships, earning the Adequan/USDF All Breeds Vintage Cup at Third Level, and earning her USDF Bronze Medal. She earned her USDF Silver Medal in 2018 and qualified for USDF & CDS Championships in Intermediare Freestyle in 2019. Her stallion Gringo is also showing exceptional aptitude in the FEI ring.

Cindy and her husband Mick have four children, five grandchildren, and a pack of rescued dogs. Cindy is involved in every detail of the barn — training, lessons, feeding, hauling, and coaching. She currently trains with Brian Hafner and Volker Brommann.

Key Accomplishments & Focus

Biography & Background

Cassey Mello, assistant trainer at Silver Bell Barn, has been riding horses since she was 8 years old. Starting out on her mother's palomino Quarter Horse 'Trigger', Cassey's passion for horses grew stronger every year.

Cassey met Cindy Bell and began cleaning stalls and tack in exchange for riding lessons. As she grew older, she took on more barn responsibilities and began lunging horses like Cindy's personal horse 'Moe'. Training with Miguel Tavora during clinics at Silver Bell Barn solidified dressage as her true calling.

Throughout her career, Cassey has trained with notable equestrians including Cindy Bell, Miguel Tavora, Gil Merrick, Gina Duran, Gina Miles, Melissa Cresswick, Volker Brommann, and Brian Hafner. She develops tailored training techniques for every horse, from starting young horses under saddle to working with Third Level mounts.

Cassey works side-by-side with Cindy to keep training on track and ensure the facility runs impeccably. Her achievements include the CDS Ruby Award and USDF Rider Performance Awards at Training, First, and Second Level.

Key Accomplishments & Focus

Biography & Background

Ashley started her riding career at age 7 and was instantly hooked. She continued her riding under Linda Hake until age 13 when she met Janelle Dunn, who mentored her in eventing and barn management for 13 years.

Having met Cindy Bell at an early age and taking frequent lessons with her, Ashley built a strong friendship with Cindy and joined the Silver Bell Barn team. Ashley recently purchased one of Cindy's young Lusitano horses, Izzo, forming an exciting competition partnership.

Ashley has competed extensively in eventing championships at Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training levels. In 2009, she placed 1st at the Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) at Training Level, and returned the following year to place 4th in a competitive class.

Ashley thoroughly enjoys teaching children and adults of all ages and skill levels, sharing her passion for horsemanship and rider development.

Key Accomplishments & Focus