Taylor, Melanie Smith (1949–)

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Taylor, Melanie Smith (1949–)

American equestrian in show jumping. Name variations: won her titles until 1985 as Melanie Ainsworth Smith. Born Melanie Ainsworth Smith in Litchfield, Connecticut, Sept 23, 1949; m. Lee Taylor (polo player), 1985.

Was the 1st American Grandprix Association Rider of the Year (1978); riding Calypso, won the Grand Prix of Paris (1980), the American Gold Cup, American Invitational, and World Cup (1982), and was on the US team that won the Nations Cup and World Cup (1983); again riding Calypso, was on the 1st American equestrian team to win an Olympic gold medal in team jumping, at Los Angeles (1984); after retiring from competition, became a tv commentator for equestrian events.

See also Women in World History.

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Taylor, Melanie Smith (1949–)

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