Teddi Mellencamp's Horse Trainer Scandal: 5 Shocking Revelations About Simon Schroeder, Divorce, And Her Battle With Cancer

The latest updates surrounding Teddi Mellencamp's personal life paint a dramatic and complex picture, intertwining her long-standing equestrian passion with a devastating cheating scandal and a serious health battle. The former *Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* star, who filed for divorce from her husband Edwin Arroyave in November 2024, has recently broken her silence, confirming the rumors of a months-long affair with her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through both the reality TV and competitive equestrian communities. The news, which broke in late 2024, has placed an intense spotlight on the private life of the reality personality, who is now speaking out about the immense regret and "years of pain" that preceded the end of her 13-year marriage. As of this current date in December 2025, Mellencamp is navigating a public divorce while simultaneously undergoing treatment for stage 4 melanoma, a battle she has shockingly suggested may be "payback" for her infidelity.

Teddi Jo Mellencamp Arroyave: A Comprehensive Profile

Teddi Jo Mellencamp Arroyave is an American television personality, podcast host, and fitness entrepreneur known for her candid on-screen presence and her deep roots in the competitive horse riding world.

• Full Name: Teddi Jo Mellencamp Arroyave
• Date of Birth: July 1, 1981
• Age: 44 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Bloomington, Indiana, USA
• Parents: John Mellencamp (Father, legendary musician) and Victoria Granucci (Mother)
• Marital Status: Separated (Filed for divorce from Edwin Arroyave in November 2024)
• Children: Three children with Edwin Arroyave: Slate, Cruz, and Dove. She is also stepmother to Edwin's daughter Isabella.
• Notable Career: Main cast member on *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* (RHOBH) from seasons 8–10, and a "friend" in season 11.
• Business Ventures: Founder of the accountability coaching company, All In by Teddi (now defunct), and co-host of the popular podcast, *Two Ts In A Pod*, alongside Tamra Judge.
• Equestrian Background: A lifelong competitive rider, Mellencamp began riding at the age of four. She previously rode professionally for a decade under trainer Archie Cox.

The Cheating Scandal and the Fallout with Edwin Arroyave

The core of the recent media frenzy revolves around the alleged months-long affair between Teddi Mellencamp and her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder. The news of the infidelity surfaced almost immediately following her announcement of a divorce from Edwin Arroyave, the CEO of security company Skyline Security. Mellencamp filed her petition for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court in early November 2024, officially citing "irreconcilable differences." Sources close to the couple indicated that the separation followed "years of pain," but the public link to the horse trainer was the definitive catalyst that shattered the image of their seemingly stable 13-year marriage. The former reality star has since broken her silence on the alleged affair, expressing profound regret and acknowledging the pain she has caused. In a deeply personal and shocking confession on a recent podcast appearance, Mellencamp connected her infidelity to her ongoing health crisis. Mellencamp has been publicly battling melanoma for several years, a condition that has progressed to stage 4. She openly questioned whether her cancer diagnosis was "payback" for the affair, a statement that highlighted the immense emotional and psychological toll the scandal has taken. The situation is complicated by the fact that Simon Schroeder was also married. He co-founded his business, Schroeder Sporthorses, with his wife, Karli Schroeder Postel, adding another layer of complexity and collateral damage to the public fallout.

Who is Simon Schroeder? The Professional Equestrian at the Center of the Controversy

The man identified as Teddi Mellencamp’s horse trainer and alleged paramour is Simon Schroeder, a highly respected figure within the competitive equestrian world. His background reveals a deep commitment to the sport, particularly in the discipline of show jumping. Schroeder was born and raised in Germany, where he received elite training from some of the industry’s most renowned names, including Herbert Meyer, Franke Sloothaak, and Jaime Sanchez Guerrero. This pedigree established him as a specialist in training jumpers, focusing on everything from young horses to those competing at the highest levels. In 2019, Simon and his wife, Karli Schroeder Postel, co-founded Schroeder Sporthorses, a prestigious training, sales, and investment show barn located in Moorpark, California. Their business is known for providing top-level training with experience in the Grand Prix and International Derby rings, making Schroeder a sought-after trainer in the Southern California equestrian circuit. The professional relationship between a rider and a trainer in the high-stakes world of equestrian competition is often intense and close-knit, requiring long hours and travel to various horse shows like The Oaks and the Temecula Valley National Horse Show, where Mellencamp has been listed as a competitor in 2024 and 2025. This environment of shared passion and intense focus is often cited as a factor in the development of personal relationships between clients and trainers.

Teddi Mellencamp’s Lifelong Equestrian Journey

While the affair has overshadowed her equestrian pursuits, it is important to note that horse riding is a core part of Teddi Mellencamp’s identity, preceding her reality TV fame. She has often described herself as being "born with the bug," having started riding at just four years old despite her famous father, John Mellencamp, having no prior interest in the sport. Her commitment to the sport is evident in her decade-long professional career where she rode with trainer Archie Cox, living what she called the "equestrian dream" of riding dozens of horses a day. Even amid her personal struggles and serious health battle with melanoma, Mellencamp continues to prioritize her time in the saddle. In early 2024, she shared an update from an equestrian competition, highlighting her determination to continue riding despite the physical and emotional challenges she faces. The world of competitive horse riding, with its high-profile events and exclusive social circles, provides a constant backdrop to Mellencamp’s life, making the involvement of her trainer in her divorce proceedings a scandal that resonates deeply within her personal and professional spheres. The revelation of the affair with Simon Schroeder has not only ended her marriage but has also irrevocably altered her standing within the tight-knit community of elite equestrian sport.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Teddi and Simon

As of late 2025, Teddi Mellencamp is focused on her divorce proceedings with Edwin Arroyave and her ongoing treatment for stage 4 melanoma. Her public statements show a woman grappling with the consequences of her choices and seeking to find a path forward. The professional future for Simon Schroeder remains uncertain. While Schroeder Sporthorses is a respected entity, the high-profile nature of the alleged affair has undoubtedly placed a strain on his business and personal life with his wife, Karli. The full details of the divorce settlement, and the ultimate professional fallout for all parties involved in this dramatic chapter, are still unfolding.