About Davern Dressage

Proudly Sponsored By County Saddlery

Advanced Design, Traditional Quality!

Professional horse trainer Emma Davern, owner of Davern Dressage competing at a dressage show

  • Davern Dressage is built on the belief that correct training creates confident horses and effective riders. Every horse is developed with a systematic approach that prioritizes balance, strength, and rideability—foundations that support long-term success in the sport.

    Training is never one-size-fits-all. Each horse and rider combination is assessed individually, allowing for a program that supports both immediate progress and future goals.

  • With a focus on classical dressage principles, Davern Dressage works with horses at various stages of their training—from young prospects beginning their careers to more experienced horses refining their work.

    Riders are coached with equal attention, developing position, timing, and feel to create a partnership that performs with clarity and confidence.

  • At its core, dressage is a conversation between horse and rider. The goal is not only technical correctness, but a relationship built on trust and understanding.

    This philosophy produces horses that are willing and consistent, and riders who are confident in their ability to communicate effectively in and out of the arena.

  • Located in New York, Davern Dressage offers professional training and coaching for riders seeking a structured, results-driven approach to dressage.

About the owner, emma davern

Emma began riding at seven years old and has dedicated over 20 years to the sport of dressage. She is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze Medalist and USDF Certified Trainer, as well as a graduate of the USDF Young Rider Graduate Program and Winter Intensive Training Program in Wellington FL. All experiences that shaped her classical foundation and commitment to correct, progressive training.

While attending Johnson & Wales University, she served as an IDA team leader, further developing her competitive and leadership skills. She has started multiple young horses, developed them through the levels, and successfully competed a variety of mounts, always prioritizing confidence, rideability, and long-term soundness.

For the past eight years, she has trained and taught riders of all levels, focusing on strong fundamentals, thoughtful horsemanship, and lasting partnerships. Outside the equine world, she works as a cognitive behavioral specialist supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries and serves as a volleyball coach. Roles that influence her patient, analytical, and confidence-driven teaching approach.

Who We Are

  • My mission is to develop confident riders and happy, willing horses through correct, compassionate dressage training. By listening to each horse and keeping training progressive and enjoyable, I support riders of all levels in building strong foundations, reaching their goals, and truly enjoying the journey both at home and in the show ring.

    • Victoria Mortimer 

    • Lendon Grey

    • Mica Mabragana

    • Stephanie Brown Beamer

    • Andreas Hausberger

    • Raul De Leon

    • Lisa Bassalini

    • Cesar Torrente 

    • Arthur Kotus

    • Anna Buffini 

    • Endel Ots

    • Kathy Connelly 

    • Hedi LeMack

    • Stephen Hayes

    • Margret Freeman

    • Lilo Fore

    • Crystal Taylor

  • My approach to dressage is rooted in correct, progressive development for both horse and rider. I believe dressage is a tool to improve balance, strength, suppleness, and communication benefiting every horse, regardless of breed or discipline.

    Each program is built on strong fundamentals rhythm, relaxation, connection, and straightness while remaining thoughtful and responsive to the individual horse. By listening carefully and prioritizing confidence, soundness, and enjoyment, I develop happy, willing horses and capable, confident riders at home and in the show ring.

    I believe dressage is meant to be a tool, not a limitation. Through correct basics, progressive training, and clear communication, dressage improves balance, strength, suppleness, and understanding in every horse, regardless of breed, background, or discipline. I welcome all types of horses and focus on training the individual in front of me, always listening to what the horse is telling us in order to guide the training and reach realistic, long-term goals.

    My program emphasizes strong fundamentals rhythm, relaxation, connection, and straightness while remaining flexible and responsive to each horse’s physical and mental needs. I believe that listening to the horse is essential to creating willing partners, maintaining soundness, and building confidence at every stage of training.

    Training should be both productive and enjoyable. I strive to create a positive, supportive environment where horses and riders feel confident, motivated, and engaged in their work. Keeping training fun helps horses stay willing and riders stay inspired, leading to better progress and a stronger partnership.

    I enjoy helping clients take their training into the show ring and offer support for competition goals, whether riders choose to compete themselves or have me ride their horse. From first shows to continued advancement, I aim to make the process educational, encouraging, and well-prepared.

    Above all, I believe dressage training should create confident riders and happy, willing horses. When we listen to the horse, trust the process, and enjoy the journey, meaningful progress follows naturally.

Brands We Love

Old photo of Emma Davern for gallery with her personal horse Triton
Old photo of Emma Davern for gallery participating at a dressage show
Professional horse trainer Emma Davern with a show client
Professional horse trainer Emma Davern with a show clients. Four women and two horses standing outdoors with a horse trailer in the background, some holding the horses' reins.
Professional horse trainer Emma Davern with a show client. Two women and a horse at a dirt arena, holding blue and yellow award ribbons, with a red barn and green trees in the background.
Professional horse trainer Emma Davern with a show client. A person riding a horse, wearing a helmet, with a woman walking beside them holding the horse's reins, in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.
Emma competing at a dressage event
A woman in dressage attire riding a chestnut horse in an outdoor arena with a fence in the background. Emma competing at a dressage event
Emma competing at a dressage event
Young woman riding a black horse with blue leg wraps and saddle in an outdoor equestrian arena.
Equestrian rider in black riding attire on a black horse in a dressage arena with a white fence and trees in the background.
A young girl in riding gear sits on a brown horse with a black mane and tail in an outdoor setting with trees showing fall foliage.
A person riding a white horse in an outdoor paddock during fall, with colorful autumn trees in the background.
A person riding a brown horse with a black mane and tail, wearing white riding pants, black riding boots, and black gloves, on a riding arena with a sandy surface and a white fence, during daytime.
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