Elena Flaharty of Rise Above Equestrian is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist, a national title holder in both Three Day Eventing and Dressage, a successful competitor in Western Dressage, and is an HA graduate with the United States Pony Club. This gives Elena a well-rounded approach to teaching and training all types of horses and riders.

A firm believer in continuing education, Elena regularly rides with USEF Dressage Team Coach Christine Traurig, as well as Nick Wagman, Volker Brommann, Tina Steward, and Heidi Gaian.  An avid competitor, Elena and her clients regularly compete in both local and regional shows on the West Coast.

Elena‘s program at Rise Above Equestrian applies an individual holistic approach to the minds and bodies of equine athletes and their riders ensuring that clients and their horses are well coached and well cared for, at home or on the road.

Assistant Trainer Ari Kann-Ortua is very involved in RAE and brings Hunter/Jumper and Three Day Eventing experience with her to complement the dressage program at RAE. Ari is also available to support clients who  compete in the jumping disciplines.

Elena’s goal with each horse and rider is to impart knowledge of excellent horsemanship and develop harmony through partnership with the horse.  Riseaboveequestrian@yahoo.com

“I started riding in my early elementary school years, and spent the vast majority of those years working for trainers in exchange for lessons and saddle time. As such, I understand the value of hardwork, dedication and sacrifice needed to achieve success in this industry. This mentality was further developed as an NCAA nationally ranked track and field athlete. As such, I provide a unique perspective as a successful athlete in a variety of sports. While riding, I also achieved a certification as a personal fitness trainer, as well as a graduate degree in the field of clinical psychology. That has given me a distinct balance in understanding the psychology-physiological and biomechanical needs of both horse and rider. I focus primarily on eventing and dressage, competing successfully through the Preliminary level in eventing, and currently working on my bronze medal in dressage. I specialize in a strength-based approach to both horse and rider with an emphasis in positive reinforcement and respect from the horse, and more importantly for the horse. With the belief that it is possible to have boundaries with kindness and emotional connectedness with your horse, I have found joy and success in working with young horses, restarting horses, and developing amateur-friendly horses, with an emphasis in ground work through the philosophies of Ray Hunt and Buck Branaman. I also provide lessons from beginners to the competitive horse and rider teams, while continuing my own competitive training goals and aspirations. I have been loving my life as an assistant trainer at RAE, under Elena Flaharty’s program since 2022. I live in Discovery Bay with my amazing wife, DJ, and our two pups, Mila and Oliver, without whom I literally would not be able to pursue this dream.”