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Training with RAE

Training Program at Rise Above Equestrian

Full Care • Full Training • Full Commitment
 

At Rise Above Equestrian, our training program is designed for riders and owners who want a thoughtful, classical, and fully supported approach to developing their horses. By offering full training only, we ensure every horse receives consistent, intentional work and exceptional daily care—allowing partnerships to flourish with clarity, confidence, and long-term success.
 

Our philosophy is simple: when the whole team is aligned, horses thrive.

Based out of La Jolla Equestrian Center

Why Full Training Only

We believe that excellence comes from consistency. Our full-training program combines:

  • Full-care boarding with high-level daily management

  • Individualized training rides tailored to each horse

  • Regular lessons to support and guide the rider

  • Communication and oversight from a trainer dedicated to your horse’s overall well-being

This structure allows the horse and rider to progress together with the support, continuity, and expert eyes needed to build lasting skills and balanced, willing partnerships.
 

The Rise Above Approach

Every horse’s program is grounded in:

  • Classical dressage principles

  • Clear, positive, confidence-building training

  • A focus on soundness, strength, and mental well-being

  • High-quality care delivered by trusted professionals

We work to develop harmony, correctness, and understanding—creating horses that feel secure in their jobs and riders who feel connected to their partners.
 

Our “All-In” Team Philosophy

Success is never accidental. It requires a unified approach from everyone involved.

We’ve spent years assembling a team of exceptional professionals, including:

  • Veterinarians

  • Farriers

  • Bodyworkers

  • Saddle fitters

  • Nutrition consultants

Clients who join our program become part of this team and are expected to be fully committed to their horse’s development, wellness, and ongoing care. When we all work together, consistency and clarity drive progress.
 

Ideal Client Fit

Our program is best for riders who are:

  • Dedicated to improving their relationship with their horse

  • Interested in expanding their horsemanship and understanding

  • Aligned with a consistent, classical training philosophy

  • Looking for a structured, supportive model that produces lasting results

  • Ready to be “all in” for their horse’s success

If you value guidance, expertise, and a shared commitment to your horse’s growth, this program is made for you.
 

What’s Included

The full-training program provides a complete, professional structure for your horse’s development and daily care.

Full care includes:

• Customized feeding programs, grain bags made with owner supplied grain and supplements

• Daily turnout based on temperament and needs

• Scheduling and coordination with our preferred professionals

• Medication administration, boots, fly care, and daily monitoring

Full training includes:

• 4-5 sessions per week (mix of training rides, lunging + lessons)

• Tailored schooling plans

• Groundwork and cross-training as appropriate

• Regular communication and progress updates

• Show planning and competition coaching (optional add-on)

Elena's Foundation

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. 

Ready to Rise Above?

We welcome riders who want a thoughtful, classical, horse-first program with a dedicated trainer and a consistent team behind them.

Inquire today to join the program or schedule a visit.

Send us a message
 and we’ll get back to you shortly.

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