About Elevate Dressage
Eleanor Vargo
Head Trainer
Ellie is a USDF bronze and silver medalist keen on developing riders and horses to the best of their abilities. Elevate Dressage services several farms throughout Metamora, Michigan, assisting horses and riders of all disciplines. Elevate clients participate in basic trail riding, hunter/jumpers and traditional dressage all working towards improving themselves and their relationships with their horses.
Outside of her normal riding and lessons, Ellie continues her own education at clinics and shows throughout the year. Both Ellie and her clients have qualified for USDF Region 2 Championships and USDF Finals yearly since 2022. Her team has fostered a fun, friendly and supportive culture at home and away at events.
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Ellie has a talent for finding something positive in every horse and particularly enjoys working with highly sensitive and spookier-typed rides (who she fondly refers to as her "delicate little flowers"). She strives to help horses gain confidence in their work and improve communication and understanding for both horse and rider.
Awards and Highlights
2024
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All 8 Elevate horse/rider combinations competing in 2024 qualified for Region 2 Championships from training level to I-1
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Elevate Client, Christina Hamilton, placed 3rd at USDF Region 2 Championships 2nd Level AA Freestyle
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Eleanor Vargo and Colmenar Reserve Champion at Region 2 Championships at I-1 Freestyle Open and qualified for USDF Finals
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Eleanor Vargo and Colmenar Placed 3rd in I-1 Freestyle Open at USDF Finals with 71%
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Elevate riders who showed in 2024 received awards including - KWPN All-Breed Award, third place 2nd level and 2nd level freestyle AA, USDF Vintage Cup 4th place, Danish Warmblood All-Breed Awards I-1 Freestyle Champion, USDF Horse of the Year 7th place Training Level, and MDA and ADA year-end awards with multiple championships through fourth place from training level through I-1
2023
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Elevate Client, Christina Hamilton, awarded USDF Bronze Medal
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Elevate Client, Christina Hamilton, placed 7th at USDF Region 2 Championships 2nd Level AA and qualified for USDF Finals
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Eleanor Vargo and Colmenar 6th place at Region 2 Championships at PSG Open and qualified for USDF Finals
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Eleanor Vargo awarded Year-End Championships with the All-Dressage Association and the Midwest Dressage Association with Colmenar, Jack Call and Fionello at First level, PSG and I-1 Open - Averages 64.81%-69.81%
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Eleanor Vargo awarded USDF Silver Medal with Distinction
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Eleanor Vargo awarded Amanda Johnson Freestyle Grant from The Dressage Foundation
2022
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Eleanor Vargo awarded USDF Silver Medal
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Eleanor Vargo and Colmenar 8th place at Fourth Level Open at USDF Finals
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Eleanor Vargo awarded Year-End Awards with the All-Dressage Association and the Midwest Dressage Association on Colmenar at Fourth Level and PSG Open - Averages 66.98%-67.17%
2021​​
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Began as assistant to Judy Kelly at Topline Dressage
2020​
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Established Elevate Dressage LLC
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Eleanor Vargo named recipient of The Dressage Foundation's Karen Skavarla Grant for Young Professionals
2019
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Eleanor Vargo named recipient of the Carolyn Van Cise Memorial Grant through The Dressage Foundation
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Eleanor Vargo awarded Midwest Dressage Association Schooling Show Year-End Championship with Galassia at Second Level Open - Average 67.8%
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Eleanor Vargo named recipient of the Jean Brown Volunteer of the Year Award
​2018
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Eleanor Vargo awarded Year-End Schooling Show Championships on Galassia at Training and First Level Open - Averages 74.3%-76.8%
Elevate Testimonials
Amy Kinkade
I am so glad I met Ellie just as I was beginning to work my way back into riding and have been in her program at Stonebridge for over a year now. I'm in my late 40s- it's NEVER too late! There is SO much to learn and it can be very intimidating but Ellie took me under her wing and helped me ease back into things. She is a very talented natural rider and her skills and knowledge are impeccable. I admire her genuine love of horses and how she places each horse's health and well being above all else. She works diligently to bring out the best in each horse and rider I've seen her work with and is a kind and patient teacher. I would recommend her program to anyone (beginner or advanced) who is looking for a positive learning environment to develop and advance to reach their goals.