Davera Ackenbom
Trainer, Instructor, Judge, Coach, Clinician
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Davera has been active in the Equine Industry for over 40 years, running "A" rated shows, schooling shows, Horse Trials, clinics, judging, breeding and competing. Her horses (many of them homebreds) and students hold many state and national titles with VHSA/USEF and USEF Zone Championships.
- International Side-saddle Instructor of the Year
- USEF National Horse of the Year Side-saddle Champion
- ISSO National Side-saddle Champion
- Numerous Year End VHSA Champions
- Numerous Year End BHSA Champions
Having built, organized, and managed a 200 student a day lesson program for over 26 years, with an active state show team, Davera teaches with an eye for simple explanations to help horse/rider combinations make quick improvements at any ability level. She teaches a strong disciplined approach boosting self esteem with success earned by understanding how your horse thinks, moves, and responds naturally.
Davera strives for positive reinforcement for both horse and rider through strong correct fundamentals. The horse and student learn to become workmanlike in a lesson program based on preparation, organization, correct response, attitude, and sheer fun.
Other Awards, Recognitions, and Experiences
- Graduate of the Susan Harris Equine Science Program in conjunction with Cornell University
- Certified and Licensed instructor with the New York State Department of Education
- Completed numerous working student/apprentice programs focusing on riding, breaking, training, breeding, mare care, foaling, and stallion management in many disciplines as a young woman
- Master Instructor/Clinician with the Camp Horseman's Association
- American Riding Instructor Certification - Advanced Instructor in Hunt Seat & Sidesaddle
- International Side Saddle Organization - Certified Judge and Instructor
- Past Board member of the Virginia Horse Show Association
- Honored as 4-H Regional Competition Coach for 3 years
- Past Board member of the International Side Saddle Organization
- Qualified and Showed at Madison Square Garden (The National Horse Show) 1986, 1987
- USEF National Horse of the Year Side-saddle Champion 1987
- ISSO National Side-saddle Champion 1986-1987-1988
- Owner/Breeder/Trainer USEF's National Side-saddle Champion 2004, Reserve Champion 1999
- Trainer of the National Side-Saddle Champions - 2005, 2006, 2007
- Judge for VHSA/BHSA/CHSA/SWVHJA/Interschool
- Organized and Managed Three Phase Events for 7 years
- Taught Clinics across the United States in Hunt Seat, Equitation, and Side-saddle
- Hosted Hunter Clinics with notables Frank Madden, James Cantwell, Elizabeth Lewis, Tommy Serio, Val Renehan, as well as top local trainers
- Keswick "A" Show Board member for 20 years
- Show Manager for the Keswick Junior/Amateur Horse Show "A" rated 2005
- Attended USHJA trainer seminar in Wellington, FL
- Have personally ridden in clinics under George Morris, Mike Plumb, Sydley Payne, Irene Benjamin, Betty Skelton, Frank Madden, and many more
- Hosted Virginia Legislative Trail Ride
- Designed, built, and managed a 75 stall/ indoor ring facility with over 90 horse facility, including 4 outdoor rings, 1 large show ring, 2 mile cross country course from the ground up
- Organized and managed a dressage show series
- Rode in the Presidential Inaugural Parade Side-saddle
Davera's Early Years
- Numerous lessons hunt seat/stock seat from the age of 4
- Competed on the AQHA circuit stock seat/hunt seat
- Rode with and worked for Pam Cantwell Baker, Hillcrest Farm
- Managed a 30 horse stock seat facility
- Apprenticed at Al-Marah Arabians Breeding/Breaking/Training/Showing
- Competed in the 50 Mile Blue Ridge 2 - Day Endurance ride, winning the light weight division
- Competed in numerous local shows as a catch rider
- Freelance taught area lessons
- Horse/house onsite care for vacationers