Come learn with Mario and Dacia Imperato

"I had been riding for many years when I first took a lesson with Dacia. I thought I knew how to ride, but boy I was wrong. Dacia opened my eyes to a whole new way of riding. She helped me feel things that I had never thought possible and really connect with my horse. Although I mainly rode jumpers, Dacia introduced me to  and cultivated a love for dressage, which only made my jumping better. My retired showjumper found a new calling and we earned great scores at our dressage shows. I will be forever thankful to Dacia for giving both myself and my horse a new outlook on both riding and life!" Dr. Barbara Blasko

"Dacia and Mario are a multi-faceted training duo and also a power couple! They have amazing chemistry on the ground or on horses together that draws anyones attention. I was riding and learning under Dacia and Mario for nearly a decade; they were my first trainers and I credit and thank them for everything I know today. You will never find more compassionate, knowledgeable, talented people on this Earth. Whether you are just beginning your equestrian journey or not, look no further, you have hit the jackpot with Northwest Sporthorses." Paige

"I rode and worked with Dacia and Mario for many years. They taught me so much and helped me become the horsewoman I am today. They inspire me with their constant positive attitude and teaching as well as their love for the horses and the sport. It was a pleasure to watch as Dacia and Mario met each student and horses needs with different teaching techniques. The horses were always happy and healthy and developed so well. Dacia and Mario are truly wonderful trainers and horse owners." Caylena

"Mario and Dacia Imperato are not only amazing trainers, competitors, and professionals, they are an amazing team.  They combine two lifetimes of expertise in all facets of the equestrian business in seamless synergy.  They bring precision, integrity, enthusiasm, and dynamic energy to the arena.  They have an innate ability to foster the connection between horse and rider, whether one is training to compete at the highest levels, or riding for pleasure.  They have respect for the horses and the riders in their program, building confidence all around. Everywhere they go, they create a legacy of positivity and success." Heidi

"My daughter Jolee started riding with Dacia and Mario back in 2017. Jolee came to them with a lack of self confidence. Both Dacia and Mario were able to build her skills as well as confidence in her riding! While getting instruction for my daughter I was able to build a true friendship with them and they truly cared for the success of my daughter!" Michelle

"Mario and Dacia Imperato are amazing! I have known and worked with them for more than a decade which has allowed me to move up the ranks from groom to trainer. The positive environment they create for each horse and rider allows a safe place to learn and grow and truly developing a partnership with your horse.  Not only do you learn to be a better rider but you learn  skills to help navigate through different situations. I once heard that a coach is someone or something that takes precious cargo to a certain destination, to me that is the epitome of Mario and Dacia; helping each person they encounter reach new goals and dreams and be the best that they can be." -Rene’

"I met Mario and Dacia when I put a horse in training. Over the course of training 3 horses, Mario’s love and enthusiasm for training led to horses that knew what they were doing and did it well. He analyzed each horse and used specific, individualized training for each. Dacia as co-trainer lends her considerable knowledge to supplement suggestions, horse mindset, proper fitting tack and many other aspects. Their combined knowledge is continually advancing as they actively pursue learning and growing. 

As a trainer of people, Mario is straight forward, goal oriented, challenging the rider’s skills and always positive. He loves nothing more than seeing both horse and rider do the things he has set for them.

Dacia as a trainer of people is willing to explain mechanics, physics, body mechanics, and how body position or alignment increases successful execution of objectives. She is quite patient, honest and positive. 

They compliment each other while maintaining separate teaching styles. Their honesty is sometimes hard to hear (don’t we all want to earn a 90-100 or A on a dressage test and are told to expect a score of about half that for a first time), yet it is given with kindness so that the rider is not mislead. Honesty is always the best policy. Mario and Dacia love what they do; it shows in their horses and in the way they ride. " Tamara

“Loved the clinic! I’m excited to integrate what I’ve learned in both my own riding and in my instruction to my students. I can’t wait to come to another!”- Kathy 

“I took *gobs* of notes and sketched some exercises that I'm excited to use with my young horses! I also love how Dacia uses creative similes (comparisons about how something is like something else -- karate, a bicycle, a dog in a bathtub, etc.) to help people understand what they are feeling or what they should be feeling. Can't wait to ride with Mario and Dacia!!” - Serena

“So fun to photograph!  I learned so much even behind the lens that I can’t wait to put into practice with my own horses definitely looking forward to the next and hopefully will get to ride my horse in it down the road!“-Kelsey with KCM Equine Photography