
Eleanor Vargo
Head Trainer
Ellie is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist with a passion for developing both riders and horses to reach their full potential. Through her business, Elevate Dressage, she works with clients across several farms in Metamora, Michigan, supporting equestrians of all disciplines. Elevate riders are not only competitive at USDF-rated shows, but also deeply committed to personal growth, fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive community.
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At Elevate, the focus goes beyond the dressage arena—partnerships with horses are prioritized through well-rounded training that may include trail riding, pole work, or even cross-training over fences. The goal is to produce confident, happy equine athletes who enjoy their jobs as much as their riders do.
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In addition to teaching and training, Ellie remains committed to her own development, regularly participating in clinics and competitions throughout the year. Since 2022, both she and her clients have consistently qualified for the USDF Region 2 Championships and USDF Finals. Whether at home or on the road, her team is known for its welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.
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Ellie has a unique gift for connecting with all types of horses, especially those with more sensitive or reactive personalities—affectionately dubbed her “delicate little flowers.” Her patient, thoughtful approach helps these horses build trust, confidence, and a stronger connection with their riders, ultimately enhancing communication and mutual understanding.
Awards and Highlights
2025 (... so far...)
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All 8 Elevate horse/rider combinations competing in 2025 qualified for Region 2 Championships from training level to I-2
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Eleanor Vargo and Colmenar competed in their first Grand Prix with a 64% and received Elle's USDF Gold medal scores
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Eleanor Vargo and Elevate riders received Small Horse championships at National Dressage Pony Cup at Second level and I2
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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%
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%
