Meet Ariana Sakaris
An evolving journey of love, patience, and compassion
A Powerful Lifelong Passion is Born
Ariana’s journey with horses began at the young age of 5 years old. Her story started at a local riding facility in Greece, where she instantly became fascinated with horses and the interactions humans share with them. These early experiences quickly developed into a powerful lifelong quest to learn and grow as much as possible, both in her horsemanship and also in her own personal life.
Ariana is Known for Her Calm, Patient, and Empathetic Approach
with Horses and Humans.
Her thorough attention to detail and quality of instruction & training are what makes her work so unique and sought after.
Early Education
After returning to the USA from Greece, Ariana began learning from rescue horses at a wonderful local riding school in Maryland. She then proceeded to train for over 8 years under a former Russian Olympic Dressage Coach & Master of Sport, accumulating over 400 hours of certified hands-on education.
There came a point, however, where she realized there was a missing link, and a desire for a deeper connection with the horses she rode and worked with.
She realized that the most important thing to her was understanding things from the horses perspective, and developing a connection that would last once the halter and tack were removed.
Finding Her Direction
This realization awakened a powerful journey. She committed many years to traveling within the U.S. and overseas to gain valuable experience and mentorship from world renowned professionals, including Grand Prix Dressage trainers, Classical Dressage masters, and the very best Liberty & Horsemanship experts. These experiences helped her develop compassion, self awareness, & tools to bring horses into physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Ariana's Achievements
Ariana is a United States Dressage Federation Silver Medalist, a two time ILHA Liberty Champion, Mustang Makeover Reserve Champion, Midwest Horse Fair Star Search Reserve Champion, and has been a presenter at the ILHA Liberty Festival, Midwest Horse Fair, Kentucky Horse Park, National Mounted Police Colloquium, and many other events. She is also an award winning filmaker for her short documentary "Wild Heart."
Ariana's Intention
Ariana's intention is to help people understand things from their horses perspective, and help them develop the self-reflection, self-awareness, understanding, knowledge, and tools to work with their horse in a compassionate and respectful way. Her goal is to help each horse become more focused, confident and balanced (mentally, physically, & emotionally) while making progress towards our goals and dreams.
Her Growing Commitment to Helping Horses and Humans
Ariana is based in the horse capital of the world, Lexington, Kentucky. She offers demonstrations, clinics, instruction, and training focusing on Liberty Work, Dressage, Groundwork, Problem-Solving, and more.
She also founded her online program, Student of the Horse. This program is offers twice a month live Coaching to members and access to hundreds of thoughtful, short, yet detailed step by step videos.
