Meet the Reformed Equestrian Team

Dacia Imperato has been immersed in the equestrian world since the age of four, beginning her journey in the hunter/jumper discipline and training her first pony by eleven. Her path has been shaped by a lifelong pursuit of deeper understanding—of horses, of riders, and of the partnerships that connect them. Her diverse foundation includes mentorships with top professionals across hunter/jumper, dressage, AQHA, eventing, breeding, and equine veterinary care.

A 2002 Cum Laude graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, Dacia holds a double major in Equine Studies and Digital Media Communications, with a focus on Equestrian Business. During college, she competed at the top levels of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in both Western and English, laying the groundwork for a career that would blend performance with purpose.

Her competitive resume spans USEF-recognized levels of hunters, hunter derbies, jumpers, dressage, eventing, AQHA, and international sport horse breeding. She proudly earned her USDF Bronze Medal with her heart horse “For Play,” and has a strong focus on rider biomechanics—teaching students how to truly feel their horse rather than simply ride for form.

Known for her encouraging, patient style, Dacia has helped riders progress from leadline to professional careers. She has successfully started and finished countless horses and ponies, judged at open shows, and evaluated warmblood breeding stock—always with a keen eye for potential and a deep respect for the horse.

With decades of experience and a vast global network of equine professionals, Dacia is now entering a new chapter—one that reflects her values more than ever before. Reformed Equestrian is not just a training program; it’s a movement built around authenticity, connection, and holistic horsemanship. For Dacia, this partnership represents the culmination of everything she believes in: that great riders are thoughtful riders, and that horses thrive when they’re seen as partners, not products.

She is thrilled to team up with Emily Evans and Olivia to offer a fresh, reform-minded approach to the sport—one where integrity, education, and joy lead the way.

Visit www.NWSporthorse.com for more information and photos.

Emily Evans brings over a decade of hands-on experience in the equestrian world, with a particular passion for producing warmbloods and developing young horses into confident, capable partners. Alongside her husband—her teammate in both life and business—Emily is currently showing horses they’ve bred and raised themselves, building a program grounded in patience, horsemanship, and thoughtful progression.

Her journey began not just as a rider, but as a dedicated veterinary technician, where she gained invaluable insight into equine health, physiology, and long-term wellness. That foundation deeply informs her training philosophy today: that horses must be understood from the inside out—not just as athletes, but as sensitive, communicative individuals.

Emily’s heart lies in the hunter ring, but her reach spans far beyond competition. She has a gift for teaching children and young riders, laying strong foundations through kindness, consistency, and a deep respect for the horse. Her students learn not just how to ride, but how to think like horsemen—grounded in awareness, feel, and stewardship.

Her approach to horsemanship fits seamlessly with the mission of Reformed Equestrian, where the emphasis is on integrity over image, partnership over pressure, and sustainability over shortcuts. Emily believes that horses and riders thrive in an environment free from fear and shame—where growth is celebrated, and the process is just as valued as the end result.

The launch of Reformed Equestrian marks an exciting chapter in Emily’s career. Together with co-founder Dacia Imperato and professional rider Olivia, she is proud to be part of a movement that reimagines what success in the equestrian world can look like. Their shared vision—rooted in deep experience, mutual respect, and a calling to do things differently—is already creating a ripple effect, one horse and rider at a time.

Olivia brings a deep sense of empathy, curiosity, and conviction to her role as Reformed Equestrian’s professional rider. Unlike many in the industry, Olivia began her professional riding journey at 16—and she quickly immersed herself in the demanding world of show jumping. From working student roles at top jumper barns to intensive training in Germany and Canada, Olivia learned not only how to ride, but how to question, reflect, and grow. 

Early in her career, she noticed the unspoken rules and compromises too often made in the traditional horse world. Though eager to progress, Olivia never stopped listening to the horses themselves. Eventually, she carved her own path—developing a program focused on green horses and so-called “problem” horses. Her approach emphasized rebuilding from the ground up, instilling confidence, patience, and trust every step of the way.

As her career evolved, Olivia dove deeper into holistic horse care—exploring nutrition, bodywork, energy balance, and the subtle art of communication. She discovered that when given space, horses speak volumes. Her ability to read and respond to their physical and emotional cues has become a signature strength in her riding and training.

While Olivia has competed successfully in the jumper ring, her true passion lies in being a steward for the horse—advocating for their well-being above all. Her work is fueled by a desire to challenge outdated norms, uplift fellow riders, and create a kinder, more conscious equestrian community.

Joining Reformed Equestrian feels like a natural progression. Here, her belief that horses deserve both a voice and a reason is not only shared—but expected. Olivia is honored to ride with a team that values integrity, connection, and the horse-first philosophy at the heart of her life’s work.