Horse Trainer - Horseback Riding Instructor | Stepping Stones Sporthorses

Dacia Peters-Imperato is the owner of Stepping Stones Sporthorses in Temecula, California. Working with horses is her passion. She specializes in imports, sales, breeding, training and showing. Her “building a rider” technique takes a horse with a steady foundation and teaches the rider best ways to communicate and build a partnership.

While competing in intercollegiate equitation on a national level, Dacia worked on her Bachelors of Science degree at Saint Mary of the Woods College in Indiana. Her Majors were in Equine Studies and Digital Media Communications with a Minor in Business.

Dacia has had 26 years in the saddle and has been training from coast to coast. She competes with her own mounts and clients horses at all levels from weanlings and ultimately to Grand Prix. “My students, horse and rider possess potential that they WILL reach because we are a team and have the tools together. I want my students to excel hopefully above me…”

“I teach the way I would like to learn, I want valuable information conveyed in a positive way. As a riding instructor, I spend a lot of time complimenting the good things before correcting the things that need improvement to build the rider’s confidence. As a trainer, I have a daily goal and a career goal for each horse & rider. I always set the horse & rider up to win and not fail by challenging them just enough mentally and physically that they can handle it and rise to the occasion. This makes the horses trust grow in the rider and the rider grow trust in themselves. The horse’s work ethic get stronger because they ENJOY what they do and riders find their new confidence transcend into the rest of their lives”

Dacia has interned with several top trainers, breeders and riders across the United States and currently trains with Rob Gage, once international Grand Prix rider and currently course designer and judge. She also trains with Diana Muravez for dressage weekly to show in classical dressage with her horses in dressage training and to supple and empower the jumpers.

Not only is Dacia a rider and trainer but she is also an owner. She owner/breeder of several young horses, one of which is a licensed stallion seen below in the jump shoot at 2 1/2. To top the list she co-owns Top Line Farms LLC owner of the Elite Hanoverian stallion FOR PLAY.