Phoebe DeVoe-Moore, USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist, USEF “r” Judge, Owner/Head Trainer of Thornridge Manor, LLC

I have known Aviva for 21 years and our relationship extends far beyond the many facets of the dressage community.

It should be of no great surprise that Aviva and I first met at a horse show, stabled next to each other. She and her husband were immediately warm and made the very unnecessary effort to watch all of my rides that weekend. Her immediate enthusiasm in our first encounter set the stage for a lifelong friendship to ensue. Since our initial meeting, I have had the pleasure to watch Aviva mature as a dressage competitor, trainer and judge. Aviva has the very rare gift for identifying talent in young horses; her ability to hand pick and bring along both Fredi and Q are an example of her innate skill. As a fellow judge, I have always been impressed by Aviva’s vocabulary. She has an amazing way of clearly and eloquently describing what she sees. I enjoy, and I learn from, listening to Aviva while she judges; I admirably call her a mirror in words. It is my hope that Aviva continues to move thru the levels of judging as she is a true asset to the competitors. BUT, I have to wonder if Aviva missed her calling as she would be a best-selling novelist if she chose?!!?

I have been to Aviva’s farm many times over the course of our friendship. The sheer beauty of her personally developed facility is a masterpiece. I often tell her how much I covet her Antique-Annabel-Hydrangea trees; they alone emanate perfection!! But beyond its idealic presentation, Horsepen Hill’s family-feel is a reflection of Aviva herself. It is Aviva’s nature to go the extra distance – she is an honest, passionate, dedicated and generous person in all that she does. I am lucky to have such a friend extraordinaire in Aviva; she has always showed interest in my life and I know that I can always count on her when I need a good friend. BUT, it sure does help that she is a FAB cook, too –hey, when’s the next dinner party?!!?

Savannah Smith, (age 13 now 17) Student Since 2016

I have been taking lessons with Aviva for 3 years. I met Aviva at a Pony Club clinic, I was so motivated to learn more about dressage after the clinic. I started taking regular lessons with her. When I came for my first lesson I was riding my 12hh pony, Macintosh. Learning dressage on him was really difficult because he hadn't done dressage before. I really wanted to start eventing on him. Aviva helped me and him learn to do the basics. She even got on Macintosh!

I always get nervous before going into the ring and she always helps me with my nerves. She coached me at my first PVDA Schooling Show. We ended up Champion! That is one of my favorite memories. My last event with Macintosh we scored a 24 in dressage which was the best dressage score of the day. She puts a lot of effort in preparing us for events.

Now I have a pony named Ellie. She is young and hasn't done dressage. Aviva is teaching me how to teach a young horse the correct way. Teaching Ellie and me isn't the easiest thing and Aviva has been very patient and enthusiastic. I really like how Aviva gets so excited when I finally get what she is trying to teach us. I'm thrilled about how far we have come and what's ahead of us. Aviva always has me leaving my lessons with a sense of accomplishment. I'm very grateful for Aviva.

Sarah Duclos, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist FEI Rider and Trainer

"Aviva and I met while taking part in the L Judges Training program several years ago. We hit it off right from the start and have kept in touch ever since. I am always impressed with Aviva’s judging skills. She has an excellent eye for “the basics” of rhythm, suppleness, contact, and impulsion. On top of that she does a truly wonderful job of giving feedback to the riders in a way that promotes learning. When talking with riders, Aviva always manages to tell them what they did really well, then helps them see what they need to work on, and always ends on a positive note! Many of the local dressage clubs near me have hired Aviva year after year because she does such a wonderful job and I look forward to taking my students to those shows each year because I know they will be getting positive and effective feedback."

Karen Siebert, Student 2014-2019

Dear Aviva,

Some people like to thank their coaches after they have performed well, and rightfully so. But for me, I want to thank you before I ride because win, lose, or draw- I appreciate you and all that you do. Now the reins are in my hands, although I know you will be riding along with me from the sidelines.

Whatever my scores are, whatever the judge’s opinions, whatever happens when my nerves set in; you have helped me grow as a rider, you have prepared me well, you have gone above and beyond to foster this dream that I have and, more importantly, you never give up on me even when I am ready to give up on myself. You have supported me from the very beginning. In fact, you were there as I rode my first dressage test ever. I was shaking and nervous as could be and without a real clue about the road I had started down. Ever since that day, you have been one of my biggest supporters and you mean more to me than you can possibly know.

I watch you with all levels of riders, both as a judge and as an instructor, and you are always positive, insightful, and encouraging. Without judgement, you care both for the rider and the horse, no matter their struggles or skill sets. You are understanding of the fears, demands, and expectations of this sport. With compassion you go out of your way to help people! I hope that you know what a gift that is, what a gift you are and how fortunate I feel to have you in my corner. So, before I enter the ring today or tomorrow, please know that I am very thankful for you! I hope to keep my nerves together and keep my nerves at bay so that I may be able to fully use the skills I have gained to perform to the best of my ability. Today is today and I will ride the horse that I have today. This is one day on our journey. I am hopeful to do so in a manner that makes you proud! I am so proud and grateful to have you with me. And I know that no matter what happens in that sandbox, you will be there waiting at the gate with an encouraging word or a pep talk or whatever I need! And that is why I call you friend, because you are so much more than a coach.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Love,
Karen

This was written before the PVDA Ride For Life. Karen went on to win one of her classes and to be awarded High Score QH of the show!!