Emily Abbate
Head Trainer, Founder of American School of Riding
Emily Abbate is the founder and head instructor of the American School of Riding, where classical horsemanship, modern biomechanics, and thoughtful education come together to develop exceptional horses and horsemen.
With a career spanning every stage of equestrian development—from starting young horses to training and competing through the Grand Prix levels—Emily brings a rare depth of experience to modern equestrian sport. She has competed internationally, developed horses from their first rides through the highest levels of collection, and guided countless partnerships through progressive training.
Equally passionate about rider development, Emily coaches everyone from recreational riders to competitive athletes. Her ability to translate sophisticated training concepts into practical, understandable lessons allows students of all backgrounds to grow with confidence and clarity.
Emily's foundation began at Temple Farms, where she worked with the renowned Temple Lipizzans and was immersed in the traditions of the classical school. Throughout her career, she has studied under respected educators including George Williams, Conrad Schumacher, Klaus Balkenhol, Volker Brommann, Martin Schaudt, Philippe Karl, Karl Mikolka, Hilda Gurney, Patti Parucci, and Steffen Peters. These influences helped shape a philosophy that values principles over dogma.
What sets Emily apart is her ability to bridge classical wisdom with modern science. She views biomechanics, learning theory, and sports psychology as complementary tools to traditional methods. At the core of her teaching is the belief that while training principles are constant, their application must be adapted to the individual horse.
Through the American School of Riding, Emily is dedicated to preserving the art of horsemanship while preparing riders for the future—developing equestrians who understand how to think, analyze, and advocate for their horses. Whether working with a beginner or a Grand Prix athlete, Emily is guided by one principle: the horse always comes first, and true excellence is built through understanding, patience, and systematic education.
With a career spanning every stage of equestrian development—from starting young horses to training and competing through the Grand Prix levels—Emily brings a rare depth of experience to modern equestrian sport. She has competed internationally, developed horses from their first rides through the highest levels of collection, and guided countless partnerships through progressive training.
Equally passionate about rider development, Emily coaches everyone from recreational riders to competitive athletes. Her ability to translate sophisticated training concepts into practical, understandable lessons allows students of all backgrounds to grow with confidence and clarity.
Emily's foundation began at Temple Farms, where she worked with the renowned Temple Lipizzans and was immersed in the traditions of the classical school. Throughout her career, she has studied under respected educators including George Williams, Conrad Schumacher, Klaus Balkenhol, Volker Brommann, Martin Schaudt, Philippe Karl, Karl Mikolka, Hilda Gurney, Patti Parucci, and Steffen Peters. These influences helped shape a philosophy that values principles over dogma.
What sets Emily apart is her ability to bridge classical wisdom with modern science. She views biomechanics, learning theory, and sports psychology as complementary tools to traditional methods. At the core of her teaching is the belief that while training principles are constant, their application must be adapted to the individual horse.
Through the American School of Riding, Emily is dedicated to preserving the art of horsemanship while preparing riders for the future—developing equestrians who understand how to think, analyze, and advocate for their horses. Whether working with a beginner or a Grand Prix athlete, Emily is guided by one principle: the horse always comes first, and true excellence is built through understanding, patience, and systematic education.
Grayson Nathanson
Assistant Coach & Lead Groom
Grayson recently moved back to her home state of South Carolina after being in Denver, CO for 5 years. Any activity which allowed her to be outside, is probably an activity she will love! At home, Grayson has two German shepherds and a Bengal mix cat who always knows how to keep things entertaining.
In the past, Grayson has been a cardiac veterinary technician, a community manager at Lululemon, and the suicide prevention and army substance abuse coordinator for the Colorado National Guard. As a certified health education specialist, she loves to teach, to connect people with new ideas, and overall improve an individual's quality of life, and there is no better way on this earth to do that, than through horsemanship!
She recently came back into the equine field after a 10 year hiatus and is beyond ecstatic and lucky to be Emily’s assistant trainer and lead groom primarily handling beginner lessons and unmounted horsemanship services.
Audrey Myers
Social Media Manager & PR Coordinator
Since early childhood, Audrey has had the opportunity to grow up and learn from horses through Greenville Foothills Pony Club and hunter jumper trainers. In college, at Lander University, she was apart of the IHSA collegiate equestrian team for four years which is when she bought her first horse! A chunky OTTB with a need for cuddles and a love for BBQ chips.
Then when living in PA, that's where she bought her second horse. A princess of a mare with gorgeous blue eyes and a love for attention. Now moving back to SC, Audrey is so excited to not only be getting quality training from Emily, but also to be able to work for such a great business.
With a love for horses and a graphic design degree, Audrey primarily manages the social media pages, creating and updating our website, photographing our events, setting up events and helping to schedule services when needed. If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Audrey!