Build Confidence, One Hoofbeat at a Time
Welcome to Hoofbeats Riding Academy and Dean Lacey Equestrian Services, where great riders are built from the ground up. Together, Ashley Aarts and Dean Lacey have proudly served
youth and adult riders of all levels —from true beginners to seasoned competitors—
offering training in both English and Western disciplines.
Located at Summit Ranch Equine Center in Alamo, they have been developing confident, capable riders since 2012. Whether you’re brand new to horseback riding or dreaming of the show ring, they will guide you every step of the way.
Our Philosophy
From the Ground Up
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Safety Is Our First Priority.
Our lessons begin long before the rider steps into
the saddle. Students learn how to halter, hand-walk, groom, tack, and understand their horse before
riding. This builds responsibility, awareness,
and partnership.
Fundamentals build freedom
True horsemanship is learned both in and out
of the saddle
The barn teaches life lessons as often as
riding lessons
Safety & Standards
Approved helmets required at all times (helmets available to borrow)
Proper riding attire mandatory
Structured supervision at all times
Private, family-friendly facility at
Summit Ranch
Clear policies on punctuality, cancellations, and conduct
We maintain a relaxed but disciplined
learning environment.
Confidence comes from competence
With 65 combined years of experience between Ashley Aarts and Dean Lacey, our program reflects decades of
training, breeding, competing, and teaching at national levels.
Why Us?
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65 combined years of exeprience
National-level championship background
Individualized lesson structure
Youth mentorship through apprenticeship
A culture that values growth over ego
We teach riders how to think, communicate, and partner with a horse. With a focus on safety, exceptional horse care, and strong fundamentals, we help you build confidence, connection, and lasting success.
Who We Serve
We serve youth riders from beginner through advanced levels, helping them build confidence and skill at every stage. Our program also supports adult recreational riders and those returning to horses after time away, offering thoughtful instruction tailored to their goals.
Youth Riders
(Beginner Through Advanced)
Adult Recreational Riders
Adult Riders
Returning To Horses
Competitive Youth
Preparing For The Show Ring
Students Seeking Deeper Horsemanship Knowledge
We are not a high-pressure, exclusive barn environment. We are not a hunter-jumper program. We do not offer guided trail rides or summer camps. Instead, we focus on intentional skill development and relationship-based horsemanship.
If you want to improve, learn properly, and build confidence that lasts, you are in the right place.
Our Services At A Glance
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We offer structured programs designed for steady progress:
What a First Lesson Looks Like
Your first visit includes:
1
2
3
4
5
Meeting and retrieving your assigned horse
Mounted instruction
Facility orientation
Learning grooming and tacking fundamentals
Proper untacking and care afterward
For many beginners, the first lesson may focus primarily on safe handling and preparation before riding.
We build skills intentionally.
Transparent Pricing
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We believe in clarity.
Single Hour Lesson: $125
Tuition Program: $545/month
Apprentice Program: $75/day
Independent Ride: $85
Leasing: $800–$1200/month
Show Team: $1500–$2500 per show
Meet The Horses
We work with a diverse and carefully trained group of over 15 horses , including:
EMBER
11 year old Knabstrupper.
She performs in Dressage and Sport Horse disciplines.
One of our most athletic and highly educated horses.
ELVIRA
4 year old Half Arabian.
Our snuggle bunny.
She is eager and
willing to learn.
KODA
26 year old Appendix
Quarter Horse.
Our professor.
He teaches all how to
handle and ride horses.
PRINCESS BUTTERCUP
12 year old Half Arabian,
Half Welsh pony.
She is great fun and educational.
For students ages 5-12 years.
PORSCHE
18 year old Half Arabian.
Our Sport Horse takes riders to the next level.
Hard working and
drives buggies.
SPARKY
15 year old Arabian.
His specialties are Country English and Hunter
Pleasure disciplines.
Excellent school horse.
JULIO
18 year old Ranch
Quarter Horse.
Our good ol’ boy.
He is steady and patient.
KENDO
19 year old Andalusian.
Our Dressage school master.
He is regal and proud.
Each horse is selected and trained to serve specific levels and disciplines.
We are incredibly grateful for the impact that Ashley and Dean have had on our daughter’s life. They have found the rare balance of being both gentle and tough, knowing exactly when to encourage, when to challenge, and when to hold her to a higher standard. Through their guidance, she hasn’t just learned how to ride; she has discovered a true passion and a deeper sense of confidence in herself.
What makes them so special is that they are far more than horse instructors. They teach patience, resilience, responsibility, and respect, lessons that reach far beyond the arena. They push her when she needs to be pushed, whether it’s refining her skills on the horse or helping her grow through moments of attitude or self-doubt. Ashley and Dean have different yet complementary skill sets, and it has been wonderful to watch our daughter respond so well to each of them — we feel incredibly lucky that she gets the opportunity to learn from both of them every week. Because of them, she is becoming stronger not only as a rider, but as a person.
Their care for their students is genuine and deeply felt. Our entire family appreciates the dedication, honesty, and heart they bring every single day. They are truly loved by our family, and we feel incredibly lucky to be part of their program.
Kristin B