About Us
About Hoofbeats Riding Academy
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Hoofbeats Riding Academy has been shaping confident, capable riders at Summit Ranch Equine Center in Alamo since 2012. Owned and operated by Ashley Aarts, the academy was founded on a simple but unwavering belief: true horsemanship begins long before a rider enters the saddle.
From the first interaction with a horse to advanced competitive preparation, every element of the program is rooted in mentorship, technical fundamentals, and an uncompromising commitment to the welfare of the horse. At Hoofbeats, riding is not treated as a recreational pastime alone. It is a discipline, a responsibility, and a partnership.
The academy serves youth and adult riders across all levels of experience. Some arrive with no prior exposure to horses. Others come with competitive aspirations. Many return to the sport after time away, looking for a structured and thoughtful re-entry. Regardless of background, students are guided through a system that prioritizes safety, communication, and steady skill development.
What defines Hoofbeats is not flash or exclusivity. Our program values long-term growth over short-term achievement.
The Foundation of the Program
Horsemanship at Hoofbeats begins from the ground up. Students are taught to understand horses as living partners, not equipment. Grooming, tacking, handling, and reading equine behavior are considered essential skills, not optional add-ons. Riders are encouraged to observe, ask questions, and develop awareness long before focusing on performance goals.
This approach fosters responsibility and independence. It also creates riders who can think clearly under pressure, solve problems in real time, and communicate effectively with their mounts. Whether a student’s path leads to competitive showing or personal fulfillment, the foundation remains the same: strong fundamentals create confident riders.
Safety is the first priority. Horse welfare follows closely behind. These are not marketing statements but operational standards. Every lesson, training decision, and program structure reflects these values.
Ashley Aarts brings over 15 years of experience as a trainer, instructor, and competitor to Hoofbeats Riding Academy. Her background combines academic achievement with practical equestrian expertise, including earning a full ride scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley. That balance between discipline and opportunity continues to shape her approach as an educator.
Ashley is the founder and operator of one of Northern California’s finest riding academies. Her instruction spans both English and Western disciplines, allowing riders to develop versatility and a comprehensive understanding of horsemanship. She works with beginners learning basic balance and control, intermediate riders refining transitions and communication, and advanced students preparing for competition.
Ashley Aarts
Her teaching style is structured, direct, and individualized. She believes that confidence is not built through praise alone but through clear expectations, measurable progress, and honest feedback. Each rider receives personalized attention designed to meet them where they are while steadily expanding their capabilities.
Ashley’s program is not rushed. Skills are layered thoughtfully. Riders are encouraged to master one concept before advancing to the next. This steady progression prevents gaps in education and creates riders who are technically sound, mentally focused, and emotionally resilient.
Beyond riding instruction, Ashley is deeply invested in mentorship. She views the barn as a place where young riders develop leadership, accountability, and work ethic. Many of the life lessons learned at Hoofbeats extend well beyond the arena.
Dean Lacey
Dean Lacey brings more than five decades of experience as a trainer, breeder, competitor, and lifelong horseman. His 50 years in the horse industry include raising, training, and showing horses across numerous breeds and disciplines. Over the course of his career, he has earned multiple national championships in both breed and open competition.
Dean’s experience adds depth and perspective to the Hoofbeats program. He has worked with horses at every stage of development, from young prospects to seasoned competitors.
Dean's knowledge of conformation, behavior, conditioning, and performance helps form the standards upheld at the academy. With decades of experience not only as a trainer and competitor but as a lifelong horseman, he understands the value of teaching responsibility, discipline, and quiet leadership at a formative age.
Through hands-on barn work, horse handling, and direct mentorship, students in the apprenticeship program learn accountability, work ethic, and respect for both the animal and the craft. Dean’s guidance provides a structured, positive environment where students can build confidence, practical skills, and character alongside their
horsemanship development.
Students benefit not only from his technical insight but from his understanding of the long arc of horsemanship. He recognizes that excellence is built over years, not weeks. His presence reinforces the value of patience, consistency, and respect for the animal.
Dean’s extensive breed experience also enriches the diversity of the academy’s program horses. Working with Quarter Horses, Arabians, Andalusians, Draft breeds, Saddlebreds, and Warmbloods requires adaptability and depth of knowledge. That breadth strengthens the education of every rider in the program.
Our Culture
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The culture at Hoofbeats is relaxed but disciplined, welcoming but structured. Riders are encouraged to ask questions and take ownership of their progress, but expectations remain clear. There is accountability in how students conduct themselves around horses and around each other.
Safety standards are non-negotiable. Proper attire is required. Helmets are mandatory. Supervision is consistent. The facility itself is a private, family-friendly environment where respect for space, horses, and people is expected at all times.
Horse welfare is equally central. The horses in the program work daily and are treated with care, respect, and thoughtful management. They are partners in education, not tools. Their physical and mental well-being directly influences the success of every rider.
Clear communication is emphasized between instructors, students, and families. Questions are welcomed. Goals are discussed openly. Expectations are transparent. This clarity builds trust and long-term relationships within the barn community.
Community and mentorship are woven into the structure of the academy. Through programs such as the youth apprenticeship, riders gain exposure to the responsibilities of feeding, grooming, barn management, and horse care. This hands-on education develops leadership and respect for the work behind the scenes.
Hoofbeats does not cultivate a highly competitive, exclusive atmosphere. While competitive opportunities are available for advanced youth riders, the focus remains on development rather than prestige. Riders are supported in reaching personal milestones, not compared against one another for status.
Growth is the driving force: Growth in skill. Growth in confidence. Growth in understanding. Growth in character.
A Program Built for the Long Term
Since 2012, Hoofbeats Riding Academy has operated with consistency at Summit Ranch Equine Center in Alamo. That longevity reflects both the stability of the program and the trust of the families and riders it serves.
The academy is designed for those who want to improve their horsemanship skills with intention. It welcomes beginners who are ready to learn properly and experienced riders who are willing to refine their foundation. It is a place for riders who understand that progress takes time and are willing to commit to that process.
The barn is full of lessons, and many of them extend beyond riding. Students learn perseverance when a new skill feels difficult. They learn patience when working through a horse’s resistance. They learn responsibility in caring for an animal that depends on them. They learn confidence when they achieve something they once believed was out of reach.
At Hoofbeats Riding Academy, riders do not simply learn to sit in a saddle. They learn to build partnership, communicate clearly, and carry themselves with discipline and respect. The result is not just better riders, but stronger horsemen and women prepared for whatever path they choose to follow.