Western, English and Dressage Disciplines
Western, English and Dressage riding lessons for all ages. Schooling horses available. For pricing please contact trainers directly.
Western Trainer – Ricky Nicolazzia (530) 615-7755
English Trainer – Ashley Stannard (612) 227-8806 or Email
Dressage Trainer – Laura Decesari (520) 907-1927 or Email
Resident Western Trainer
In January 2019, Ricky Nicolazzi, along with a few loyal customers, joined Bandalero Ranch as the head trainer of Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch. He started riding horses in the early ninties, working along side Don Boyd, Marco Formantin and Martin Larcombe and in 1998 he was an assistant to Bob Avila. In 2016, Ricky and his family moved to Scottsdal to work along side longtime friend, Andrea Fappani.
Resident English Trainer
Ashley Stannard – Ashbrook Farms
Ashley Stannard grew up riding and showing hunters and jumpers in the Midwest with Bill Nunn of Skyrock Farm as a working student. After a successful junior career, Ashley continued her education at William Woods University (MO), graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equestrian Studies. During her time at the University, she was able to intern with many top professionals such as Linda McClaren, Otis Brown and Patty Stovel. The experience she gained from attending William Woods was like no other. She became even more dedicated to pursuing an education in all aspects of the equine sport.
From her location in the Midwest, she was able to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park, American Royal, Lake St. Louis as well as many other top show venues. Upon graduation Ashley competed in the A/O Jumpers with Kim and Andy Barone of Raven Ridge Farm traveling with them nationally.
Ashley moved to Tucson and started Ashbrook Farm in fall 2010. Since the formation of Ashbrook, Ashley has established a program that produces some of the best horses and riders in the southwest region. Ashley has accompanied students to ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals (Lexingon, KY), has had students bring home numerous championships as well as have a successful Grand Prix career.
Ashley’s own experience and training continues to evolve. A believer in constant learning, Ashley regularly attends clinics and encourages her riders to do so as well.
With a strong foundation and hard work, as well as a passion for teaching riders of all levels, Ashley has extensive experience in hunters and show experience in the jumper arena. This experience has given her a balanced formula for establishing successful teams finishing at the top in major events demonstrates her dedication to excellence.
For Training or Lessons please contact Ashley directly at (612) 227-8806 or by Email. You may also visit her website Ashbrookfarm.com
Resident Dressage Trainer
Laura DeCesari grew up riding horses in many different disciplines including reining cow horse, jumping and dressage. Her focus is mainly on dressage and competes at least once a month at shows in CA, Scottsdale, Tucson, New Mexico, Kentucky and Colorado.
Laura emphasizes horsemanship and “always putting yourself in the horse’s shoes”. Much of this influence has come from large “S” level dressage judge Eleanor Stine-Masek, George Masek and well,, experience from riding lots of horses.
Laura attends clinics that her clients attend as well. Some of the clinicians include Debbi McDonald, Steffen Peters, Ruth and Joey Perez, Walter Zettl, Jeremy Steinberg, Carla Symaber, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, Charles de Kunffy and Charlotte Bredahl.
Some of her biggest accomplishments were getting team gold at the YR championships in Lexington, KY and being chosen by the Dressage Foundation to go on an Olympic Dream trip to Europe and meet and learn from some of the top riders in the world.
Laura is a big advocate of continuing education in herself and her clients. There is never only one right way to do something; it is what works best for each individual horse and rider.
For Training and/or lessons please contact Laura directly at (520) 907-1927.