01/12/2026
Have you met Ryann? She’s our Trainer Spotlight this week! We are so fortunate she’s joined our team! 🤩🐴💪🏻
Ryann Lacagnina has been passionate about horses since her first lesson at five years old and built her career through extensive hands-on experience; riding and competing across equitation, hunters, equitation, jumpers, dressage, and eventing disciplines. By age ten she was working in exchange for lessons and soon became a dedicated working student, assisting in the daily care of large boarding and lesson program at The Southlands Foundation, in Rhinebeck, NY.
She progressed from working student to assistant barn manager of a 50-plus horse boarding, lesson, and show facility where she helped coordinate daily operations, monitored horse health, rehabilitated program horses, taught beginner lessons; supervised and educated working students.
Ryann developed a specialization for improving green and challenging horses, but also provides professional training from freshly started to Intermediate 2. She has supported riders at Hunter/Jumper and Event competitions as well as Dressage CDIs in NY and FL. Ryann has regularly schooled horses at the upper levels, including 1.30m over fences, and is currently schooling PSG on her personal horse. She’s also continuing her education in biomechanics and sport psychology!
Founder of Ryann Alexandra Equestrian in 2021 and a University of New Hampshire graduate, Ryann also served as an adjunct lecturer and instructor at UNH during the 2024–2025 academic year, mentoring students in both classroom and practical equine settings. She creates individualized lessons and training programs for each horse and rider, emphasizing trust, confidence, and overall well-being.
Ryann is small but mighty and a huge asset to our growing barn family. Say hello anytime 👋 and if you’re lucky enough you’ll get to meet her Irish Setter Everly too!
