Marco Ricotta Reining Horses

Marco Ricotta: Elite NRHA Professional and Italian-Born Reining Specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona. 34+ Years of Excellence 

Elevate your equine program with Marco Ricotta, a premier NRHA Professional who transitioned from rolling hills of Tuscany to the pinnacle of American reining. Now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Marco is recognized for his technical mastery and a career built on international success. Specializing in the development of young talent and high-stakes aged event competition, he offers a unique training perspective that merges European discipline with the highest standards of the American performance horse industry.

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Trainer Experience:

Reining is a sport of precision, rhythm, and partnership. Marco Ricotta combines a lifelong passion for horses with elite technical expertise to produce consistent world-class results.

A true horseman’s journey began in 1992, when Marco Ricotta turned a childhood passion in Italy into a professional training career. His pursuit of excellence eventually led him to the United States, where he sought mentorship from the absolute legends of the sport. Marco spent several years refining his cart under NRHA $3 Million Rider Tim McQuay, officially moving to the U.S. in 2007. To further sharpen his competitive edge, he relocated to Scottsdale in 2012 to train alongside NRHA $10 Million Rider Andrea Fappani.

Today, Marco operates Ricotta Performance Horses, where he applies decades of elite-level experience to every horse in his barn. His program is defined by meticulous attention to detail and commitment to building a solid foundation. By combining the skills learned from the industry’s greatest mentors with his own refined instincts, Marco has established himself as a consistent force in the “Horse Capital of the West,” specializing in taking horses from their early starts to the bright lights of the major arenas.

Marco Ricotta’s Impressive Reining Achievements

With career earnings continuing to climb, Marco has secured his place among the top tier of reining professionals worldwide.

·         NRHA Lifetime Earnings: Approximately $800,000 (and rapidly approaching the Million Dollar milestone).

·         NRHA Derby Open Reserve Champion: A high-level finish showcasing his ability to compete against the best in the world.

·         NRBC Intermediate Open Champion: A major victory at the National Reining Breeders Classic.

·         NRHA Futurity Intermediate Open Champion: Providing his skill in developing three-year-olds for the sport’s most prestigious event.

·         NRHA Derby Intermediate Open Champion: Adding further titles to an already decorated resume.

·         Major Event Finalist: A frequent finalist at the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and NRBC.

·         International Representation: A veteran of the FEI World Equestrian Games, representing Team Italy on the global stage.

Marco Ricotta Reining Horse Training Program

At Ricotta Performance Horses, the focus is on quality development and sustainable performance. Marco’s training philosophy centers on the individual needs of the horse, ensuring they are physically prepared and mentally confident for the demands of the show pen.

·         Young Prospects Development: Marco is an expert at starting and guiding young horses through their two and three-year-old years, emphasizing a clear, consistent language between horse and rider.

·         Aged Event Preparation: His program is geared toward peak [performance at the industry’s “Major, “including the NRHA Futurity and Derby.

·         Technical Skill Building: Drawing from his experience with Fappani and McQuay, Marco utilizes advanced techniques to “plus” maneuvers and maximizes a horse’s scoring potential.

·         Professional Horse Management: Every horse under Marco’s care benefits from a professional environment that prioritizes health, soundness, and elite-level conditioning.

 Whether you are looking to start a high-end prospect or refine a seasoned show horse, Marco Ricotta provides a world-class training environment designed to produce results at the highest levels of NRHA competition.

Ready to Elevate Your Reining Horses? Contact Marco Ricotta Today!

Phone: (940) 206-2561

Email: ricottaperformancehorses@gmail.com