Nancy started riding in Massachusetts and was a highly successful Hunter/Jumper rider at 4'6" jumpers and equitation, winning the New England Medal/Maclay, and many ribbons at "A" circuit shows including Madison Square Garden, Washington International and Harrisburg International under the tutelage of Brian Flynn. Prior to that she received her "B" Rating in Pony Club and studied dressage under Judy Higgins-Welsh and Jennifer Wesson. She has also competed successfully through Preliminary level in eventing. Nancy and her sister Mary Ann Roche-Gibbs had a well-known training and lesson barn in Hamilton, Massachusetts for a number of years, but Nancy had a calling to pursue her other love- music!

An accomplished musician, Nancy performed in the well-known New England original band "Zonkaraz", was a studio singer in Boston and LA, lead vocalist in the Playboy Girls of Rock and Roll" in Tahoe and Las Vegas, then started the R&B/pop band "Roché" with her husband Tom Frazee, settling in Boise in 1992 to raise their daughter, Ainslie. Tom and Nancy were Entertainment Directors of the Boise River Festival for 8 years and have 100s of jingles they have produced all over the USA.  CLICK HERE for music career highlights.

When Nancy moved to Boise in the 1990's she re-honed her riding, first with an emphasis on eventing initially, but growing into a love of dressage over the years. Her teaching starts with a basis of knowledge of dressage, whether she teaches a dressage lesson or jumping lesson. Her knowledge in all three disciplines (hunter/jumper, eventing, dressage) allows for a well-rounded education for each student, with a preference in whatever discipline the student is most interested in!

Nancy was very active with the Idaho Dressage & Eventing Association, serving as President of the Les Bois Chapter-IDEA and President of the IDEA for many years. She has won numerous USDF, USEA and IDEA awards. She is a USDF Bronze medalist, working on her Silver medal with her 4th level dressage horse, "Saphyra", who she purchased as a yearling and personally started and trained.  CLICK HERE for a list of awards Nancy and her students have won since 2006. 

VIDEO: Nancy & Saphyra- 2016 Treasure Valley Classic, 3' Pre-Green Hunter Reserve Champion