Nicole has been actively riding and showing for 25 years. She started riding and
showing Dressage and Jumpers in Germany. She successfully showed several
horses including her own to numerous championships in both Dressage and
Jumpers.
After moving to the United States in her teens, Nicole rode, showed and trained
Hunters and Jumpers in the Bay Area. In 1987 she went to England to get her
instructors license from the British Horse Society and did a brief stint riding cross-
country. After returning back to California and a short break, she started teaching
and training in the Bay Area.
Nicole specializes in horses with behavior issues. She has been successful with
rehabilitating, abused, neglected, and former track horses. All of these horses
have moved on to have successful careers in the show ring. She has also been
very successful in matching riders with a horse that suit their ability, personality
and budget. If you’re looking for a new partner, give us a call.
Nicole’s teaching focus is not just about riding techniques, but also about basic
and important horse care fundamentals which include proper grooming, and
horse care for all students.
Nicole's mission is to meet the riders' goal whether or not that entails
competition. She offers training programs individually tailored to best suit the
needs of the horse and rider. All levels of horses and riders, who are interested in
learning, are welcome. Programs range from individual lessons to full training.
Riders are taught with a combined focus on developing seat and position,
learning horse training skills, and increasing theoretical knowledge to optimize
their ability to most effectively ride and train their horse. The focus is to help riders
achieve their goals, whether that includes competing or not. Children and adults,
from the beginner to the experienced show rider, all are welcome.
We start all future riders, regardless of age, with a basic grooming/tacking
lesson. The second lesson moves to a lunge line to focus on correct seat,
balance and use of body before we move on to riding on your own. We find this
approach very helpful in overcoming any obstacles in regards to balance or fear.
Most lessons are one on one to ensure a consistent approach and adequate
instructor time.
