Nicole began riding in 2008 in her home state of Colorado, where she was introduced to the show world through the hunter/jumper and equitation rings. Her focus quickly shifted to three-day eventing, and by 2010, she was fully immersed in the sport—with a growing passion for dressage and a desire to understand it more deeply.
In 2012, Nicole competed in her first USEA-recognized event on a horse she developed herself, under the guidance of her trainer. This experience sparked her lifelong love for bringing along green horses and retrains, a journey she began under the mentorship of professional horsemen and women. Around this same time, she started teaching lessons informally, discovering a natural passion for helping others learn.
After completing a three-year working student position with a USEA bronze medalist, Nicole began teaching professionally in 2019 at a riding school for eventing. She has taught in a variety of programs across multiple disciplines, but her primary focus remains eventing. Her long-term dream is to develop a horse to the international level, though she is equally passionate about bringing along young horses and riders at the introductory levels.
Nicole believes that horses offer a lifetime of learning, and she is committed to her own continuing education as both a rider and instructor. She currently rides in a program with a Level IV ECP-certified trainer and actively studies modern and classical training theories. Some of her recent educational experiences include:
2022 ECP Symposium in Ocala, Florida
2023 ECP Jumping Workshop in Wellington
Multiple biomechanics and classical dressage symposiums with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann
Ongoing mentorship with a Meredith Manor–trained instructor following the principles of Reiner Klimke
Nicole is currently working toward her dual ARIA certifications in dressage and eventing, with plans to complete them in 2025. She is also in the process of pursuing her Level I ECP (Eventing Coaches Program) through the United States Eventing Association.
She holds an active U.S. Center for SafeSport certification, affirming her commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all students.
In 2021, Nicole joined the board of the Mountain States Eventing Association – Central Colorado Chapter (MSEA-CCC), where she assists in organizing local Area IX events and supports the growth of eventing in her region.
