Testimonials
"Over the last 30 plus years I have worked with various 'dressage trainers' across the USA. While working with these trainers I have picked up tidbits of information. It was not until I started training with Nicole did I feel that I truly found a trainer that not only understands the biomechanics of training a dressage horse, but that she also has a 'feel' or understanding of how to communicate these movements to my horse in a calm and re-assuring manner while riding him. It is a joy to watch her ride him, he looks happy, balanced and forward the majority of the time. He is still developing the correct muscle tone for self-carriage, but it is like I now have a different horse and he is so much happier about being a 'dressage horse'. He is still developing his topline, but the last time I had his saddle re-balanced, and my saddle fitter, Suzie Fletcher-Baker, was really pleased at how well his muscle tone felt and the fact that he was now symmetrical across the withers. There used to be a 1/2 inch difference from the left side to the right side. In her words, Nicole and I were doing an excellent job of conditioning him and to keep it up. When I take my lessons with Nicole, I feel as though I can ask her anything and throughout the lesson she takes the time to provide corrections and explanations as to why she is instructing me to modify or change the way I was doing something. Typically, when I follow her instructions, I feel and see a difference right away in how my horse is moving. I finally feel like I can actually move up in the levels over this next year and get out of training level. Other people around the stable also comment on how well he is doing, they see a dramatic change as well. I highly recommend Nicole as a trainer to anyone that has a desire to increase their skills in the art of riding dressage and/or needs someone to train their dressage horse."
--Deb
"I fell in love with a 4-year-old 5-gaited Saddlebred mare named Jazzy in November of 2006. Despite her craziness and unhappiness, I could see her soft, kind eye. I made an offer and brought her to Tomora Training Center. I fought with her by myself for awhile and with another trainer, but it wasn't until we started training with Nicole in the first quarter of 2007 that things started to fall into place.
"Nicole took on this crazy, hot Saddlebred mare with an attitude and a penchant for racking - and me, an ex-hunter/jumper rider with lots of time out of the saddle and no dressage experience, and in just a little over 2 years , we are training second level movements. Jazzy is now happy and willing, loves her new job, and didn't lose her 'diva' personality in the process! I have also gained more confidence and knowledge than I ever thought possible.
"Nicole was willing to throw away the idea of a 'normal training progression' and think outside the box with Jazzy. Nicole didn't give up on my mare just because she was a challenge and wasn't the bred-for-dressage young Warmblood. She let Jazzy's progress dictate the order in which new exercises were introduced and wasn't afraid to try new things if something wasn't working. Lesson learned: Re-training is much, much harder than starting a fresh, uneducated horse correctly from the beginning!
"Nicole maintains her always-positive attitude when we aren't 'getting it' and, believe me, there are many days like that! We have had to overcome the fact that I’m an older rider without as much suppleness as a younger rider; and the fact that I'm learning at the same time Jazzy is learning - talk about a possible train wreck! It doesn't matter how well a trainer rides, if you're going to be taking lessons, you have to find someone who can teach - and who can teach to your level. Nicole is an excellent instructor who is always able to articulate her ideas with love and empathy for both horses and riders.
"She always puts the horse's well-being first and never tries to push either the horse or rider beyond their capabilities, and yet still challenges you to be the best you can be at any given point in the process. And she makes it FUN!
"Nicole is a highly-successful competitor, and is working on getting her judging certification, which makes her an invaluable asset to those who are showing or planning to show in the future. Yet, if you don't want to show, that's ok too! Nicole gives all of her students the same attention and focus whether you are taking several lessons a week and showing, or you're taking the occasional lesson just to improve your riding skills.
"The 'cherries on top' are the people and facilities that make up Tomora Training Center. You'll never find a more awesome group of 'horsey' people than those at Tomora and the facilities are top-notch."
-- Katie
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"I have been training with Nicole for about five months. I have learned more about riding techniques and have progressed in my abilities with my horse more in those few months than I have in my entire riding career through this point. Even though she is incredibly busy every day, she is never too busy to take the time to answer a question or give you guidance. Her insight into horses is truly remarkable. My thoroughbred was an eventer for many years but never seemed to enjoy dressage. I considered selling him as a jumper because he disliked dressage so much. Since I have begun riding with Nicole and have changed how I approach dressage, not only has his dressage improved tremendously, but he also truly enjoys it now. He loves it so much, he is now a full-time dressage horse! He is happier than he has ever been in the several years that I have owned him. Nicole’s approach to teaching is calm, encouraging, and positive accompanied by an impressive knowledge of the horse and rider. It is a pleasure to be one of her students."
--Kelsey
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"Nicole is so wise for her age. When you talk with her about your horse or dressage she always has a very educated answer. She knows more than most ever will. Nicole is inspiring, talented, and one of the most graceful riders one could ever have the privilege to watch!!!
"I feel so blessed to have become one of her students and a friend; she treats all her students with such kindness, respect, and patience.
"When I feel like I just am not ever going to ride correctly or get the movement correctly, she keeps me calm and relaxed. She has more faith than I do at times. If it were not for her I would have given up already.
"My children adore her; they think she is one of a kind. And for that you can only imagine how wonderful that is. She is an excellent role model as well. I have a very stubborn gelding and she just keeps him going. He was one of the biggest 'giraffe neck' horses one would ever see and Nicole got him to enjoy riding into the connection, lengthen his neck and round his back, he is currently schooling all 1 level test 4 movements as a 4 year old. I didn't ever think he would come around but with her as his trainer he moves gracefully and in harmony.
"Me and I family are so grateful for Nicole. She is a true inspiration and invaluable individual. She makes every horse she rides look like a million dollars, the horses just move beautifully when she rides them. She is one in a million!!!!!!"
-- Melissa
