Nicole Prows Dressage

Biography

Nicole first started riding when she was 9, taking English riding lessons that included flat work and small jumps.  She rode school horses for the first 4 years until her parents bought her first horse, an off-the-track thoroughbred named Company.  Company was 5 years old and very green - not an ideal children’s horse but he ended up being a great teacher.  He taught Nicole to have a good seat and quiet hands.

Originally Nicole wanted to do eventing, but after a few events she realized her favorite part was the dressage work.  So she switched her focus to dressage.  “I love the intricacy and the perfection required by dressage” says Nicole.  
 
Nicole is an FEI rider, training multiple horses to FEI and showing them through the levels as well. Nicole's own horse, a Trakehner called Bellissimo, was imported from Denmark as a 4 1/2 year old. He had been under saddle for only about six months when Nicole imported him. She has progressed Bellissimo's training and showing through the levels. In 2008, at the age of 9, Bellissimo is showing Prix St. Georges and is preparing for the Grand Prix.

Nicole shows as a way of proving that the training is on-track and correct.  She hopes to ride on the international team in the not-too-distant future.

An all-around well-rounded person, Nicole has earned a B.S in Business Management with a concentration in finance, from CSU Stanislaus.  She is not resting on her laurels and is currently 3/4 through an MBA program.  

Nicole's Training

Finding someone to help stay on track with one's goals can be difficult. Nicole was lucky enough to find Major Miguel Tavora. Miguel, a protege of Nuno Oliveira, has trainined many FEI horses and riders. In addition to his breadth of experience and his riding ability, Miguel is an excellent teacher. Miguel uses gymnastic exercises and the training pyramid to strengthen and supple the horses. Stronger, more supple horses have better quality gaits and progress readily though the levels. Nicole has found this approach to work with all of the horses she trains.