LESSON & TRAINING REVIEWS
"Nicole is absolutely amazing to work with! Nicole did an amazing job with our thoroughbred mare that we had in training with her. She has also helped our daughter grow and develop in her dressage riding. Nicole has been a huge asset to have in our corner. Nicole has an amazing sales horse program and we are blessed to also be a proud owner of one of her sale horses! I highly recommend Nicole to anyone looking to do dressage lessons, or if you are looking to sell or purchase a horse! Nicole is very straight forward and honest you know exactly what she expects of you as your trainer and she is straight forward about her sale horses!"
- Brandy Wentling -
Nicole is an exceptional horse trainer whose depth of knowledge in classical dressage and equine biomechanics truly sets her apart. Her understanding of correct movement, balance, and progressive development is evident in every lesson. She doesn’t just teach exercises — she explains the why behind them, making sure her students understand the purpose and long-term benefit for the horse. What makes Nicole especially remarkable is her patience and attentiveness. She answers every question thoroughly and thoughtfully, never rushing the learning process. She listens to both horse and rider, and adjusts her approach accordingly. That level of individualized attention is rare. My horse has kissing spine, which requires careful, educated rehabilitation. Nicole has demonstrated outstanding competence in guiding him through therapy, addressing not only his physical development but also his mental well-being. She understands that horses recovering from pain need thoughtful, systematic rebuilding of strength and confidence. Under her instruction, my horse has made progress in his body and his mind, and his future is brighter than it has ever been. Nicole consistently goes above and beyond expectations. She does not take shortcuts, and she does not apply cookie-cutter solutions. She operates outside the norm in the best possible way — with integrity, precision, and a genuine commitment to the horse’s long-term soundness and the rider’s growth. I recommend her without hesitation and with full confidence.
- Jennifer Quinn -
Nicole is incredible at what she does! After a rough start in the horse world we stumbled upon her and she has taken our daughters from knowing nothing (and probably what they did know was incorrect) to knowing the how’s and the whys to riding, horses, their body, and so much more. She has incredible patience, but also won’t sugar coat things. Which we love. My daughters have grown tremendously underneath her and have begun to thrive in the competitive ring. We look forward to continuing to work with her!
- Danna Campos -
"Nicole's training focus is to develop and enhance my horse's abilities vs. focusing on his inabilities and weaknesses. She incorporates classical gymnastic training exercises to build his strength, increase his flexibility, and improve self-carriage. She always puts the horse first, and her training sessions are very positive and encouraging and she keeps each mini lesson within the overall session short and fun. When teaching me, she is also very encouraging and confidence building and patient! She focuses on biomechanics of riding, helping me to use and position my body better so my center of gravity and balance are in sync with my horse's and helps me be more aware of how I might be blocking my horse in ways I never realized. I highly recommend Nicole. She is a rare find in the dressage world as both a trainer and instructor!"
- Susan Ward -
I found Nicole after the trainer I'd been working with said they "weren't brave enough" to ride my horse. He's an 18+hh draft rescue; history unknown. I'd been doing a fair amount of groundwork with him, but despite having a saddle on him, hadn't yet ridden. Nicole stepped in and tailored what she was doing to his needs and personality. Her consistency and patience were exactly what he needed to blossom. He is now a confident horse; well trained to voice cues. We had a lot of laughs about what her first ride on him would be like, but the work she did with him prior to riding set him up for success under saddle. As for Nicole, I greatly appreciated her directness, sense of humor, and always putting the horse first.
- Lauri Bowen -
I have nothing but positive things to say about Nicole. I’d been looking for a while for an instructor to really tear apart and help me rebuild my position. I look forward to lessons and love that each week has a succession from the previous. In our initial
Evaluation she quickly pinpointed long term issues that I’d been having and I already feel more balanced after just a few lessons!
Thank you Nicole!
- Kelsey James -
I love how patient Nicole is and has a variety of training methods to be able to help her clients both equine and human. she's able to give you a solid foundation not only for Dressage but for other disciplines as well. I highly recommend her.
- Gina Heaney -
Double Dutch Dressage is an amazing instructor. Nobody has ever really been able to help me overcome my seat issues and explain cues and function of movement like Nicole has. I’m learning so much about healthy biomechanics, developing a better seat and aids and just all around improving as a rider thanks to Nicole. She uses lots of different unique tools tailored to each rider to better help you. If you want to take lessons with the coolest instructor in town, hit her up
- Abigail Knutson -
She is brave and patient which are two qualities I absolutely need in a trailer. My horse is a challenge and she was up for it, giving me great advice and tips on how I will be able to handle him better and help him understand me better in the future. I’m glad she had him for a month!
- Lady Daniel -
I cannot say enough good things about Nicole. If I had infinite income I would pay for her to be with me every single ride. I know it sounds dramatic but I’ve taken lessons for 30 years and she’s the first instructor I’ve had that has helped me actually move my body correctly. I’m forever sold on the Franklin method. Nicole is quick minded, explains things clearly and in a way that gives you something to work with. Instead of saying, it’s a feeling, she guides you to identifying what that mystical feeling actually is. I can’t wait to see where my riding is at in 6 months. Thank you for moving down to Santa Barbara!
- Susan Sod -
Nicole is an amazing coach! She helps me work through every moment, good or bad, with confidence and positivity. She shares her knowledge easily and is able to clearly describe what the rider should be feeling and doing in the lessons. I highly recommend Nicole for lessons and horse training!
- Elizabeth Bardell -
I turned my young very green Fresian mare over to Nicole and in a few rides, using gentle but firm training, she gave me back a different horse.
Learning dressage after 40 years of western trail riding is a huge challenge to my aging body. Nicole‘s help with my mare makes it much easier to concentrate on training “me”…and she excels at that too. With each lesson, she is able to tune in to what the horse and the rider need to work on most. (Somehow making it fun instead of work.)
I value her skill and knowledge, and I look forward to every lesson!
- Marie Daniels-
While the bad luck saga with my own horses continue on, I am SO lucky to be able to take lessons and ride this amazing horse of Nicole’s, Monte. It’s been years since I have taken regular Dressage lessons and it feels great to ride a guy who can show me things instead of the other way around. Nicole, you have been a true blessing in my life up here and Monte you truly are such an amazing horse who I have an ear to ear grin on every time I sit in the saddle with you. Nicole is also a proud instructor of the Franklin Method and also has students in the Santa Barbara area she teaches.
- Sarah Britton-
I have had the pleasure of working for Nicole on a variety of design projects and she has been so great to work with! Nicole is very encouraging and is very supportive of other small business owners. I have also watched multiple lessons and she is very innovative, always trying something new. The use of equibands will level up your riding and Nicole knows how to get the most out of the tools she introduces
- Gretchen Silva-
Nicole is excellent! As an instructor she is encouraging and helps her clients to grow. Nicole is incredibly responsive to her clients and will meet them at their skills levels/goals. She is very knowledgable and able to work with a variety of horses. Her training expertise is impressive. Nicole has explained things to me in a way I am able to understand. She is kind and always lots of fun. I can not recommend her highly enough!
- Sarah Marshman-
I did not have any experience at all working with horses or mules and I recently purchased my first mule, who is only one year old. I reached out to Nicki and scheduled lessons right away. Nicki is a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. She is very encouraging and is able to tailor lessons specifically to the needs of her clients. I am so happy to have found such a wonderful trainer and I highly recommend her services. I look forward to working with Nicki long-term as we take my mule from ground work to riding, as she gets older.
- Destiny Godby-
Nicki is patient, encouraging, and extremely knowledgeable!
- Kristy Boblet-
I love working with Nicole! In my experience, you don’t find many horse trainers that have such an in-depth understanding of the horse really from the inside out. Everything from diet, balance, hoof care, exercise, tack, fit, and everything in between. Nicole is very professional, but also such a fun person to be around! Her love for people, and her horses is so genuine and so contagious. I couldn’t recommend her more when it comes to training! I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few horses that she’s had in training. It’s not hard to see that they respect her, and they love what they do because of her. She lets the horse be a horse, but she doesn’t spare any expense when it comes to their care or their training!
- Hayley Barkley-
I cannot say enough good things about Nicole! After a short time in lessons my daughter has gone from a confused passive rider to an active participant in her lessons and in communicating much better with her challenging veteran horse. She is being taught in a kind, positive and proficient manner which is allowing her to achieve a new confidence. We have gone from tears and crushed dreams to smiles and ribbons. What a difference!!
- Robin Weick-
We have been doing lessons with Nicole for a few years now and she has been wonderful to work with. Nicole is kind and encouraging instructor and really works with you right where you're at in your riding! I cannot recommend her enough!
- Sharon Uhder-
Nicole came to my rescue when i was struggling with my riding while having a new horse, my trainer of choice was out of my area and I didn’t currently have a trailer.
I have a life long experience with English riding and I instantly knew that her instructions and directions were really accurate and ‘by the book’.
One of my main issues I’ve been struggling with is my change of seat… as I’ve got older, I’m not as strong, my flexibility and posture has changed. Nikki used various creative methods like props, use of balls, resistance bands to help me regain my muscle memory. It was fantastic and very quick positive results.
I currently have a lesson once a week and have her do a training ride on my horse once a week. Her training rides are great, she understood my horse very quickly, she is a firm rider but so kind and is always quick to reward him when he has done well.
I can trust her for good advice and anytime help. She cares about her clients and their progress and I can’t wait to see what our future holds. I would trust her with my horse anytime!
- Rosie Rupley-
Nicole is a great communicator and takes her time explaining why a training method works or doesn't work with a horse. She is gentle with them but firm when necessary. She is guiding me with training tips We are making great progress.
- Donna Scheit-
Nicole is exactly what I needed and have been looking for since moving to Spokane. I wanted to learn more what it means to ride dressage. Nicole is patient and doesn't make you feel like a failure. When you ride her horses you can immediately tell they were trained with a kind understanding hand. I really appreciate that Nicole does not use gimmicks to put a horse into frame she helps you learn how to mold and shape yourself so that the horse follows. This is exactly the type of lesson program I've been looking for!
- Leiran Wonderly-
Coming back to riding after several years off can be pretty intimidating but Nicole will make you feel right at home. She does an excellent job and teaching her students both the "how" and the "why" behind what you're learning. Between listening to Nicole and being partnered with her exceptional schooling horse, Katniss, you wont believe how much you can learn in an hour!
- Michelle Key-
Nicole makes you feel comfortable and confident. Every lesson I leave learning something new and a huge smile on my face. She is absolutely wonderful.
- Lora Line-
I am a beginner rider and first time horse owner. I chose during a global pandemic to take the plunge and buy a horse; realizing a long time dream and to have an outlet from a stressful job.
Through circumstances beyond my control, after only having my horse for 4 months, I found myself in a position where I had to move barns and find a new trainer. It was disappointing and daunting. In addition to the already steep learning curve for a beginner rider and first time owner, I was struggling really hard to develop a relationship with my Hancock mare.
I'm so thankful that the series of unfortunate events brought me to Nicole's door almost a year ago. We met and I was able to tell her my story and what my goals were. While Nicole could easily fill her schedule with advanced riders, she was willing to work with me.
From the very first lesson, I knew I was in the right place. I love Nicole's laid back training style. Since I'm in this for fun, I didn't want it to be stressful or high pressure. I didn't want to be yelled at or talked down to. I didn't want barn drama. What I love about Nicole is that she doesn't just stand there and bark orders; she educates and explains things in a way that's easily understood, and actually takes the time to ask me questions about my ride, what I feel as I'm doing things, and in a very casual way tests me on what I've retained. Trying to verbalize things back was difficult at first, but I appreciated that she cared to ask and it was also another means of solidifying information I was learning and helping me to retain it better too.
I also appreciate that nothing was off the table and she'd work on whatever things I wanted to work on or come up with ideas to assist with issues I was having in addition to learning how to ride. We even had lessons on loading and bathing! She was willing to trailer out to have lessons on trails or obstacles so I could become a more confident trail rider. She is very dedicated to helping me grow, realize goals, and is just a big support.
Nicole's clinics are fun and provide invaluable information. Even during the group lecture she finds a way to relate the information specifically to you and your horse and in a fun way with group input.
Lastly, even though I haven't been able to train with her since the end of summer, Nicole has continued to maintain contact with me. She periodically checks in with me to see how things are going and asks how the horses are doing (I actually bought a 2nd horse from Nicole in June). She's always willing to answer questions I have. This past fall, I decided rather than continue to board I wanted to find horse property of my own so I can have my horses with me, and she has been so supportive and helpful in this endeavor. I truly believe that I have been blessed with a life-long teacher and friend.
- Erin Dyer-
The term “Horse Trainer” is used and abused by many, but this moniker couldn’t reflect a more deserving title for the woman that has devoted her life to understanding horses and their riders.
Three out of four “trainers” told me my 6-year-old gelding was, “a terrible horse,” “too dangerous for me,” and to “get rid of him,” but I knew he was just misunderstood and had not been given a fair chance to learn. Then Nicole entered the picture and she “listened” to my horse. He responded to Nicole immediately as she encouraged his strengths, tempered his weaknesses and she did it all with patience, kindness, and her indefatigable resolve to earn respect from the horse without harsh methods or bits.
Not only does Nicole have a firm grasp of each horse she trains, but she is also able to communicate the needs of the horse to the rider so they each can appreciate the other and enjoy the ride.
After only two months under Nicole’s tutelage, I was able to ride that dangerous and terrible horse thanks to Nicole’s extensive equine knowledge and experience. Nicole truly has a gift she willingly shares with clients and their horses. My horse and I are together and thriving because of her professionalism and dedication to her craft and her clients.
- Lynn White -
Excellent training experience for both rider and horse. I saw improvement in just a few lessons and very much look forward to my time with Nicole. She has been my coach for 4 years now.
- Lacrecia Hill -
Ranch raised, but having experienced both the dressage world and the Ray Hunt style cowboy training I was always jealous of the things dressage horses can do, and yet pitied their mental state, ground manners etc. When looking for a dressage trainer to help me take my teaching and riding to the next level I expected to have to privately sort through some disagreements and protect my very sensitive horse from some "Just push her through it!" mentality. I started with an ISO for a trainer willing to help me while my horse was in a bosal and western saddle. I received some expected public backlash and was delighted to receive a kind private message from Nicole that she would help us, no matter our tack. When I first met Nicole I was pleased to see her helping the student adjust the horse's balance without nagging his face. This was promising! The first time I hosted Nicole a friend's mule was having trouble and she went over to help on the ground. I thought "Oh boy, here we go....." and was never so delighted to be wrong in my life. She was soft, effective, kind, and quiet. No whip whip or strong aids, no lack of feel, just trying to force him to not be afraid, it was GOOD! She's been exceedingly kind to my plethora of theory questions as I bridge the gap between worlds (why is there even a gap? We are all on the same team right!) and we both continually come back to "Balance is the answer." I'm incredibly excited to have Nicole as a mentor to me in my personal journey to ride dressage in a spade bit and western saddle (correctly!) and as a fellow lover of horses to collaborate how to help horses in all disciplines move more effectively in their respective jobs.
