Niksta Horse and Rider Training

14/02/2026

Ride under the stars at NikSta’s! Pm for info on arena hire.

13/01/2026

A better late than never post.
Sunday “NikSta Zestineblitz” had her debut at the New Year show by Show Horse Council of SA
I don’t do hacking very much so it was very fun getting her all made up for the event. The new atmosphere and some neighbouring cattle did get to the unseasoned bean resulting on not such a beautiful relaxed horse in the ring as opposed to how she was in the warm up, but with that being only one of the many shows to come for this upcoming season, I’m sure she will get a lot more climatized to the whole ordeal.

We ended up with
3rd 🥉in the led hunter over 15h class

2nd 🥈in the new comer hunter hack over 15h

Over all I was very pleased and proud of her, to think I bred, broke and trained this beautiful little mare thats really coming into something now.
Thanks for the ride Bean.

Thank you to my coach Angela Donaldson
Thank you for all of my family and friends who helped me for the preparation of this event.
Congratulations to all other competitors and thank you to Show Horse Council, the judges and everyone involved for such a wonderful and welcoming show.

24/10/2025

Huge price drops on all services! Check it out now!

22/11/2024

This Christmas, give your loved ones the gift of a riding lesson. Gift vouchers can be purchased.
Please get in touch to learn more.🎄

20/10/2024

SOLD
“Lexi” aka NikSta Dream. It has been a genuine pleasure to produce Lexi, making her departure bittersweet. I am confident she will excel with her new owner and I eagerly await news of her accomplishments. ❤️‍🩹💔

06/07/2024

"NikSta Dream" is a kind 4yo warmblood mare. Colour: Liver chestnut, 3 white socks and a blaze. Height 15hh (unofficial) Quality breeding: Danson Dreamaker/ Byalee Bride. NikSta Dream is a very level headed mare, broken in and goes beautifully under saddle with her basic ridden training. She has undergone NikSta H & R signature ground training. She can also jump 45cm and is ready for her new home that will take her through the levels of any Olympic discipline or showing. I foresee her making a wonderful all rounder. She is a very willing partner and is easy to do everything with and perfect on outing’s. For serious buyers only. Pm for more information. To the best of homes only. POA. &RiderTraining

17/06/2024

12/06/2024

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak

19/05/2024

3rd place 🥉 in the EVA80 with my superstar horse AEA Mimi! What an awesome weekend it was. Thanks so much to the land owners and organisers of Naracoorte HT. Thank you to the great commentator, I feel like he deserves a mention, so clear and easy to understand. I have no idea how he hasn’t lost his voice doing two shows in two weekends. Thanks to the sponsor of my class turns out that was the brand of bridle Mimi was wearing this weekend. Thanks to all the judges and officials and volunteers and everyone else that enables this great show to run. Finally congratulations to all fellow exhibitors.

14/05/2024