Nikki Christison
“I believe that being a true horseperson is not only about time in the saddle, but also about understanding the animals you work with and embracing the challenges that come with a true partnership. Partnering with a horse brings out the best of ourselves and inspires confidence, understanding, strength, patience, joy, and compassion. I want everyone who comes to ride to experience this.”
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Owner and Trainer
Nikki Christison has been riding and training horses for over 35 years in the U.S., Europe and South Africa. Over the years she has continued to work with multiple trainers in Northern and Southern California in hunters, jumpers and equitation. As a student at UC Davis, she was Equestrian Team Captain, Team Coach and Barn Manager at the UC Davis Equestrian Center, and she led the team to a number of national championships. She then moved on to work at Wild Rose Farms under Bubba Courtney, breaking and training young horses and successfully competing in the jumper division, where she earned NorCal and PCHA championship honors multiple times. Following her years in the jumper ring, she worked with Patty Ball at Hunterville, focusing on the equitation and medal divisions and placing in the top ten several years in a row in medal finals. She has continued her education through clinic participation with U.S. Chef d’Equipe George Morris, Olympic Course Designer Linda Allen, Karen Healey, Bernie Traurig, Jim Wofford, Richard Spooner, and Buck Brannaman. Nikki is also certified in adult education and development and applies her skills in helping riders learn in a positive and focused manner. Owning Five Oak Farms and training has allowed Nikki to pursue her passion for developing students of all levels as she believes riding is a sport that offers lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, no matter their goals.
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