In The Beginning...
Nicola started riding, when she was 5 years old, at a local stableyard, in Benoni. She would look forward to her hourly lessons at Pat's Paddock every Saturday morning. Her dedication began, from this early age, with many falls and tears. When she was 14 she shared a horse, 'Foxy', with her sister, Katie. 'Foxy' is still here, today. Training shows is where Nicola learned the basics. She became a THS graded member, when she was 15, and rode it to JE level.
The Formation of Perrywood Stables
In the early days, Nicola taught after school at a local stableyard, where she formed a strong friendship with Nicky Perry. The two established a business called Perrywood Stables. Nicky was responsible for the stables & horses, and Nicola for the riding-tuition and schooling of horses. This lasted for 6 years until Nicky & Graham Perry sold their property. It was then time for Nicola to move on and look for her own premises.
Sunny Park Stables Is Born
Nicola took the decision, after many sleepless nights, to buy the plot that would become Sunny Park Stables, in 2003. This almost derelict piece of ground has developed into a thriving business, housing 60 stables. The yard was named after a special horse called Sun Topic, Sunny for short.
Nicola is upgrading her property on a daily basis. Sunny Park has already hosted 3 in-house night shows which have proved popular. We foresee these shows becoming a regular thing.
Riding Career And Family
The turning point, in Nicola's riding career, was when she joined Gonda Betrix. Nicola was 19 years old. Her competitive horse at that time, was a Namibian warmblood, "Bodenhausen Torra Bay". Then, along came "Blade", known as Sharp Colt. This partnership was formed when 'Blade' was 4 years old. He was a very frisky, novice E grade horse. The pair won The National Grade at "The Presidents Cup in 2005, The Indoor Grand Prix of South Africa, at Equestria, in the Dome, in Dec 2006, and, more recently, the "The Presidents Cup" at International level, in March 2007 & 2008. World Cup Qualifier in PE in 2008. Nicola was one of 5 riders who qualified to ride in the World Equestrian Games, in Aachen, in 2005. She was part of the team at "D" Grade at Nasrec and an FEI team member at "C" Grade level. Unfortunately the partnership came to a sad end when Blade died February 16th 2009. He broke his leg in the paddock. What a sad day! |
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