Peak's Nikki Larson Nominated for Riding Award

Posted By Les Conklin on Feb 28, 2016

The Peak is proud to announce that Nicole (Nikki) Larson has been nominated for Junior English Rider of the Year. Nikki, a student at Cactus Shadows High School, helps manage The Peak’s social media presence. Below is an excerpt from her interview that was part of the competition.

1.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments in the 2015 show season for you?

There are so many highlights and successful moments it is hard to share them all. Every day I am able to be involved with the Arabian horse and the community is a gift. 2015 was a monumental year for me, I met a very special horse that only had one eye and many people wondered how a horse could compete at the national level with one eye, but when I got on this horses back it was an instant bond. We competed across the West Coast going reserve in Region 7 and on to several 1st places and then Unanimous Region 1 Champion. We went on to Youth Nationals and in the first class we got the gate, we didn’t know why and the pressure was so high; yet I trusted my one eyed wonder. The highlight of my career was riding him to his first National Championship in the largest division at Youth Nationals – HA Country English Pleasure JTR 14-18. This is a moment I will never forgot, I am beyond proud of him.

2.) Who has been your biggest influence in the Arabian breed in getting you to where you are today?

There are so many trainers, friends and other exhibitors that have touched my life it would be hard to list them all. Jon Ramsay and Jessica Bein have been inspirational to me since the day we met, they both give limitlessly and never asks for anything but hard work in return. Volunteering within the various groups also puts a smile on my face and provides a big influence to me, it is humbling when I see those that are just beginning getting excited about being with horses.

3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?

Determined, caring, fearless and outgoing. One who loves her horses deeply and considers them her best friends.

4.) Name one show ring quirk you have:

I lost one of my beloved horses, so I always carry his forelock in my pocket for good luck.

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