ABOUT NIKKI BAROSO

Nikki Baroso is a professional equestrian trainer specializing in hunter, jumper, and dressage. Her business, ‘Nikki Baroso Equestrian’ is located at Ke’e Road Stables in Makawao, Hawaii.        

Education:

After high school, Nikki competed, worked and studied in Europe for four years. During her time abroad she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Equestrian Sport Science from Hartpury University in England. The Degree specialized in topics that provide her with a comprehensive understanding of how to care for and train horses. This included subjects such as equine nutrition, training and fitness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, rider fitness, equitation, and sport psychology. This degree sets her apart from most professional riders and coaches, diversifying her knowledge beyond stable management and training.              

Vision:  

Nikki’s vision in moving home is to share the knowledge she learned in England and encourage the Maui Equestrian community to grow and improve. Many local equestrians have not had parallel experiences and educational exposure to Nikki, and her hope is that she can improve the general knowledge of horse care and create an environment that fosters higher level riding achievements. Nikki Baroso Equestrian is Nikki’s first step in materializing her vision.           

Competitive experience: 

Nikki also broadened her riding knowledge and competitive experience during her time in the UK. She spent time training young dressage horses to compete alongside high caliber riders such as Charlotte Dujardin at the British National Championships. Nikki also worked at a Horse Race Stables where she trained and exercised thoroughbred race horses for steeplechase and took horses to the races, familiarizing her with how to teach young horses and ex-racers. Her competitive achievements include qualifying as one of only three riders to represent England in the European Student Championship, and winning herself third place nationally on an ‘off the track’ thoroughbred she re-trained for Dressage. Another highlight in her competition history was Nikki’s first ever 3-day event, where she won with the best dressage score among many high level riders.

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Before moving back to Hawaii, Nikki was working for Austin O'Connor, an Eventer for the Irish Olympic Eventing Team who participated in three Olympics. She rode and trained his horses, clients' horses, and managed his barn. She gained eventing experience under his guidance and traveled with him as his groom keeping his horses prepped and ready for competition.

Riding story:

Nikki was born and raised in Maui where she began riding at the age of five. She participated in many local competitions as a child, winning a plethora of ribbons and awards. Nikki began riding Western in addition to English in high school, competing in High School Rodeo and in the State Finals where she qualified for Nationals. Her English style high school achievements include qualifying for and competing in the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show in Palm Beach Florida. Additionally, she spent time in California training Dressage at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.