Nicole Schoppe

Nicole Schoppe

This year’s Finals marks a full year since I started participating in the Cowboy Dressage Gatherings. A second generation horse trainer, I feel as if I was born on a horse. Over the past 20 years I have competed and traveled the U.S. and Europe, showing and training, and have been blessed with the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of equestrian disciplines throughout my riding career. My education to become a better horse woman will never end!

Training and coaching clients with gaited horses is my current focus and specialty.  At our 22-acre Grass Valley facility, Hidden Gait Ranch, my partner David Korn and I operate a Keystone Hoof Bridge Equine Rehab and retirement, specializing in rehabbing navicular, laminitis and foundered horses. Giving horses a second chance by restoring true soundness is one of the most rewarding things we do, and Cowboy Dressage gives many of my rehab horses the perfect new discipline to practice.

For the Top Hand Competition this year, I am riding a barefoot 12-year-old, 17.1 Hand Dutch Warmblood named Kio. He is a transplant from Show Jumping and truly enjoys his new life in the Cowboy Dressage World. We appreciate all the support and encouragement we have received from my new Cowboy Dressage Family, where love and kindness for the horse is a deeply held value. I look forward to seeing everyone at CDW Finals!