100 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Nicole Oliynyk, wife of noted trainer and rider David Oliynyk, has
achieved a great deal of her own success in the hunter ring. While
her job limits her riding to weekends, she still manages to excel.
Over the summer, the Massachusetts rider was champion and
reserve in the adult hunter division during the Lake Placid and I
Love New York Horse Shows, while also winning the horse shows’
Lora Schultz Award for outstanding performance in the hunter ring
combined with excellence in turnout and sportsmanship
.
Nicole began her riding career at the age of seven on the back
of a Shetland Pony named Gingersnap. When she began showing
at the Lake Placid shows in 2008, she said it quickly became one
of her favorite places to go. “You feel like you have finally escaped
life’s hectic pace and all of its demands and you get to enjoy a
vacation in a horse show atmosphere.” Sidelines caught up with
Nicole and asked her 10 questions:
1. When and how did you meet your husband David?
I met David in 1991 when I was working as a part-time groom
and braider during various summer show circuits. We started
dating in 1993 and married in 2002.
2. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
My husband David is my biggest influence because he is always
a gentlemen and a professional.
3. Do you have a favorite horse show experience or memory?
Actually, I have two favorite horse show memories, both at
Lake Placid. One was when I was not riding, but grooming at Lake
Placid. While I was out grazing a horse I got to meet and have my
photo taken with some gentlemen from a bobsled crew. The other
is from this year in Lake Placid when I was honored to receive the
Lora Schultz Award.
4. What was it like winning the Lora Schultz Award?
The Lora Schultz Award was a great surprise and I was so
honored to be the recipient of an award established in the memory
of such a courageous and influential individual.
5. How often do you ride?
I only get to ride two to three times per week. I have a new job
in Cambridge so it is hard to get to the barn at a reasonable hour.
Consequently, I primarily ride only on weekends. When I can, I
take time off prior to competitions to try to get in a few extra days
of practice.
6. What is your favorite thing to do when you ride?
I enjoy jumping of course, but otherwise I enjoy walking the
property letting Walker eat various tidbits of vegetation that we
come across.
7. What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to ski and I enjoy golfing (as long as David is with me).
8. What are your goals in life and as a rider?
At some point I would like to compete in the amateur owner
(3’6”) division.
9. What do you consider to be your biggest riding
accomplishment?
Winning the 2010 WCHR 3’3” Amateur Owner Challenge at
Capital Challenge.
10. Tell us about your horse Sea Walker.
Sea Walker is a 13-year-old Canadian Thoroughbred by
(multiple graded stakes winner) Marlin and Out of Shop. He had
nine starts in his race career and finished on the board three times
in his three-year-old campaign, though never better than second.
He has been very successful for me in the hunter divisions and I
am grateful to have him.
Weekend Warrior & Champion
e
Nicole and Sea Walker celebrate a championship at Lake Placid.
Photo by The Book LLC 2013
Nicole and Sea Walker competing at the Winter Equestrian
Festival.
Photo by Anne Gittins Photography
Nicole won the Lora Schultz Award for outstanding performance
in the hunter ring combined with excellence in turnout and
sportsmanship while competing at Lake Placid.
Photo by The Book LLC 2013
