124 SIDELINES APRIL 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
opinions without the political ramifications of riding with two
people.”
They also come from two completely different riding
backgrounds. Darrin came into riding later in life started his
career with eventing. Nick has been riding since he was six
years old and much of his style comes from his work with Sandy
Phillips, ex-wife of Capt. Mark Phillips.
Their yin and yang style has already deeply benefited the
Aiken community. Nick and Darren have attracted many area
riders such as Aileen Daly of Xanadu Dressage, as well as
riders from other disciplines looking to build a better foundation.
To name a few, Nick and Darren have helped incorporate more
dressage into the riding and training of show jumper Daniel
Geitner, hunter/jumper and veterinarian Sarah Thompson, DVM
and combined driver and equestrian construction consultant
Shane Doyle.
“There’s been a great demand coming our way from the
eventers, hunters and jumpers. It has been so rewarding
because of the transformation. It is so clear and profound when
you start putting these horses into balance and you see how it
carries into their discipline of choice,” Nick said.
Sarah can attest to that. “I have a much better feel of what I
need to do in between fences, adding adjustability to my ride
and it has greatly helped my upper body and balance,” she
said.
Shane says that the duo has really helped him pursue the
upper levels of combined driving. “I’m also a rider myself, but
I know my limitations. At the end of the day, if you’re going
to compete in the upper levels, you have to have the support
of having a really good rider school your horse. There’s no
substitution for that.”
Both Shane and Sarah also enjoy Nick and Darren for
their friendly personalities and eagerness to build lasting
By Dani Moritz
Last year, Sidelines Magazine did a story on dressage duo
Nick Bertelli and Darren Taplin. At the time, they had recently
moved from Sunny California to South Carolina with the help
of Mike Rubin, owner of Fox Hollow Equestrian Development,
and Justine Wilson, a client. The two have enjoyed a warm
welcome and have brought talent (and lots of personality!) to
Aiken. The two dressage riders are now busy helping riders
from other disciplines build a solid dressage foundation.
Nick Bertelli and Darren Taplin are best described as yin and
yang. They are two very different people, but somehow come
together in a partnership that offers expertise and a friendly
connection for equestrians looking for dressage instruction.
Their goal is to help riders build a solid dressage foundation.
“In so many ways, we are polar opposites,” Nick explained.
“I’m tall, he’s short. He likes to really think about things. I like to
jump into them headfirst. But, it creates balance. People enjoy
having access to two trainers. The quality and the focus is the
same, however how you get there is different and, for them
[their clients], it gives them the ability to have two eyes, two
Nick (kneeling) and Darren at Nationals with friends and clients,
including Aileen Daly, top right.
Photo courtesy of Aileen Daly
Building A Solid Dressage Foundation
e
South Carolina
Nick showing off his style in the dressage ring.
Photo by Sally Hitchcock
