Nicholas Fyffe
Photo by Annan Hepner
By Annan Hepner
Nicholas Fyffe, an Australian citizen, is an international Grand Prix dressage rider based year-round in Wellington, Florida. Nicholas and his partner, Olympian David Marcus, operate Marcus Fyffe Dressage as a training business for youth, amateurs and professional dressage riders. As a teenager, he was an advanced gymnast before moving to the equestrian world as an international three-day eventer who then chose to focus solely on dressage. He has represented his home country of Australia in four consecutive Nations Cup teams in Wellington and he contributed to the Australian team’s gold medal at the 2007 Tri Nations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nicholas has qualified multiple horses for the World Young Horse Championships and has trained many horses through the levels to Grand Prix.
What are a few significant concepts you instill in your students?
I emphasize the importance of a good warm-up, how to be fair to the horse in your training, and the correct use of the reins.
Favorite item to buy at a tack store?
I like riding boots a lot!
What’s one of the most overlooked aspects of training?
How riders use their bodies to influence the horse
What was the best gift you ever received?
I was given a Shetland Pony when I was 3 and that changed the course of my entire life.
What do you miss most about Australia?
The people! I have a lot of family and friends there, and the culture is laid back. It’s a very nice lifestyle there and I wish I could visit more often.
What horse would you die to ride once?
Valegro. Why not? Or Totilas in his prime.
What do you think is the cutest thing on Earth?
French bulldog puppies, for sure
What’s your fitness routine like?
I like to go to the gym to lift weights, stretch and do yoga.
What’s your favorite TV show of all time?
“Absolutely Fabulous” … I love British comedy.
What’s your favorite book?
I love the series The Clan of the Cave Bear.
If you could choose another career, what would you be?
I like journalism, so I’d be involved with writing.
What’s your best way to decompress?
I love sitting by the beach relaxing, doing very little.
How are you feeling about life right now?
I’m really excited about the merging of my business with David’s to create Marcus Fyffe Dressage. We had a great season and we’re looking forward to even bigger things.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
When I was 17, I left home to be a working student for the Australian national coach. I moved 10 hours away from my family and I’d never lived by myself before, so I had a big learning curve.
What’s your favorite saddle?
Trilogy Saddles. I ride Fiero HGF in the Debbie McDonald and most other horses in the Amadeo.
What’s the best aspect about being a dressage trainer?
I work with horses every day!
What’s one talent you wish you had?
A better sense of direction. It’s terrible and I really suffered at cross-country during my eventing days.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Shorten your reins.
What’s the best feeling in the world?
When everything goes according to plan
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Doing what I am doing but 10 years wiser!
What one item in your wardrobe best personifies you?
I’m not sure but my belt always matches my shoes.
What’s your favorite trait in a person?
Honesty
What’s the last book you read?
Sick in the Head: Conversations about Life and Comedy by Judd Apatow
