Author - Nicky Hoseck

Nicky started falling off ponies when she was just six years old and is still doing it on a far too regular basis 40 years later. She’s so keen on falling off that her dream is to enter the Mongol Derby, where she would get the opportunity to fall off three different ponies a single day!

When she does manage to stay in the saddle, Nicky loves long-distance challenges and participates in extreme trails, complete with rock-climbing and river crossings, competitive trail rides, and endurance rides whenever possible. The rest of the time, she potters around the South African countryside on her fat pony, Sherlock, or her slightly less podgy Percheron-cross, Pandamonium.

Having grown up in the UK, Nicky competed in every possible discipline, from gymkhana to showjumping, but now focuses her energies on holistic horse care, using homemade, herbal treatments whenever appropriate, and continuously honing her abilities as a barefoot trimmer. One of her least favorite challenges is dealing with a horse with choke, although she does appreciate the impromptu shower on a hot summer’s day!

When she’s not tacking up or falling off, Nicky types like a demon, producing what she hopes are insightful and informative articles. With over 40 years’ experience, she may not be a horse rookie in the traditional sense, but like any self-respecting equestrian, she also recognizes you can never know enough. Every new piece of information is another tool in your horsey toolbox – and you can never have too many.

Nicky brings a unique perspective to Horse Rookie, having cared for horses in both the UK and South Africa, where the challenges are persistent and life-threatening. She hopes to share her wealth of experience with you, our readers, bringing valuable insights into horse welfare, equipment, and the best way to fall off a pony!