Equestrian sports can’t be reduced to technique or competitive results alone. They begin with an understanding between rider and horse—a relationship built day by day through patience, respect, and trust.
Nicole Kukalova is only ten years old, but riding has already become a defining part of her life. Behind every training session are early mornings, daily hard work, the support of her family, and a genuine love for animals. In this conversation, Nicole talks about her first encounter with horses, the nerves she feels before competing, the lessons the sport has taught her, and her dream of one day representing Ukraine on the international stage.
They say you never forget your first encounter with a horse. What was your first moment in the saddle like? Did trust come naturally, or was it something you had to build step by step?
I really wanted to learn how to ride. When my mom took me to a riding school, they weren’t sure they could accept me at first because I was only five years old. I was a little nervous in the beginning because the horse seemed so big. But after my very first lesson, I realized that horses are incredibly kind and intelligent. With every lesson, I began to trust them more and more, and they began to trust me, too. I’m ten now, and I can’t imagine my life without horses.
In equestrian sports, people often say that a horse reflects the rider’s emotional state. When you feel nervous before a competition, how does your horse’s behavior change, and what helps the two of you regain that complete sense of trust?
I’m always a little nervous before a competition. I try to calm myself down, take a deep breath, stroke my horse’s neck, and talk to him. I feel like he can tell when I become calmer, and then we work together as one team.
The arena leaves little room for distraction, and a horse immediately senses a rider’s mood. What lesson in patience, responsibility, or self-control has equestrian sports taught you the hard way?
I’ve learned not to give up, even when something doesn’t work out. If you make a mistake, you shouldn’t get discouraged—you need to keep training and work even harder. Riding has taught me to be patient and responsible. After all, falling is an inevitable part of the journey toward success.
Behind every young rider is a family. What do your parents do for you that spectators in the stands may never realize?
My parents support me so much. They take me to training sessions and competitions, help me take care of my equipment, always believe in me, and support me even when I don’t win. That means a lot to me.
In equestrian sports, not every competition ends in victory. Which has taught you more: a major success or a competition that made you want to work even harder afterward?
I think you learn the most from competitions where not everything goes as planned. Those are the ones that make you want to train even harder so you can do better next time. I still have a lot to learn. In this sport, taking part and gaining experience matter just as much as winning.
After training, experienced riders devote just as much attention to caring for their horses. Which moments after training are as important to you as the time you spend in the saddle, and when did you first realize that you and your horse had become a true team?
After training, I love petting my horse, grooming him, and giving him a treat. The best feeling is when he recognizes me and comes over to me on his own. That’s when I know there’s a real friendship between us.
The best stories are born between rides, away from the podium. What moment will always remain one of your warmest memories?
What I love most are the quiet moments in the stable, when I can simply spend time with my horse. Once, after training, he rested his head on my shoulder. I’ll never forget that moment.
What kind of rider do you dream of becoming five years from now? And is there one dream you want more than anything to achieve together with your horse?
I dream of becoming a strong and confident rider, competing at major international events, and representing my country. My biggest dream is to keep growing together with my horse, enjoy every competition, and never lose my love for this sport.
