Nicole Vanatta

Discipline Dressage

How long have you been riding 45 years

How many horses do you own / train Currently training one mare – elementary/medium level. Home bred, second generation: Danique (Danciano x Furst Love).Only recently retired my FEI mare: Hollingrove Saffron (owned in partnership with Bruce and Debbie Williams of Hollingrove Stud) Saffie will be joining my 27 year old retired FEI mare, Ashleigh Rubianne (owned in partnership with Judy Gronn) when I can bare to wean her off her stable.  We are very excited to welcome 2 year old Hollingrove Topaz (Total Diamond x For Romance) who will be joining the team early 2026, owned in partnership with Bruce and Debbie Williams of Hollingrove Stud. Topaz will be a very sentimental addition to our family, being out of Saffie’s half-sister, Hollingrove Flirt. Topaz has already impressed a panel of international judges, being recognised as a 2024 Gold Medal Foal (HHSA).

Greatest achievement So many amazing opportunities and achievements with being a part of the equestrian community.

From my early days in Pony Club, representing the East Gippsland Zone at State Level in Grade 1 Dressage and earning the  PCAV A Certificate. 

Having trained four horses (as an AOR) now to FEI, all from breakers, including one from to Grand Prix (the beautiful Czarina Nikita), all of our competition horses have a special place in my dressage journey. Most recently, Hollingrove Saffron has definitely given me the ride of my life with consistent performances at Medium Level, gaining us a place on the Victorian High Performance Squad and earning a National Gold Medal. 

In addition to competition success, training our girls (yes, I’ve only had mares since my very first gelding pony) with the most amazing coaches over the years are my favourite memories. Martina Hannover, Harry Bolt, Princess Nathalie, Roger East, Janina Kletke, Spencer Wilton, Lone Joergensen and now Jayden Brown.

Your goals To continue improving my own riding with Dani and then Topaz. Forming new special relationships that bring out the best in each partnership in the dressage arena. To strengthen my understanding of, and ability to, meet the needs of both our horses and myself as athletes using a wholistic approach to support our training, with nutrition being the foundation from which the rest is built.

Riding Grand Prix again is of course the ultimate goal!