Ojai Valley School’s equestrian program recently received a big boost with the addition of Katrine Nielsen as the new Assistant Equestrian Director. A motivated trainer with a passion for developing young riders, Ms. Nielsen is excited to take the program to the next level.
“We are at the beginning of building something which is not often seen on the West Coast and to be a part of that is awesome,” said Ms. Nielsen.
Last year OVS began competing in the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) which was the beginning of OVS’s competitive riding team. This year, OVS will again compete in the IEA dressage and with the addition of Ms. Nielsen, there will also be a competitive Hunt Seat team as well.
Equestrian Director George Halkett had planned on hiring a Hunt Seat coach from the beginning and Ms. Nielsen struck him as the perfect person for the job.
“She has an amazing reputation,” Mr. Halkett said. “I wish we could have hired her sooner.”
There is a lot of work to be done before the teams can compete. Mrs. Nielsen is currently at the Upper Barn full time preparing for competition season. Her main object is to shape committed riders.
“Commitment,” Ms. Neilsen said. “Not just to our time in the saddle, but also to educate ourselves through observing others, watching ‘game time’ videos, attending clinics, and reading theory.”
Last year, it was Mr. Halkett’s job alone to manage both Upper and Lower Campus teams with the help of barn managers Alex Metz and Kaitlyn Winters. Now that Ms. Nielsen is a part of the program as a trainer, she can take some of the weight off their shoulders.
Mrs. Metz and Mrs. Winters will now be able to put their time into the Lower Barn, while Ms. Nielsen takes over varsity training alongside Mr. Halkett.
The ultimate goal would be to integrate more one-on-one lessons into the riding schedule, since it is important for riders and trainers to work one on one to work on specific weaknesses. Now that there is another trainer in the barn, the next thing is to make sure the riders are committed to the sport and the team as a whole.
“Commitment will result in consistency, and consistency will produce growth and results,” said Ms. Neilsen.
In her short time being at the school, she has already made a great impact on the riders. Freshman Devon Solberg is currently on the Hunt Seat team and training with Ms. Nielsen frequently. She has already felt a difference in her riding and is feeling confident about the upcoming competitions.
“She is a caring and supportive coach who really takes time to explain things and make sure we understand,” said Devon.
Overall OVS is lucky to have a trainer like Ms. Nielsen. She is sharp and committed and offers a lot of experience. She believes in her riders and wants to work towards a more disciplined and committed team.
“I am confident that our equestrian students have an interest level that will continue to make this a part of our reality as a program,” said Ms. Nielsen.
