This week, I’m delighted to be chatting with professional dressage rider and trainer Nicola Baur. This very talented Austrian international is based at Stall Wetzlgut which is her own fabulous yard in the stunning thermal wellness area and ski resort, Bad Gastein in the Austrian alps where she trains and competes horses for owners and clients Read on to discover more about Nicola, her life and family, along with her hopes for the future as well as her top riding tips.
Tell us a little about you and your horses
Herbert and Nicola with two of their dogs
My name is Nicola Baur-Rona. I am a professional dressage rider, living with my husband Herbert Baur and our three dogs in the Austrian Alps near Salzburg where I have my own training stable for the last 5 years. I train and compete horses for clients.
How did horses come into your life?
I always loved animals especially horses and from baby on, whenever I saw a horse I needed to go there and cuddle it and wanted to ride it.
How long have you been riding?
Nicola loves stallions. This is Solitaire Gold a licensed Austrain warmblood stallion and another of her big future hopes
Since I was 4 years old.
When and where do you ride?
I have my own training stable where I school and train clients horses, so as it is my job/profession. I ride daily nine horses.
How did you start riding?
I started riding at the age of four at a local riding school. I did from vaulting, show jumping to cross country, everything. At the age of 14 I decided to focus on dressage only.
What you and your horses currently working on?
Nicola with Silenzio Gold who competed this year super successfully at Inter II level
As I train horses for clients I currently have from 4yo youngsters to GP horses at the stable. So mostly it is to train the horses up to the highest level and of course prepare them for competitions and shows and compete them.
What do you love about riding?
Verdi aka the Viking with whom Nicola is currently competing at GP level. Nicola says “Such a unique horse with the sweetest and funniest character”
I love being with horses. I believe they are such incredible beings and I love to build a partnership and connection with them. Sometimes I understand horses better than humans (Herbert excluded) And I love to take this partnership into sport. It is an incredible feeling when you are at a showground with a young horse for their first time and although everything is new and unknown they trust you and work with and for you.
What are your goals for the future ?
I just expanded my training stable so I would like to run it as it at the moment is successfully further, of course keep improving and developing. I have many, many goals from international competitions, championships etc. but the main goal is to do what I love and to keep getting better.
Five year old Petite Fleur this year at one of her shows. Nicola describes her as “The mare who changed my opinion about mares and who is one of my big future hopes. Already such a special horse”
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
I am a perfectionist, so preparation is everything for me and when I know that I am well prepared I am not nervous.
How do you deal with them?
Of course, I am like everyone at times excited, but I see it as a positive thing to keep me ‘sharp’ and attentive.
Nicola and Verdi in action at a competition
Your Top Tip
Always listen to your horse and trust your gut.
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
It is hard to answer as there are so many super horses out there. Actually, I hope that one (or more) of my youngsters in training turn into dream horses.
Who is your equestrian hero?
My trainer Severo Jurado Lopez.
Carl Hester & Ingrid Klimke (just to name a few)
If you could have five people to dinner who would they be?
Is this just Equestrians or generally speaking?
Equestrians: Monica Theodorescu, Ingrid Klimke, Carl Hester, Oliver Townend, Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz
Generally: Charles Cumming, Idris Elba, Virgil Abloh, Stella McCartney, Pat McGrath
Favourite colour horse?
I really do not have a favourite colour
Favourite horse event
Aachen, Hagen, London Olympia, Windsor Horseshow
Favourite food
Everything vegetable and green, sushi
Favourite way to relax
Reading in the bathtub
Favourite film
The name of the rose (very old but my all-time fav)
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Nicola you might like to view more chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Nicola’s progress and check out her instagram page here
