Canadian international Grand Prix dressage rider and chemistry professor Nicole Babich-Morin began competing at international level at the age of thirteen in the FEI pony division. She then went on to represent her country at young rider level. Following the young riders, Nicole competed in the U25 and open Grand Prix with great success including obtaining the USDF gold medal. More recently Nicole has been developing her main horse Fiderflash through the levels. Last year they had their first CDI season together at small tour and were able to fulfill all the qualifying requirements for the Pan-American games. Additionally Nicole was awarded leading small tour athlete by Equestrian Canada. In addition to riding, this talented lady is also licensed dressage coach and judge.
Tell us about you
Nicole and Fiderflash at the Ottawa Dressage Festival. image courtesy of Daphne Houle.
I started competing internationally in the FEI pony division at the age of fourteen. I represented Canada at the NAJYRC three times earning team gold in 2012. After my last season of young riders, I moved up to the U25 Grand Prix and later showed in the open Grand Prix. In 2023 I declared for the Pan American games and met all the qualification requirements with my horse Fiderflash. Recently I have become a certified coach and licenced dressage judge. In addition to riding, I am a chemistry professor at a college.
My horses: My current show partner is Fiderflash, a 14-year-old Hanoverian by Fidertanz. I have had him since he was a foal and have developed him to the small tour level. He is always energetic and loves going to horse shows. My other horse is named Fenrys, a 5 year old Hanoverian by Fabregas. He has the personality of a big puppy. Both horses came from the same breeder and have the same dam, Dakota by Diamond Hit.
How did horses come into your life?
Nicole and Fiderflash strutting their stuff image courtesy of Daphne Houle
Horses have been in my life since birth. My parents have a barn and got me my first pony at the age of one and a half. Growing up we had a large riding school so there were always many ponies to ride. I did the hunters and dressage for several years but in my mid-teens decided dressage was the root for me.
When and where do you ride?
I ride five days a week at my family’s stable Equestran near Montreal.
Who do you train with?
I have been training with Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu for the past six years. In the summer I try to take a lesson every week or two. I usually stay in Montreal for the winter but in 2023 I went to Florida to train with her for three months.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
Fiderflash is currently learning piaffe and passage so that we can hopefully move up to medium tour. Since Fenrys is only turning five this summer we are just taking our time building a partnership under saddle.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My parents, my friends and family, and my coach Brittany.
What do you love about riding?
My favourite thing is being able to build a bond with your horse. They really become part of the family.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
In the future I hope to have my horses showing Grand Prix.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes, dealing with nerves is an ongoing part of riding. Showing can be stressful, especially in the larger environments or in a crowded warm-up ring.
How do you deal with them?
I try not to put myself in a situation that I don’t feel prepared for. Having someone on the ground that you can talk to while you ride can also be a big help.
Do you have any rituals before competing?
I always put seven braids in the mane.
Your Top Tip
Work with a coach who is positive.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Compete against yourself to improve and don’t worry about what others are doing.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Valegro
Who is your equestrian hero?
Charlotte Dujardin
If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?
Probably friends and family, if I invited anyone famous, I would get starstruck and not know what to say.
Favourite colour horse?
Dark bay with a blaze.
Favourite horse event?
Ottawa Dressage Festival
Favourite food?
Chocolate!
Favourite way to relax?
Reading
Favourite film?
I don’t have a favourite but I’m a fan of superhero movies.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Nicole you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here . You can keep up with Nicole’s progress and check out her instagram page here