Nicki Charbonneau

Nicki Charbonneau

USEF “r” Dressage Judge, Instructor, Trainer

USDF Dressage & Freestyle Silver & Bronze Medalist, USPC Graduate ‘HA’

Nicki has been a dedicated instructor and trainer at Miari Stables since 2004. She began her riding career at the early age of 4. She advanced through 4-H in western, english, and driving, and Pony Club. She competed through Prelim until she eventually specialized in dressage. Her journey with Kari McClain and Miari Stables began in 1992, first taking lessons and then spending years as a working student. This later led her to move to Olympia and attend college while she pursued her riding goals. In addition to her equestrian endeavors, she earned her master’s in teaching in 2004 and has spent over twenty years as an elementary school educator. Nicki has a deep love of teaching and education and aspires to develop the same passion in her students and others. This dual path equips her with a unique ability to connect with students, communicate clearly, articulate concepts, and adapt her teaching style to each unique partnership. This specialized background has made her a trusted instructor for riders of all ages and levels.

Her lifelong experience in both three-day eventing and dressage is grounded in the foundations of the Training Pyramid and correct rider biomechanics. Nicki primarily teaches dressage lessons and does enjoy teaching groundwork, starting young horses, rider biomechanic lunge lessons, and lower level jump lessons. Her instruction is tailored to support each horse and rider with clarity and compassion as they progress together. Additionally, Nicki has worked closely with Celeste Leilani-Lazaris, founder of the Balance Through Movement Method. She integrates this biomechanical and postural approach into her training, with a strong emphasis on understanding the horse’s nervous system and soundness through anatomical balance. 

Nicki’s instruction is deeply influenced by her daily life as an educator and the belief in the energetic interconnectedness of all beings and nature. As a certified Usui Holy Fire Reiki Master and animal communicator, Nicki honors horses as sentient partners. She incorporates nervous system awareness, mental imagery, breathwork, and intuition into her teaching. These practices allow her to foster harmony, deeper connections, and understanding between the horse and human partnership. 

Nicki holds USDF Bronze and Silver medals and is halfway to her Gold medal. She is a licensed USEF ‘r’ Dressage Judge and enjoys officiating at schooling shows, recognized dressage shows, and three-day events. Her own riding continues to evolve through work with Kari McClain and participation in clinics with top professionals such as Lilo Fore, Karen Pavicic, Scott Hassler, Janet Foy, Charlotte Dujardin, Steffen Peters, Debbie McDonald, and others. Whether you’re aiming to compete or simply seeking a deeply meaningful connection with your horse, Nicki offers a thoughtful, intuitive, and professional approach to training.  One of her favorite quotes is– “Follow the horse and you will find heaven in every step.” – Nashan Cook

Please feel free to contact Nicki for lessons directly athowienrc@yahoo.com

Nicki’s Equine Accomplishments

• USEF ‘r’ Dressage Judge
• Awarded USDF Silver & Bronze Medals (all on self-trained horses)
• Recipient of USDF Silver & Bronze Freestyle Bars
• Winner of numerous USDF All-Breeds & Rider Achievement Awards from Training through FEI levels
• Recipient of numerous USDF Regional Championships placings and wins Training Level through I-1
• 2001 North American Young Rider’s National Championships Team member
• United States Pony Club Graduate “H-A”
• Three-Day Event placings through Preliminary Level
• Students successfully earned Bronze and Silver Medal Awards, and USDF and Three-Day Event Year End Awards
• Students successfully placing at USDF Region 6 Dressage and USEA Area VII Event Championships
• Numerous Pony Club students rated through HA and B certifications, both Dressage specialty and Traditional ratings