Client Reviews
“I truly cannot say enough about Ward Equine. Ward Equine has created an incredibly positive and supportive environment to learn, grow, and be coached in. Nikala Ward brings an exceptional level of attention to detail, along with genuine care and respect for each horse.
I came to her with a horse that required a complete restart and a change in discipline from western pleasure to hunter’s, and through her thoughtful training approach and dedication, we’ve been able to achieve milestones I once thought were out of reach. I am so grateful to say we’ve accomplished a successful discipline change and reached goals that simply would not have been possible in another program.
Her commitment to both horse and rider truly sets her apart, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of her program!”
— M. Fleming
“Working with Nikala has been a total game changer for me, for my horse and for my riding. I am an adult beginner/novice who decided to take up riding in retirement and when I first met Nikala I was really lacking confidence and struggling to progress. I’d had a couple of setbacks and was stuck. She took the time to really understand what I wanted to do with my riding and what was holding me back both physically and emotionally and then she patiently started working with me one step at a time. When it was time to start to look for the right partner Nikala was key to the whole process. She was there to navigate every step - from the first visit, to the PPE, the purchase process and moving my girl to Canadiana. Once we settled my horse, Nikala began working with her so that she could provide the best program for us. She invested many hours with my horse schooling and training her so that both of us were set up for success. Nikala is an exceptional instructor able to tailor her approach for every rider and it goes beyond teaching technical skills - she invests so much of herself supporting her students, their wellbeing and that of their horses. And Nikala’s program isn’t just about being in the saddle. She takes amazing care of her client’s horses and provides a complete service for their (and the riders!) health and wellbeing. She has really helped me to understand what is going on with my horse and provides great advice on how I can support her. I can honestly say that Nikala is making a dream come true for me!”
— A. Butler
“I have known Nikala for about 17 years. We rode together for many years. Then happened to move to the same city years after we met. I watched Nikala grow in her horse knowledge in so many different areas and it was outstanding to witness. She built her business from the ground up through hard work, dedication, and determination. But at the heart of it was the way she communicated with her clients, her colleagues and especially the horses under her care. When the time came to return to riding after a 10 year break I thought of no one else to help me find the right horse, then to work with me and that horse until we became a team. Nikala always puts the horse first and the sport second. She will give her honest opinion even if it isn’t the best business decision for her. You can trust Nikala to find you a great match and then help you build an amazing equine partnership.”
— T. Murschell
“I can’t recommend Nikala Ward as a riding instructor highly enough. Her patience, knowledge and genuine passion for teaching shine through in every lesson. She has a remarkable ability of making riders of all levels, feel comfortable and confident, well also pushing us to improve in a supportive and encouraging way. The sky is the limit, whether that be reaching a goal of showing or just learning a new skill, she is always there to help. Safety is always a top priority, she takes the time to ensure both rider and horse are well prepared and well matched. Thanks to the guidance of Nikala, I’ve seen significant improvement in my riding skills and overall confidence in the saddle. It’s clear she truly cares about both her students and the horses in her program.”
— K. Neven
“I can’t say enough great things about Nikala Ward and the Ward Equine program! It provides a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment to learn and grow. When I began training with Nikala about four years ago, I had very little experience in horsemanship. Throughout the process, she was consistently patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable.
Thanks to her guidance, I’ve made significant progress in my riding and even went on to purchase my own horse with her support. She made the entire process straightforward and was there for me every step of the way.
I highly recommend Nikala Ward and the Ward Equine program to anyone looking to develop their skills and confidence in horsemanship.”
— C. Herzlinger
“I am a middle-aged "re-rider" and have had the privilege of working with Nikala for more than five years. She is an excellent coach and mentor with a vast knowledge of all things equine. She helped me find and purchase a horse that is a perfect fit for me at this stage of my life. Nikala goes above and beyond to make sure all of her client's horses receive top notch care, tailored to each horse's individual needs. She has been a patient and resourceful trainer who makes me feel 100% comfortable among the more experienced riders at our barn. I highly recommend her for all levels, from beginners who just want to enjoy their horses to experienced riders who want to excel in the show ring!”
— K. Middleton
“As a coach Nikala consistently thinks holistically; she considers all aspects of the human horse relationship in helping her riders improve not only their skills and confidence but also their knowledge as horse people. She is a true horsewoman and advocates for the horse always. A part of her program that I have found much solace in is that she prioritizes proper vet and nutritional care for all the horses in her program. It is not just about producing skillful riders and equine athletes in her program, there is also a heavy emphasis on physical and mental health of both her riders and horses.
She has found and supported my purchases of 2 horses over the years and I have been so grateful for her ability to find these horses that have matched so well for me. She brought along a 3yo that I fell in love with and bought somewhat impulsively several years ago. Her skill in installing a solid foundation for the mare was paramount in allowing me to sell the mare a few years later as a very well produced jr hunter prospect. I now have a lovely gelding that was a “diamond in the rough” find by Nikala. Her ability to see the potential in a prospect and then help her riders (both through coaching and horse health management) turn a prospect into the horse of their dreams is a true gift. Through her guidance with my gelding he has transformed into a horse of a lifetime for me and I will eternally be grateful for all the wisdom she has provided us with in our journey. As an adult ammy (who has been a competitive rider for 30 years) who’s current goal is to find a balance between occasionally competing and primarily having fun and enjoying time at the barn and in the saddle I would recommend Nikala’s program to anyone who wants to improve their skill in a thoughtful way while also enjoying their time working with her both in and out of the saddle.”
— E. Beringer
“As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the experience my child has had with Nikala Ward. From day one, she created such a positive, encouraging, and safe environment that helped my child grow not only as a rider, but also in confidence and responsibility.
Nikala’s patience and ability to connect with young riders is truly special. What makes her truly exceptional is the balance she brings between discipline, encouragement, and genuine care for her students.
She takes the time to explain instructions/techniques clearly, celebrate progress, and make every lesson enjoyable.
Beyond riding instruction, Nikala has also been an incredible mentor to my child as a work student. She has gone above and beyond to help guide our daughter toward future opportunities in the equestrian industry, teaching responsibility, professionalism, horse care, and the work ethic required to pursue a career involving horses. Having someone invest that kind of time, knowledge, and encouragement into my child’s future has meant so much to our family.
We are incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated instructor and would highly recommend her to any parent looking for a supportive and talented riding coach.”
— M. Neven
"Nikala Ward changed my life. Her approach to whole-horse wellness, her genuine desire to support her riders through every up and down, and her kind, ethical approach to solving "problem" horses has entirely re-shifted my view on the equine world.
Nikala's program is not just about being successful under saddle, but she unceasingly emphasizes the highest standards of horse welfare. In an equestrian world where sometimes the sport comes first and the horse comes second, Nikala's equine-first approach is a breath of fresh air. Her patience, kindness, and devotion has entirely shifted my mindset when it comes to horses, and I am so grateful.
Her ability to match horses and riders is unmatched. She helped me find a mare who challenges me in all the right ways, while also giving me endless opportunities for frolicking and fun. She didn't just match me with a horse to ride, she matched me with a life partner who has become my best friend, confidant, and heart horse.
If you strive for making horses a steady part of your life in a way that will help you grow as a person and a rider, Nikala is the coach for you. If you value ethics, welfare, and FUN, Nikala is the coach for you!
I don't think I would still be riding horses if I didn't have Nikala by my side as my coach. She has fundamentally altered my relationship with horses, and my life, for the better."— N. McCusker