Nicole Loochtan is the owner and trainer of Stone Creek Stables. She began riding at 8 years old in her home town of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, where she grew up competing on the local circuit. She stepped up to the “A” circuit with her horses, and began training with Ronnie Beard and Michael Dorman, who took her to Wellington to compete during the winter circuit.
Ronnie and Michael were a major influence during Nicole's junior riding career, focusing on the basics of the industry. Nicole acquired her first big show jumpers with them, Carla De Kalvarie Z and Quaterman, stepping up to the medium/highs and U25’s at Tryon, Hits Saugerties, Hits Thermal, Vegas and Del Mar.
Nicole began riding with Olympic Show Jumper Sharn Wordley in 2017, fine tuning her riding and horsemanship skills, learning the intricate details of the horse industry and grand prix level of the show jumping world. In 2019, Nicole purchased Stone Creek Stables in Lexington, Kentucky in preparation to launch her professional career. The facility is state-of-the-art, with a traditional center isle Kentucky barn, a custom made Wordley Martin arena and a professionally designed cross country course.
After a successful winter campaign in 2o20, Nicole officially turned professional. Nicole is very grateful to everyone who supported her over the past 15 years, as she worked diligently towards becoming a professional trainer. She looks forward to working with all levels of riders, horses and ponies - and will be offering clients training, lessons, show coaching and sales from her base in Kentucky.
