About

Nick is an FEI trainer and competitor with 20 years of experience and an emphasis on the classical system of dressage. He has competed on multiple horses through the lower and FEI levels, in young horse classes in both the United States and Germany, as well as in Elite Breeding Qualifiers in Muenster, Germany.

Recently, Nick had his training business in San Diego at Arroyo Del Mar, home to Olympian Steffen Peters and his wife Shannon. Prior to that, he was the head rider for Stefan Wolff, the acting director of the Westfälische Reit-und Fahrschule in Muenster, Germany. This is one of the leading training centers in Europe that preserve and promote classical dressage.

While in Europe, Nick gave clinics in both Germany and Norway. In Norway, the clinics were in collaboration with top judges and documented by the Norwegian Riding Federation. In Germany, the clinics introduced the training scale and presented sports psychology techniques.

In December of 2014, Nick moved back to the U.S. and opened his own training business while continuing to develop under the guidance of mentors including Olympic medalist, Guenter Seidel. Onoda Dressage is now operating out of Caldecott Stables, owned by Nick and Christy Onoda.

Here are some of Nick’s career highlights:

January 2019 -- Present

Purchased Caldecott Stables, where he now operates Onoda Dressage.

July 2014 -- 2018

Built Onoda Dressage and operated his training business in San Diego at Arroyo Del Mar, home to Olympian Steffen Peters and his wife Shannon Peters.

Was coached regularly by Olympian Guenter Seidel and was afforded the opportunity to assist in training a few of Guenter's horses.
Taught clinics across the West Coast, including regular clinics in Bend and Eugene Oregon.
Wrote articles for Flying Changes and Riding Magazine on the topic of the Biomechanics of Classical Riding.
Showed Demoiselle, a Hanoverian mare started by Nick, with winning scores at Second, Third, and Fourth Level. Demoiselle is now schooling the Prix St. George.
Had the pleasure of showing clients' horses from Training level to Intermediare 1.

January 2012 – July 2014

Head Rider for Stefan Wolff, the acting Director of the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule in Germany.

Demonstration rider for advanced judging seminars, and classical riding presentations, with Germany’s former Olympic Team Coach, Martin Plewa.

Rode in the televised Alte Meister Symposium, showcasing classical training of the young horse with guest speaker Heike Kemmer, two time Olympic gold medalist.

Started and rode a young Trakehner mare at the Elite Mare Selection Trials. The mare was accepted to the standings. This was one of many horses Nick trained that were brought to the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule by private owners who wanted a correct classical education for their horse.

Gave multiple clinics in Norway that were documented by their National Federation. Presented joint lectures with top judges on applying the “Training Scale” and Sports Psychology. These three day clinics typically had a half day academic portion followed by two days of riding clinics. Participating riders included judges and FEI riders.

Gave clinics in Germany introducing the training scale and its application and lectured at the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule on the topic of sports psychology and its benefits to training and competition.

January 2008 - January 2012

Head Rider for Stefan Wolff at Brookside Equestrian in Walnut, CA: the designated USEF West Coast training facility. This business was a successful sales and training business with over 25 horses in training.

Trained and started many horses and gained experience riding horses up to Grand Prix level.

Won at the Prix St. George Level and placed in the top seven at Championships for the Five Year Old Futurity

January 2003 - December 2007

Rider, Sales Representative and Technical Consultant for W Farms, W Sales International (Chino Hills, CA): Nick trained horses and competed at the FEI and lower levels with many High Point, Reserve Champion and first place wins.

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Built Onoda Dressage and operated his training business in San Diego at Arroyo Del Mar, home to Olympian Steffen Peters and his wife Shannon Peters​​.

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Was coached regularly by Olympian Guenter Seidel and was afforded the opportunity to assist in training a few of Guenter's horses.

Taught clinics across the West Coast, including regular clinics in Bend and Eugene Oregon.

Wrote articles for Flying Changes and Riding Magazine on the topic of the Biomechanics of Classical Riding.

Showed Demoiselle, a Hanoverian mare started by Nick, with winning scores at Second, Third, and Fourth Level. Demoiselle is now schooling the Prix St. George.

Had the pleasure of showing clients' horses from Training level to Intermediare 1.

Head Rider for Stefan Wolff, the acting Director of the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule in Germany.

Demonstration rider for advanced judging seminars, and classical riding presentations, with Germany’s former Olympic Team Coach, Martin Plewa.

Gave clinics in Germany introducing the training scale and its application and lectured at the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule on the topic of sports psychology and its benefits to training and competition.

Head Rider for Stefan Wolff at Brookside Equestrian in Walnut, CA: the designated USEF West Coast training facility. This business was a successful sales and training business with over 25 horses in training.

Trained and started many horses and gained experience riding horses up to Grand Prix level.

Won at the Prix St. George Level and placed in the top seven at Championships for the Five Year Old Futurity

Rider, Sales Representative and Technical Consultant for W Farms, W Sales International (Chino Hills, CA): Nick trained horses and competed at the FEI and lower levels with many High Point, Reserve Champion and first place wins.

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Built Onoda Dressage and operated his training business in San Diego at Arroyo Del Mar, home to Olympian Steffen Peters and his wife Shannon Peters.