Kris Nicola and Belle (ME)
Team #1045: Kris Nicola and Belle
From: Carmel, Maine
Ages 77 & 24
Combined Age: 101
Test: Introductory Level Test C
At just four years old, Kris Nicola received her first pony as a Christmas surprise - waiting inside under the Christmas tree! That unforgettable gift began a lifelong love of horses that evolved into decades of riding, driving, training, and teaching.
For 37 years, Kris taught middle school math and science while training horses, operating a boarding stable, and teaching riding lessons. An incredibly knowledgeable horsewoman, she has dedicated her life to developing both horses and riders, passing on a lifetime of knowledge while setting an example of conscientious, safe, and practical horsemanship.
Retirement from the classroom showed Kris she never really had time to be a schoolteacher in the first place! She continues to ride and train multiple horses each day while operating her boarding facility. Whether caring for horses or putting in hay, she’s still running circles around the teenagers when there’s work to be done.
Kris’s Century Club ride was made even more special by partnering with her great-granddaughter’s horse, Belle, a remarkable 24-year-old Quarter Horse with an impressive and diverse career. Belle has competed in eventing, barrel racing, working cattle, and countless other disciplines before adding this prestigious dressage test to her list of accomplishments.
Together, they celebrated the Century Club ride, honoring a lifetime devoted to horses and the lasting connections they create. Through her willingness to teach, mentor, and lend a helping hand, Kris has left an enduring mark on Maine’s equestrian community that will continue to be felt for generations to come.
