Having grown up in a family with strong ties to the thoroughbred racing industry who own the successful breeding and training operation Adena Springs, it was no surprise that horses would become an integral part of her life. (Her grandfather is Frank Stronach, her mother is Belinda Stronach, and her father is Don Walker, Magna’s CEO).
Over the last ten years, Nikki has ridden a variety of horses and spent countless hours in the saddle. The hard work, perseverance and dedication has more than paid off. She has developed an unmistakeable smooth and effortless riding style that has made her almost unbeatable in the equitation ring and one of the most competitive junior jumper riders on the Ontario circuit.
Nikki’s earliest riding memories were as a four-year-old going for pony rides at her family’s farm. It was love at first ride and she was instantly hooked. By the age of seven she was taking riding lessons at Cornerstone Farms, and by 11 she began her show career in the short stirrup division. She soon graduated to the regular pony rings where she found great success with her medium pony, Goldmine, and large pony, Hint of Blue.