YOUNG JUMPER PROFILE: NIKOLINA

Jason McArdle’s wife, Susan, with their newborn daughter, London, and Young Jumper, Nikolina (owned by Fairbanks Valley Farm, LLC)

 A veteran of developing equine prospects, Jason McArdle has earned six young jumper championships over the last decade. Bringing several horses along the path to success for Fairbanks Valley Farm, he specializes in recognizing talent, bringing them along through the age divisions, and then introducing them to national and international classes. 

The Blenheim Young Jumper divisions offer a great opprtunity to affordably compete these up-and-coming horses. A current #YoungJumperStar that McArdle has been working with is 6-year old bay Holsteiner mare, Nikolina, also owned by Fairbanks Valley Farm, LLC. 

In 2018, Nikolina stepped onto the California show circuit in the 5-year old Young Jumper division, which began her impressive #PathwayToSuccess. She earned second in last year’s 5-year old Young Jumper Championships, winning two of the three rounds. 

While McArdle is nurturing Nikolina’s talent this season, he will also help raise his newborn daughter, London, with wife Susan. London is their second child and younger sister to Evan, their 3-year old son. And together they own and run McArdle Equestrian.

Below, Jason shares his perspective on Nikolina and her future.

Jason McArdle and Nikolina
PC: Captured Moment Photography

What is Nikolina’s breeding? Where was she bred and who bred her?

6yr old Mare, by Nerrado x Chico’s Boy x Corofino I. She was born in Germany and her Breeder was ZG Friedrich/Meier. 

How long have you been riding her?

1 1/2 years.

If she were a celebrity, who would she be and why?

Chrissy Teigen, Because she’s sweet, beautiful and feisty

Would she rather eat or compete?

Compete

If she were a car, what would she be and why?

Porsche 911. She’s small, smooth, sporty and plenty of energy under the hood

What are her goals in life?

As far as she can go! 

We think this youngster is going places and wish them the best!