Nicknames |
Nikki (torontosun.com, 12 Oct 2018) |
Hero / Idol |
US tennis player Serena Williams. (olympic.ca, 01 Jan 2019) |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"There are highs and lows and you have to persevere. It is not for the faint-hearted. A lot of the downs are going to make you a better rider in the end. So never give up and persevere, you have to get gritty a bit." (redscarfequestrian.ca, 19 Jul 2019) |
Famous relatives |
Her grandfather Frank Stronach owns the Magna Racino equestrian complex in Austria. Her mother Belinda Stronach has served as a member of parliament in Canada and was voted one of the world's most influential people by Time magazine in 2004. Her brother Frank Walker Jr. is a renowned musician and DJ. (wienerzeitung.at, 14 Sep 2019; belindastronach.com, 05 Feb 2015; horse-canada.com, 13 Dec 2012) |
Ambitions |
To compete at the Olympic Games. (redscarfequestrian.ca, 19 Jul 2019) |
Other information |
EUROPE TRAINING
She spends the summer months in Europe, working with Irish coach Cian O'Connor. "When I am in North America and Cian is in Europe, we send each other videos and exercises over WhatsApp. Being on my own has allowed me to develop a deeper bond with my horses. Without someone training me every day, I am able to listen to my horses, think about all the principles I have learned and further trust myself as a rider. However, having Cian and the Adena Springs team management and support of my programme has been vital." (theyoungsters-auction.com, 01 Jan 2023; Cian O'Connor Facebook page, 03 Apr 2022; horse-canada.com, 03 Mar 2019, 01 Feb 2018)
OCCUPATION
She has worked at her family's Stronach Group business, which owns horse racing tracks in North America and associated betting technology. "I love the family business and it's nice that each family member can pull their own weight. We are a family of horse lovers that's for sure." (glimpseguides.com, 03 Jun 2021; horse-canada.com, 01 Sep 2018; caledonequestrianpark.com, 25 Sep 2016; belindastronach.com, 04 Feb 2015)
OTHER ROLE
She has served as a board member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a US-based non-profit organisation that ensures racehorses lead a healthy existence once they have finished competing. "I am proud to be a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board member. I have seen firsthand the great work the organisation does to protect and care for Thoroughbred horses after their racing careers have ended. Being a small part of caring for these incredible animals is indeed my privilege." (glimpseguides.com, 03 Jun 2021; Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Facebook page, 23 Jan 2017) |