I am Nicola Thorne (nee Gilbert), known as Nicki. I specialise in Endurance riding and also racing. I am very proud to be a member of the Team GB Endurance Senior Squad, I compete in Endurance up to FEI 4* level. My biggest ambition was to ride for Great Britain and I am honoured to have represented Great Britain successfully at European Championships and World Championships and to have participated in WEG 2018. My horses also race on the flat and have had great success internationally with horses such as Tidarbret (now retired to stud and available by AI).
I was lucky enough to have Akala as my first arabian, and hence the name Akala Arabians. Akala was a 16'2 chestnut mare, by St John and out of Aisha, sadly lost at the end of 2012 at the grand age of 29. Nobody could want for a better first horse, or the most wonderful introduction into the nature of the Arabian. Although occasionally feisty, she was a gentle loving mare, full of spirit and joie de vivre. She was the most excellent first Arab to have and gave me a life long passion for the breed. I don't think you can find a better natured breed of horse, or one that is more fun to have around. In terms of versatility and ability there is no other choice. Following on from Akala have been several wonderful horses - you can read all about them on their own pages, and also on my Blog.
So many of these horses have taught me such an awful lot and I decided to share my learnings with you, and in the hope that some of you may be struggling with your own horse will take heart from my learnings and adventures.
I hope you enjoy the site
Warmest wishes
Nicki