Born and raised in Oakland, California, Nicole’s upbringing was shaped by a blend of cultural influences, with roots that trace back to Louisiana on her grandmother's side and Texas on her grandfather's side.

 

From a young age, Nicole’s grandfather, a Texas native, introduced her to horses, sparking a lifelong love for the animals. Additionally, her mother recognized the therapeutic and empowering qualities of horseback riding and encouraged Nicole to use it as an outlet during her childhood. This combination of family support and her grandfather’s mentorship instilled in Nicole a deep passion for horses.

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With over 20 years of experience in horseback riding, showing, and horsemanship, Nicole’s deep connection with horses and passion for empowering young people have shaped her mission to use equine activities as a tool for personal growth and community development.

 

 Her experience as a competitive rider has equipped her with a unique perspective on the power of discipline, responsibility, and self-confidence that the equine world  (and life in general) fosters and she is committed to passing that knowledge along to the next generation.

 

Fulfilling her lifelong dream, Nicole founded  Youth Empowerment Through Horses, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-changing equine-assisted programs for youth.  Teaching young people the power of perseverance, responsibility, important life skills and the beauty of working in partnership with these incredible animals is invaluable.

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• Leadership and Vision

• Empathy and Communication

• Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Equine Expertise and Therapeutic Knowledge

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By empowering youth through horsemanship, Nicole Walton has created a legacy that blends personal growth, community building, and a lifelong love of horses. Her work is a testament to the belief that with the right guidance, the strength of horses, and the support of community, every young person can achieve greatness.