About Craig
Craig was born in Palmerston North and raised in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Craig's introduction to horses was as a nine-year old when he was charged from behind by his elder sister's horse Jonty, bitten in the back and run over! Jonty would have been back for more had it not been for the quick actions of Craig's father.
Rather than take the hint and steer clear of horses Craig decided that he would like to learn to ride and so at the age of ten he was given the 13.2hh dun 'Little Chief' and enjoyed much success with him through Pony Club.
At the age of fourteen Craig spent the school holidays hunting in Ashurst, New Zealand and it was this experience that set him on the eventing path.
Craig was a squad member of the Bay of Plenty Eventing Team for six years and progressed rapidly through the grades of Senior eventing competing in his first Advanced event at the age of seventeen on Shardik, a horse that Craig had trained from Novice level.
Right: Craig on Roman Justice representing New Zealand at Narracoorte, Australia
Craig has been a member of the New Zealand team competing in Asia and Australia and in 2004 had won the National Advanced Championships and taken 2nd place in the World Cup Qualifier at Kihikihi which gave him a place in the World Cup Final in Pau, France.
Unfortunately a tendon injury to his horse Bush Ranger prevented him from competing at the final but Craig chose this time to relocate to the UK in order to compete on the British and European Circuit
Left: Craig & Bush Ranger en-route to 2nd Place at the Kihikihi World Cup Qualifier & a place in the World Cup Final 2004.
Craig's current Advanced horse Just Ironic is the half-brother to Bushranger. He was imported to the UK in the Spring of 2006 and progressed swiftly from Pre-Novice to CCI**** level.
Just Ironic has competed at key British Three-Star events this season culminating with a clear cross country round inside the time at Burghley 4*
Right: Craig & Just Ironic competing in the World Cup Qualifier at Chatsworth 2008
Join Craig Nicolai Eventing
Why not try becoming an owner of anything from a youngster to a 4* International horse and experience the excitement of following and watching your horse's career. To discuss the different levels of ownership and involvement, contact us for an informal initial discussion.
If you are already an owner and would like Craig to compete your horse please contact us to discuss your requirements further.
