Our team…
Meet Niki
After years of riding around the globe with her select group of horses, Nicolette Hirt, along with her dedicated team, opened the doors of Chatwood in the hopes of building a strong name for themselves matching the right horses and riders while also training students in the sport. Originally from Alamo, California, Nicolette’s lifelong passion for horses began in Western Pleasure before she transitioned to hunter/jumpers at age 12. This foundation eventually led her to Europe in 2016, where she trained with esteemed professionals and gained invaluable experience both in and out of the saddle while competing at National and FEI levels across Europe.
Nicolette’s career highlights include top placings at prestigious events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Longines Deauville Classic, and multiple Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifiers. Competing up to the CSI5* level, she has achieved standout results. As she continues to climb the international ranks, Nicolette is dedicated to developing her talented string of horses and pursuing her goal of representing the United States in team competitions, all while fostering successful horse-and-rider partnerships through Chatwood.
Meet David
David has been an integral part of Chatwood since February 2022, serving as Niki’s coach. In this role, he collaborates closely with Niki and her team of horses, playing a key role in sourcing, riding, and training as needed to support their success.
Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, David’s equestrian journey began in his youth, competing with ponies and juniors in Ireland. In 2008, he joined the prestigious Army Equitation School, where he spent a decade riding at the highest levels of the sport, including Nations Cup and 5-star competitions.
In 2018, David relocated to the United States to further his career, working with accomplished professionals Richie Moloney for 18 months and David Blake for three years. In 2020, he shifted his focus from competing to concentrate on training and sales, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to this side of the sport.
David’s deep knowledge of the industry and commitment to developing horses and riders make him a valuable leader at Chatwood, guiding the team to new heights. David operates his own training business - DPGP Training - focusing on coaching elite athletes to their highest successes.
Meet Sarah
Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Sarah has been with Chatwood since June 2022. As a stay-at-home barn manager, she ensures smooth operations at the barn, keeping the horses at home fit and ready while others head to shows.
Sarah’s journey into the horse world began at age 13 when a family friend introduced her to riding. Her passion grew as she progressed to show jumping, competing across Ireland with her beloved 14.2 show jumping pony. After completing horse college in Ireland, Sarah moved to the U.S. at 22 to pursue her equestrian career.
Her extensive experience includes managing and showing client horses at a farm in Princeton, NJ, followed by five years running the breeding and breaking program for Irish vet Dr. Brendan Furlong. She later became his vet technician for another five years before joining the Chatwood team. Sarah's dedication and wealth of experience make her an invaluable part of the team
Meet Lottie
Hailing from Suffolk, England, Lottie has been an integral part of the Chatwood team for the past two years as an FEI show groom. In this role, she handles a wide array of responsibilities, traveling to shows and ensuring top-notch care and preparation for the horses.
Her equestrian journey began at the age of 9 at a local riding school, where a deep passion for horses quickly took root. Working in exchange for lessons, she spent weekends and evenings honing their skills. This dedication led to a position with Mark Dorgan in England, where Lottie groomed and showed young horses.
Encouraged by friends, Lottie moved to the United States, joining renowned teams such as Vanessa Mannix and Conor Swail for four years, Catherine Pasmore for three years across Europe and America, and Leslie Howard for a year. Now at Chatwood, Lottie brings a wealth of international experience and a lifelong commitment to equine excellence.
Meet Florence
Florence joined Chatwood in September 2023 and has quickly become a vital member of the team. Originally from England, she assists primarily at national shows and steps in for FEI competitions when needed, while also managing day-to-day tasks at the barn.
Despite having limited prior experience in the horse world—her background was in carpentry—Florence has embraced the equestrian lifestyle thanks to her sister Lottie and the guidance of the Chatwood team, who have taught her everything she knows. Her dedication and adaptability make her an invaluable part of the Chatwood family.
Meet Adela
Adela joined Chatwood in September as the assistant trainer for Chatwood Miami, where her time is split between the vibrant equestrian hubs of Wellington and Miami.
Hailing from the scenic county of Devon, UK, Adela has been immersed in the equestrian world from an early age, starting to ride as soon as she could walk. She developed a strong passion for show jumping and competed actively as a junior before deciding to pursue a full-time career in the equestrian industry at the age of 16.
Her first experience as an FEI groom came while working with Lottie at a different stable several years ago, a milestone that helped shape her expertise and dedication to the sport. Now an integral part of the Chatwood team, Adela brings years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to supporting both horses and riders in achieving their full potential.