This Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by USRider, is with top hunter, jumper and equitation rider and trainer Nick Haness. We talk to Nick us about his partnership with Cavaletto Loma Z and other horses who shaped his career, what drew him to hunters and jumpers and what he attributes to his success as rider, trainer and horseman. He also provides us with an update on the collection of rescue animals at his farm.

About Nick Haness

After a self-funded successful Junior career, hunter/jumper rider and trainer Nick started his own training and sales business at Hunterbrook Farms in Temecula, California, in 2009. Over the next several years, he achieved multiple top placings in the hunter divisions including back-to-back wins in the 2012 and 2013 World Championship Hunter Rider Handy Hunter Challenge and the championship in the 2016 First Year Green divisions at the Devon Horse Show and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Nick and Verdict were the reserve champion at the 2019 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, and a month later, he finished first and second on Crowd Pleaser and Reese’s at the $50,000 Stal Hendrix Green Futurity Finals at the HITS Saugerties Championship. He also earned the 2019 USEF’s Emerson Burr Award and was voted by his peers as the 2019 USEF National Equestrian of the Year.

More recently, Nick and Cavaletto Loma Z had a number of notable recent wins in 2025 including the Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship at Traverse City and the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Desert Circuit Week 9. He also won the 2025 WCHR Professional Finals for the second time this past October.

While Nick will be spending time in Wellington for the upcoming winter show season, he continues to operate his Hunterbrook Farms with his partner Ryan May.

About This Episode's Sponsor, US Rider

Whenever you call, USRider answers. We are you trusted equestrian roadside ally, ensuring your horse’s safety on the road. Count on us for towing, flat tire repairs and more for your vehicle and horse trailer. Plus, access emergency veterinary, farrier and stabling referrals to keep your horses healthy. Stay on the road and in the saddle with USRider. Visit USRider.org today and become a member.