About Arian Nijhuis

Born and raised in the Netherlands, horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From an early age, I learned that horse ownership comes with responsibility, dedication, and hard work. Daily stable duties, often pushing wheelbarrows bigger than myself, taught me the importance of consistent care, discipline, and putting the horse's needs first.

Growing up, our horses were involved in every aspect of life. We rode bareback into town, enjoyed long gallops through the forests, practised acrobatics, jumped anything that was reasonably safe, and spent countless hours exploring on horseback or taking horses for long hand walks. These experiences developed not only my riding skills but also a deep understanding of horse behaviour, fitness, and wellbeing.

As my riding progressed, I began competing successfully across both dressage and showjumping. I rode my pony to the highest levels available in the Netherlands for a 1.47m pony, achieving Advanced Dressage and competing in Showjumping up to 1.20m. In the Netherlands, riders typically compete on ponies until the age of 18, allowing me to develop a strong competitive foundation before transitioning to horses.

After moving onto horses, I rode and trained numerous horses for a variety of owners. This included producing horses from their early training stages, assisting with the breaking-in process, and successfully training and competing horses to 1.40m showjumping level and FEI Dressage.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to train with some of the Netherlands' most respected equestrian professionals. My showjumping education included training with Kees de Feyter, KWPN trainer and selector.

Later, I began training with Willemien Blanken, an internationally respected trainer, judge educator, and Grand Prix dressage rider. Her commitment to correct training principles and rider development had a significant impact on my progression, helping me advance to FEI Dressage level.

While completing my Level 2 and Level 3 coaching qualifications, I trained at the KNHS/KWPN Federation Centre under renowned professionals including Johan Hamminga, KNHS Head Coach, International Trainer, and KWPN Selector, as well as Bart Bax, International Grand Prix Dressage Rider and Coach. During this period, I also had the opportunity to further develop my jumping skills with respected team coach Daan Nanning.

Alongside my equestrian career, I pursued studies in physiotherapy with the long-term goal of applying rehabilitation principles to both human and equine athletes. After graduating as a Physiotherapist, I worked across a variety of clinical settings, primarily in rehabilitation.

I found great satisfaction in helping people recover from injury, rebuild strength, regain function, and return to sport. The extensive knowledge gained through my physiotherapy career continues to benefit my coaching today, allowing me to better understand rider biomechanics, movement patterns, performance limitations, injury prevention, and the physical demands placed on both horse and rider.

Before immigrating to Australia, I also studied Management, Business, and Equine Studies. Although I chose to discontinue these studies after two years to pursue a new life in Australia, the knowledge gained has contributed to my broader understanding of the equine industry and business management.

Today, I combine decades of hands-on horse experience, high-level competition, international coaching education, and physiotherapy knowledge to help riders and horses reach their full potential. My coaching philosophy centres on correct training, horse welfare, rider development, and creating strong partnerships that achieve lasting success.