Diana Nikov
Diana Nikov owns and operates two businesses: Herd Dynamics and Ontario Animal Thermography. She is a co-founder of the Ontario Bitless Organization, Hooves For Happiness and the Durham Region EAL Collective. and is heavily involved in nurturing quality equine assisted growth and learning programs in the Durham Region. She is a certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator through Equine Connection.
Diana started riding when she was 8 years old. It was a love affair from the beginning. She is aware that working with horses through her teenage years kept her and many of the friends she invited to participate-out of trouble.
Diana develped a keen interest in horses as teachers and healers. It led her to research ways to combine her love of people and horses. She wanted to offer skills and leadership programs to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs and find ways to offer work to retired horses. EAL was a great solution for both.
There were a few monumental life-events that led her to starting both Herd Dynamics and Ontario Animal Thermography.
The first was giving birth to a beautiful daughter and realizing she wanted to be an extraordinary mentor to her. She wanted to reflect passion, joy and purpose in her life. She wanted to offer services she felt were meaningful to her community and to animals.
The second was adopting a retired horse named, Razzi. Diana realized that there were many horses that had transitioned out of performance, but still needed work. The EAL programs utilize horses that are past their riding prime, but are extremely effective teachers and happy workers.
Rico is a retired Hunter Jumper from Niagara. He is a Dutch Warmblood who was imported from Europe when he was a few years old. He spent his days in a professional barn for the next 13 years working hard for his previous owners. He now resides at Herd Dynamics barn and works as an EAL horse. He has the most wonderful character. He brightens everyone's day with his charisma and charm.
Rico
Taz is an all around laid back kind of dude. He is typically ridden western, but can be tacked English as well. He is one of our best horses for novice riders and works exceptially well in our EAL programs.
TAZ
Buck is an 8 year old pinto horse who thinks he's a puppy. His favourite things are cuddling up to his humans and looking for treats! He is a smart boy who is eager to please and loves learning new things. He is used as an EAL horse as well ridden Western pleasure.
BUCK
Nibbles and Styles are our tiny black ponies with the biggest and sweetest personalities. They are former rescues who have been trained as EAL horses. They are two of our barn favorites!
Nibbles & Styles
Trigger is a palomino with a gentle heart and great attitude. He is used as one of our lesson horses. He is also being trained in EAL, so he can work with our youth, women and corporate clients as well. He came from a family downsizing their herds. We are so excited to have him with us!
Trigger
Goldie is a palomino mare with an extroverted personality. She loves people. If you walk out into the field, she's the gal that will come up and greet you (and usually follow you around because it's fun). She is used as one of our lesson and EAL horses. She came to Herd Dynamics with Trigger from a family downsizing their herds. We are so delighted with her! She's such a sweetie.