Andrew Nicholson, the legendary New Zealand horseman known as “Mr. Stickability,” reached unprecedented heights with Avebury, the grey gelding who helped him secure three consecutive Burghley Horse Trials victories from 2012 to 2014. Their record-breaking hat-trick showcased a synergy rarely seen in eventing, earning the duo international acclaim.
Avebury’s consistency was evident from the outset: a nimble and clever jumper, he excelled on the cross-country phase, a domain where Nicholson’s skill truly shines. Together, they navigated Burghley’s famously demanding track with such ease that their trademark precision and speed seemed almost effortless.
“It’s not just about his athletic ability,” Nicholson once remarked of Avebury. “It’s about his heart and how much he wants to do it.”
Nicholson’s achievements extend well beyond Burghley. A multi-time Olympian, he has represented New Zealand at numerous Games, gaining a reputation for unshakeable composure, particularly in the daunting cross-country phase. His remarkable resilience was put to the test in 2015 when he suffered a serious neck injury; many doubted he could return to the pinnacle of the sport. Yet in 2017, he defied expectations by winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials aboard Nereo, his outstanding chestnut gelding and another consistent partner in his storied career.
While Nicholson’s three-peat at the Burghley Horse Trials with Avebury (2012–2014) remains one of his standout achievements, he also collected team medals at the World Equestrian Games and top placings at premier five-star events, such as the Badminton Horse Trials and the Kentucky Three-Day Event. However, he famously regards Nereo—whom he credits for unwavering honesty and work ethic—as his “horse of a lifetime.”
Today, Nicholson continues to develop and mentor the next generation of eventing stars, both human and equine. His impact on the sport transcends competitive achievements. Many upcoming riders regard Nicholson as a role model, citing his calm approach, dedication to horse welfare, and a dogged refusal to give up—even in the face of injury or seemingly impossible odds.
As time goes on, the stories of his three-peat with Avebury and his remarkable comeback to capture Badminton glory with Nereo will continue to inspire athletes around the world. While Andrew Nicholson’s trophy cabinet is undoubtedly filled to the brim, it is his unwavering partnership with each horse he rides—particularly the iconic Avebury and the incomparable Nereo—that has truly carved his name into eventing lore.
Avebury’s consistency was evident from the outset: a nimble and clever jumper, he excelled on the cross-country phase, a domain where Nicholson’s skill truly shines. Together, they navigated Burghley’s famously demanding track with such ease that their trademark precision and speed seemed almost effortless.
“It’s not just about his athletic ability,” Nicholson once remarked of Avebury. “It’s about his heart and how much he wants to do it.”
Nicholson’s achievements extend well beyond Burghley. A multi-time Olympian, he has represented New Zealand at numerous Games, gaining a reputation for unshakeable composure, particularly in the daunting cross-country phase. His remarkable resilience was put to the test in 2015 when he suffered a serious neck injury; many doubted he could return to the pinnacle of the sport. Yet in 2017, he defied expectations by winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials aboard Nereo, his outstanding chestnut gelding and another consistent partner in his storied career.
While Nicholson’s three-peat at the Burghley Horse Trials with Avebury (2012–2014) remains one of his standout achievements, he also collected team medals at the World Equestrian Games and top placings at premier five-star events, such as the Badminton Horse Trials and the Kentucky Three-Day Event. However, he famously regards Nereo—whom he credits for unwavering honesty and work ethic—as his “horse of a lifetime.”
Today, Nicholson continues to develop and mentor the next generation of eventing stars, both human and equine. His impact on the sport transcends competitive achievements. Many upcoming riders regard Nicholson as a role model, citing his calm approach, dedication to horse welfare, and a dogged refusal to give up—even in the face of injury or seemingly impossible odds.
As time goes on, the stories of his three-peat with Avebury and his remarkable comeback to capture Badminton glory with Nereo will continue to inspire athletes around the world. While Andrew Nicholson’s trophy cabinet is undoubtedly filled to the brim, it is his unwavering partnership with each horse he rides—particularly the iconic Avebury and the incomparable Nereo—that has truly carved his name into eventing lore.
Andrew Nicholson, the legendary New Zealand horseman known as “Mr. Stickability,” reached unprecedented heights with Avebury, the grey gelding who helped him secure three consecutive Burghley Horse Trials victories from 2012 to 2014. Their record-breaking hat-trick showcased a synergy rarely seen in eventing, earning the duo international acclaim.
Avebury’s consistency was evident from the outset: a nimble and clever jumper, he excelled on the cross-country phase, a domain where Nicholson’s skill truly shines. Together, they navigated Burghley’s famously demanding track with such ease that their trademark precision and speed seemed almost effortless.
“It’s not just about his athletic ability,” Nicholson once remarked of Avebury. “It’s about his heart and how much he wants to do it.”
Nicholson’s achievements extend well beyond Burghley. A multi-time Olympian, he has represented New Zealand at numerous Games, gaining a reputation for unshakeable composure, particularly in the daunting cross-country phase. His remarkable resilience was put to the test in 2015 when he suffered a serious neck injury; many doubted he could return to the pinnacle of the sport. Yet in 2017, he defied expectations by winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials aboard Nereo, his outstanding chestnut gelding and another consistent partner in his storied career.
While Nicholson’s three-peat at the Burghley Horse Trials with Avebury (2012–2014) remains one of his standout achievements, he also collected team medals at the World Equestrian Games and top placings at premier five-star events, such as the Badminton Horse Trials and the Kentucky Three-Day Event. However, he famously regards Nereo—whom he credits for unwavering honesty and work ethic—as his “horse of a lifetime.”
Today, Nicholson continues to develop and mentor the next generation of eventing stars, both human and equine. His impact on the sport transcends competitive achievements. Many upcoming riders regard Nicholson as a role model, citing his calm approach, dedication to horse welfare, and a dogged refusal to give up—even in the face of injury or seemingly impossible odds.
As time goes on, the stories of his three-peat with Avebury and his remarkable comeback to capture Badminton glory with Nereo will continue to inspire athletes around the world. While Andrew Nicholson’s trophy cabinet is undoubtedly filled to the brim, it is his unwavering partnership with each horse he rides—particularly the iconic Avebury and the incomparable Nereo—that has truly carved his name into eventing lore.
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