Meet the Team
Nicole Harrell - Owner and Head Trainer
Nicole is the head trainer at Deep Roots Farm and has spent her life riding and competing in 3 day Eventing, dressage and Jumpers. She has taught lessons for over 5 years and specializes in beginner kids lessons with an excellent crew of lesson horses and students with horses. Nicole graduated from Virginia Tech where she served as President of the Eventing Team. Nicole enjoys working with off the track thoroughbreds and currently owns four. She has worked for numerous five star eventers as well as summer camps and therapeutic riding barns. Nicole is also the Joint DC for the Piedmont Pony Club located in Athens.
Nina Braun
Nina grew up on a farm and has spent over 20 years riding, with 10 years of competition experience across multiple disciplines. Her greatest passion is competing her OTTBs in eventing and dressage. She is a dedicated instructor with years of teaching experience, both at the preschool her family owns and as an instructor in the saddle. Additionally, she has managed several equestrian facilities and is enthusiastic about teaching horsemanship and barn management alongside riding to students. Nina graduated from the University of Georgia with her bachelor’s degree, where she proudly served as an officer for the UGA Eventing Team. She is currently continuing her education by pursuing a Master of Agricultural Business at UGA and is thrilled to be competing her OTTB, Mac, in eventing this season!
Rai Pullin
Rai has over 35 years experience in the equestrian industry. She has a background in hunter jumpers and rode on both the local and A circuit. After college Rai ran the equestrian program at Camp High Rocks in Brevard, NC where she developed a love for Connemara Ponies. She went on to run her own farm, Castlewood Connemaras, where she bred, raised and trained Connemara Ponies with the help of her husband, Jay, and their two girls, Hazel Ann and Tarpley. Rai was also the assistant trainer at Lake Oconee Equestrian Center for over 10 years where she taught lessons to both children and adults. Rai now enjoys teaching children and beginners with a focus on building a strong and secure foundation.
Malina Ruiz
Malina has ridden for 16 years and, has developed a well rooted passion for horses and the equestrian lifestyle. While she enjoys working with all animals, horses hold a special place in her heart. One of her favorite equestrian sports to participating in is traditional english fox hunting, where she appreciates the heritage, adrenaline, and connection between horse and rider. Beyond riding, Malina is obtaining her Bachelors in English Literature and enjoys mentoring young riders, using horsemanship as a way to teach valuable life lessons. She states that watching the children grow in confidence, skill, and character through their work with horses is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Ashley Norvell
Ashley retired from Walton County Schools (GA), after a 30-year career teaching elementary and middle school. A life long horse enthusiast, she has always sought ways to be involved with horses- whether through riding,volunteering, or showing. Even throughout her teaching career, she remained active in the horse world and has been employed at quite a few horse farms working with multiple breeds and disciplines. Working at NES Equestrian allows her to combine her love for horses and her passion for working with children.
Lauren Quattlebaum
Lauren was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia and transferred to UGA from University of Kentucky to study Interior Design. When she’s not on the farm, she can be found at the design studio, on a walk with her friends, or at any coffee shop around Athens. She is involved with her campus ministry, RUF, and loves to paint, bake, cross stitch, and listen to music. Some of her favorite things are sunrises and sunsets, the beach, a good ride, driving with the windows down, and her niece, Emerson!