About Us.

Our specialty is performance.

We believe in pushing the envelope…

and constant challenge.

Here at Nolan Sporthorses we specialize in the breaking and developing process of young horses. Michael has an extensive background with having started nearly 100 horses, McKena has been working along side him with the last 20 learning a proven method to set your horse up for success in any direction. A key part to our method is long lining the horses, this allows them to figure things out for themselves which teaches the horses to think independently and develop their ‘fifth leg’. Michael and McKena balance each other with their strengths and weaknesses and are constantly challenging themselves to push the envelope. 

Immersed in equestrian sport from an early age, Michael grew up in Ireland fox hunting, breezing race horses, show jumping and later eventing. He was a rider for yards such as Cooley Farms, Kedrah House Stud and Tomgar Sport Horses. Michael was competing and selling horses at Tomgar before coming to America to further his education and riding career. What started as a winter job soon turned into a 7 year relationship working for 4* event rider and ICP instructor Robin Walker. Michael has since competed through the advanced level with numerous horses, and has an exciting string of young prospects. 

Michael Nolan

Co-Owner

McKena grew up on Whidbey Island in Washington state. Having a pony club ran 3 day event right down the road is where Mckena got the taste for eventing and has been hooked since. She was fortunate to grow up constantly surrounded by horses, thanks to her mother who loved to challenge her with naughty ponies and difficult horses. This taught McKena to think outside the box, learning many key tools that would later help excel her career working with young horses. McKena spent her earlier years with mentor Greg Best who was influential in her show jumping as well as developing her feel in successfully producing the more sensitive horses. McKena then went on to work under James Alliston on the west coast, and Ellie O’neal on the east coast where she gained invaluable knowledge and experience in training horses through the levels and running a successful business. Later meeting Michael and Robin Walker where she’s been developing herself since.

McKena Knott

Co-Owner

Our Recognition.

International achievements.

  • 2023 Morven Park International cci3*s 3rd place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

    2023 Plantation Field International cci3*s 4th place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

    2023 Ocala International cci1*s 6th place with Fernhill Galavant

    2023 Bromont International cci2*s 6th place with Fernhill Galavant

    2023 Ocala International cci2*L 20th place with Creevagh City

  • 2022 Planation Field International cci 2*s 8th place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

    2022 Great meadow International cci 2*s 3rd place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

    2022 Ocala International cci 2*L 4th place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

    2022 Ocala International cci 3*L 6th place with Bad Moon Rising

    2022 Red Hills International cci 2*s 7th place with Carrabeg Hulla Balou

  • 2021 Terra Nova International cci 3*s 5th place with Bad Moon Rising

    2021 Ocala International cci3*L 3rd place with SRS Picasso

  • 2019 Bromont International cci4*s 2nd place with SBT Good Guy

    2019 Bromont International cci2*s 2nd place with Bad Moon Rising

    2019 Horse Park of New Jersey cci3*s 3rd place with SBT Good Guy

    2018 Bromont International cci2*s 3rd place with SBT Good Guy