Nancy van Zwol began her riding career at the age of 8, in eastern Pennsylvania at the Pineway Stables under the direction of Lottie diNunzio. She went on to ride with the Huntingdon Valley Hunt club, showing in Hunter/Jumper events, as well as just enjoying being with horses and having fun on trail rides. As a teenager, Nancy began teaching the Beginners lessons, and guiding cross country trail rides.

Nancy attended college at Winthrop College in South Carolina as a biology major, and aspired towards veterinary school. Although she did not ride on an equestrian team, she continued her riding and was introduced to saddlebreds. She spent a summer in the Great Smokey Mountains as a Riding Program Manager. During that time, she become only the 2nd woman to be licensed as a trail guide in the Great Smokies.

Nancy spent another summer working for Mignon Comer-Smith at the Mede Cahaba Stables in Alabama, which included assisting with the care and exercise of the Branchwater Hunt hounds.

At the age of 18, Nancy obtained a Junior #3 rating from the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER) - the association which is responsible for accrediting riding instructors at the college level. At age 21, Nancy was upgraded to a Senior rating.

After graduating from Winthrop, Nancy moved to California to attend Stanford as a graduate student in Invertebrate Physiology. During that time, she continued riding and teaching at Engman Farm, she also began judging local shows at that time. After graduating with a Masters Degree in Invertebrate Physiology, she began her own business by leasing a horse at the Baylands Stable in Mountain View, and her business has grown from there.

Over the years, many of Nancy's students have gone on to careers involving horses in some way. Many have also gone on to successful showing careers, winning California State Horsemen's Association Championships, CSHA Reserve Championships, as well as other prestigious awards. But, most significantly, all who have grown up riding with Nancy - or started riding as adults - have come away with a deep love of horses and an understanding of horsemanship, which is a true testament to her legacy as an instructor and mentor. She has gifted all of us with a life-long passion, and a wonderful group of friends with whom to share it.

As Nancy once put it, "we're all sick with a disease called 'horses'."

Nancy has left an indelible hoofprint in our hearts - we will always think of her when we hear the sound of horses in the wind.