JoDean Nicolette has been named to the Equus Hall of Fame for her extensive volunteer service supporting equestrians and equestrian organizations of Sonoma County. JoDean began riding as an adult. ìI started to ride horses at age thirty-nine,î she shrugs, ìjust as I started to develop fear, and a sense of my own mortality.î JoDeanís first horse was a three year old Paint horse named Jimmie (Jimmie-James to his friends). She still has Jimmie, and has continued to add to her herd.
JoDean has lived in Santa Rosa for ten years, and has been involved in the Sonoma County equestrian community for about half that time. According to her nominations JoDean ìis a driving force behind equestrian interests in our county.î One nominator wrote, ìI challenge you to find a person who has done more for horses and horse people in their lifetime, than JoDean has done in just a few years.î
In 2007, JoDean was elected president of the state parks Mounted Assistance Unit. Since then she has contributed thousands of hours leading and building the organization, and expanding its role. Under JoDean, the unit has produced record numbers of service hours, and was awarded the statewide Grassroots Champion award for its role in park advocacy. The California State Parks recognized JoDeanís achievement in 2009 with a California Poppy Award.
Two years ago, JoDean quietly took over the Sonoma County Horse Journal, the voice for the SCHC. She has worked to improve the content and aesthetics, and to include all riders and disciplines. As editor, JoDean says she wants the whole community, even people who never thought of themselves as authors, to feel that they can see themselves in the Horse Journal.
JoDean was awarded the 2008 Top Hand Award for her participation in Backcountry Horsemen. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. She is a consistent and quiet contributor to the local horse rescue organizations.
JoDean practices Bareback Equitation and enjoys trail riding. Sheíll tell you proudly that she is a Buckarette. Besides Jimmie, JoDeanís family includes Ben, Chance, Bear, Charlie, Bruiser, Sandy, and her estranged cat, Pebbles, who has moved into the field next door.
