Nicole Johnston. (Michael Burns Photo)
Nicole Johnston’s Story of Strength
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
TORONTO, Ont.— On mornings when it feels physically impossible to get out of bed, groom Nicole Johnston finds her greatest motivation in the horses she cares for.
Johnston has lived for years with fibromyalgia – a long-term condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body. The disease brings a host of symptoms, including disrupted sleep, memory issues, mood changes, and heightened pain sensitivity. These symptoms often flare after a triggering event such as injury, surgery, infection, or emotional stress—but sometimes, they build gradually without a clear cause.
“Fibromyalgia is something that I have learned to live with,” said Johnston, who works in the Woodbine barn of multiple graded stakes winning trainer Darwin Banach. “It’s not easy. Being a groom, you have to be at the barn early, so on some days, it’s a challenge to get out of bed.”
She has a handful of strong reasons to keep going.
“I take care of five horses. On the days it is tough, the love of the horse and the love of the job over rules it all.”
Horses have long played a central role in Johnston’s life.
Her connection with Thoroughbreds began nearly two decades ago.
“I got involved with Thoroughbreds 19 years ago. I was into horse riding. I was doing Hunter/Jumper, Western pleasure – and other things. One day, I thought I would change my direction with horses and a friend of mine suggested trying out Thoroughbreds.”
That suggestion led her to Woodbine, where she began her journey as a groom.
“I didn’t know much at first, but I knew I liked it.”
She started her career working for trainers John Mackenzie and James Smith, eventually moving on to other barns.
Two years ago, she joined Banach’s stable.
“I love it. I enjoy being in the barn. I get there and muck stalls, make sure the horses are all okay and get them prepared for whatever is on the schedule for them that day. Being with the horses is a real joy.”
Some are special.
One of them is a bay son of Not Bourbon who raced 59 times.
“When I worked for (Canadian Hall of Fame trainer) Bob Tiller, I had a horse, Guitar George – he was my boy. I had him for a long time. He was so big, but he was so gentle and kind. He was a lovely, lovely horse. I could walk him over with my pinky. If a fly went after him, he would lift his leg and scratch it away and then we would just carry on walking down the road.”
Cozy Curlin Kitten, a dark bay daughter of Vino Rosso, is another.
Johnston and the Kentucky-bred filly formed an instant bond.
“She just got claimed from us. I had her for the last two years and she was my favourite. I would do anything for this filly. I don’t know why she became so important to me. It’s almost when I saw her, we just connected right away. I could do anything with her. She was head shy at the beginning. It took about two or three months to remedy that. After that, she was kind about it, but I was the only one who could put the halter on her. This year, before she was claimed, you could do anything with her. She was very special to me.”
Watching her horses race brings a mix of excitement and nerves.
“I get so excited about it, but I get nervous. I had seven wins from 12 last year and this year, I’ve had five wins out of 10.”
Pre-race pep talks are the norm.
“They might not understand, but to me, they do. I just give them a few encouraging words before the race.”
For Johnston, the most emotional moment often comes right after the finish line—when horse and rider jog back toward the winner’s circle.
“I just love it. The feeling of it just blows you away. I literally melt. The horse’s ears are pricked forward, they’re happy and they have this little strut when they come up to you. You can tell they know [they’ve won].”
Each morning, the horses under her care – and the rest of Banach’s stable – greet her with a chorus of happy noise.
“They all nicker, all of them. It’s a great sound. It’s so nice. And listening to them eat is a wonderful sound, too. Hearing them chomp away, just knowing they are happy.”
Johnston appreciates the quiet times, too.
“It’s very peaceful. Sometimes I just stop and stare at all the horses and it makes me happy. I don’t really have any other interests or hobbies. I am a true-blue horse person.”
That deep connection keeps her going – especially on the hard days.
“With the fibromyalgia, it’s hard some mornings. My body hurts all the time. I go every Tuesday for nerve blocks and that helps a lot.”
As do the horses.
“They always help me get through the week. Whenever I feel I am struggling or I’m dealing with pain, being around the horses is healing for me.”
