Meet the Founder

Audra McNicholas

founder + trainer

Born and raised on a small ranch in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Audra quickly developed a love and respect for horses, community, and giving back. She competed on the Rodeo Team while attending Colorado Mesa University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, Audra taught Kindergarten and First Grade on the Western Slope. Teaching literacy, compassion, and the building blocks for a successful future are still fundamental parts of her everyday life.

In 2009, Audra was crowned as the 54th Miss Rodeo Colorado (MRC) at the Denver National Western Stock Show. As a representative of the Centennial State and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Audra spent a year traveling to various rodeos and western celebrations throughout the United States, sharing her love for the rodeo, horses, and education.

In addition to being a busy mom of two young girls, Audra recognizes the value and importance of pouring back into the community, especially as a family. She serves on a number of community boards and committees, all of which are close to her heart: National Western Stock Show Citizens of the West, Colorado FFA Foundation, Arapahoe Rodeo Royalty Association, and the Children's Museum of Denver.

Audra is bringing her country roots to the city, slowly adding to her family’s “McNicholas Minis” animal farm. These days you can find her teaching her girls how to ride horses and taking care of their chickens, dogs, cats, and mini pig. If she’s not spending time at home with her family and animals, you can find her volunteering in her daughters’ classrooms, practicing her roping skills, and coaching young women for pageants and rodeo events.

Meet the Family

Team McNicholas

Mcnicholas minis’ teammates:

Sean, Audra, Big Sis, little sis & Baby Bro

Sean and Audra met while she was representing Miss Rodeo Colorado. They are both Colorado natives and love raising their children- Big Sis (age 8) Little Sis (age 6) & Baby Bro (age 7mo). Sean is the CEO and President of Service Systems Associates, a family owned business that has been serving Denver and beyond for over 25 years. They are also continuing the legacy of the T. Kevin McNicholas Foundation, focusing on scholarship, mentorship, education, and encouraging ethical leadership.

Their girls love taking care of their many animals, feeding the chickens (who are still wary of their mini horse friend), and all things Star Wars. Everyone loves working with Love Bug as a part of her continual training and the lessons that they learn along the way. There is never a dull moment in the McNicholas household and that makes life all the more fun!