Dr. Nickels was raised on a farm in the state of Washington. His family had cattle, sheep, horses, and some cash crops. He’s had an interest in horses since he was a kid and always wanted to be a veterinarian. He also wanted to be a rodeo roper. Instead, he wound up riding bulls, and he remained active in rodeo through college.

He and his wife Roxy started racing horses in Washington in 1974 and have been active in breeding and racing thoroughbreds here in Michigan. They currently have eight thoroughbreds, of which three are in training. Their household also includes a blue tick hound named Abigail and a number of barn cats.

When he’s not at work at MSU, he’s always busy doing something on the farm or remodeling the house. He is also an avid reader.