Good Nikon Camera For Action Shots?

I love taking pictures and I'm also a horseback rider and would like to take pictures at my shows. I would like to upgrade from my Kodak EasyShare to a Nikon. My friend has one and it takes beautiful pictures. But I would like one that takes really good action shots that come out crystal clear. Should I just get a normal Nikon and buy a separate lense for it?

Also, I want a camera that can zoom really far and take clear shots. Does Nikon have a camera with both of these features?

This is a good camera if you don't wants a DSLR (Non-Detachable lens)
http://www.amazon.com/...00B7N9CWG/

This is a great beginner DSLR (Detachable lens)
http://www.amazon.com/...00HQ4W1QE/

The best action shot cameras are those that have the lowest shutter lag. This means DSLRs, then the Nikon 1 series (which have actually lower shutter lag than some entry level DSLRs), and finally compact cameras.

Some compact cameras have such high shutter lags that it make them just about unusable for action photos.

Unfortunately, shutter lag is a specification not published by camera makers - and only available from a few 3rd party labs that test such things.

The alternative if you have a camera with a poor shutter response is to put the camera into continuous shutter and take multiple photos (often called "spray and pray").

One issue you are already going to be up against is cameras that have really high power zooms tend to not produce the sharpest photos. The convenience of a high power zoom carries the penalty of lower quality photos. You can often have a better photo by learning to "zoom with your feet" and a camera with a moderate zoom lens.

You did not mention your budget? $200, $2,000, or somewhere in between?