Heather & Linc

Heather & Linc

Winning form at Ethel Walker

Heather Carlson - Head Trainer and Owner of Starlight Farms

Heather is a longtime Connecticut resident and built the farm that has become Starlight Farms New Milford in 1998. Heather’s passion for horses spans over 30 years, starting her riding career at 8 years of age and has competed in Eventing throughout her career, up to Intermediate CCI** level. Her experiences aren’t limited to just Eventing, but also include leading the Hilltoppers in foxhunting, showing hunter/jumpers, and working with green and problem horses to break and retrain them. Some of her equestrian partners include and have included: Personal Pro (a.k.a. Lincoln), Rough Cut (a.k.a. Rex), Averic, and Regan.

As an active eventer and having successfully trained a number of young and sometimes difficult horses, Heather brings a unique ability to help horse and rider identify, understand, and overcome obstacles that might prevent them from progressing, resulting in many of them progressing to the next level. She goes above and beyond to ensure clients are well prepared for all phases, particularly the cross country phase of eventing. “We want to make sure that when our clients get to an event, they and their horses can have fun. We will have taken them on multiple cross country schoolings and even have them jumping a little bigger obstacles in the arena at home than they will face at the event itself. That way, when the adrenaline kicks in and the jump might look bigger to a less experienced horse and rider, they will actually think it looks just about right. That kind of confidence and safety is what contributes to a good experience.”

When it comes to horses, Heather specializes in green and problem horses. She has a unique ability to read the horse, determine the root cause of the problem and then work through whatever the issue is with them. “If you deal with what happens and then let it go, versus riding defensively, and anticipating the worst all the time, you will build a horse’s confidence and trust. You also have to know when it’s ready to progress and move on, not rush the process and undo the foundation you’ve established.” says Heather.

Heather’s barn philosophy is simple: Create an atmosphere of camaraderie and professionalism.

Valerie & Cricket at Riga Meadow H.T.

 

 

Valerie Golaszewski - Barn Manager year round at Starlight Farms New Milford

Valerie’s passion for horses also started at an early age. Barn Manager for the last 10 years, her riding experience started when she was 7 years old. An avid eventer, Valerie has successfully competed up to Preliminary level. Her passion not only includes riding, but care for the horses as well. Valerie received her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut, joining Heather as the Barn Manager for Starlight Farms New Milford and is on site 6 days a week, year round, to provide knowledgeable assistance to clients and hands on care for the horses.

While studying for her degree in animal science at the University of Connecticut, Valerie had an opportunity to broaden her studies to a semester abroad, experiencing European riding and horse care in Ireland at the University of Limerick and at the famous Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre.

Specializing in training of ponies, Valerie says she loves them because of the delightful challenge they present. “Ponies can be a challenge because they’re smart, which is good and bad. Good because it’s challenging and fun, and bad because you can’t be repetitious; they’re figure it out!” Some of Valerie’s horses include: Hippostomas, The Squid, and La Coda del Gato. Her riding philosophy?: Work hard. Play harder.

Madeline and Bandit

Madeline Zimmermann and Tuf Little Quicksan (aka Bandit)

When we brought Bandit to Starlight Farm, we were going through a rough patch; I had been thrown a month earlier, crashing headfirst into a wall. Thankfully I escaped with only a few nasty scrapes. Afterwards, we didn’t seem to be making progress so we decided to make a change and Heather was highly recommended to us for her ability to deal with behavioral and training issues. As it turns out, Bandit had Lymes disease. Heather gave Bandit plenty of time to recouperate, and once he was healthy again, rode him for a few weeks to be sure there weren’t any underlying training issues. When she was satisfied with how he had been under saddle, I got back on and she worked patiently with us to help us regain our confidence. Thanks to Heather, just three months after I was told never to ride Bandit again, we were doing far more than we'd ever done before, and Bandit has returned to his calm, sociable, and well-behaved self!

Chris & Pig at Kent H.T.

Christina Andrews & Pig in a Poke (aka Piglet)

I have had the pleasure of both boarding and working for Heather since she built and opened Starlight Farm in New Milford. I owe everything that I know to both her and Val. When I started riding with Heather 14 years ago I had not ridden since I was a child and I was clueless. She helped me get back in the saddle and made it fun! Heather and Val helped me find the perfect horse for me almost 2 years ago and have brought us from square one to happily eventing Novice this year. They have a great way of understanding each person’s learning style and tailoring the right program for you and your horse. Val takes IMPECCABLE care of the horses and knows them all inside and out - she picks up on every sneeze and scratch immediately! To me, Starlight Farm isn’t just the place where I board my horse, they are our family.

Lisa & Travis at Riga Meadow H.T.

Lisa & Travis at Great Vista H.T.
Photo courtesy of As You Like It Productions © 2010
www.ayliprod.com

Lisa Hida & Travis

I’ve been working with Heather Carlson for the past two years, and can’t say enough to express my appreciation in how far my riding, particularly XC and stadium, have come. I now have the strength and stability of lower leg that had been missing, and in particular, am able to enjoy the XC phase confidently and safely. For the first time, I feel like I have the tools to deal with whatever may come my way – a less than perfect distance, a distracted horse, or whatever may happen.

Having Valerie as the full time, dedicated barn manager is amazing. She is a wealth of knowledge about horse care and looks after each horse with the attention and care as if it were her own. The quiet environment has been great for my nervous Thoroughbred – his weaving is all but gone. As a Prelim level eventer, Valerie has also been a great resource for training both myself and my horse.

Bonnie & Happy at Frazier Farm H.T.

Bonnie Weed & Happy

I have known Heather Carlson as both a friend and a trainer for over 20 years. I rode pleasure with Heather 20 years ago, then got sidelined raising children. I kept my horse but only rode a small amount, the occasional hunter pace and trail rides. Two years ago I had major surgery on my spine and now that I am pain free and my children are a bit older, I am riding seriously for the first time in my life. I am looking forward to eventing for the first time during the summer of 2009 at the age of 48. We old chicks can do anything we set our minds to! I know that with Heather's guidance and support this will be one of the best times of my life.

Rosemary & Ruby schooling in Aiken, SC

Dr. Rosemary Ganzer & Ruby

I would highly recommend Heather Carlson as a trainer for both horse and rider. When I got my horse, Ruby, in August 2008, I was coming off a five year riding hiatus and was severely lacking in confidence in the saddle. In a short time, with Heather's schooling of Ruby, and our lessons with Heather have taken us way beyond my expectations. I am currently schooling over Novice and Training level cross country and show jumping courses. Ruby has gone from being difficult and somewhat scary for me to ride to being simple and easy--all due to Heather's skill as a trainer and a horseman.

Ann & Max at Mistover

Ann Bazos and Maximus VIII

I have been eventing for approximately 5 years mostly because of Heather Carlson. Before we began, my horse and I had no formal training whatsoever in the disciplines of dressage and stadium. We had been foxhunting and trail riding only. Heather has been a tremendous help to us both as a trainer and has really advanced our skills. This is quite an accomplishment given that my horse is a draft cross and some of the skills required of eventing do not come so easily to him. Plus, she makes it fun! In addition, her facility in Aiken, South Carolina has been a wonderful asset. My horse can winter there and continue to stay fit and compete and I can visit for a great horse vacation. Heather is a skilled instructor who inspires confidence having competed at the highest levels of this sport. She is also a wonderful personality and truly great with horses! I cannot recommend her more highly.

Jen & Chutie all smiles at Sporting Days H.T.

Jen Laros and Chouteau

I’ve trained with Heather for the past 3 years and have known her for even longer. Chouteau came into my life having just come off a serious injury and a long lay up. He was a difficult Thoroughbred and I thought, “Who better to help me than Heather Carlson?” The rest is history – she is so inspirational and has taken me well beyond my original expectations and goals! She is always willing to go the extra step for her students and her motivation is catching.