OUR MISSION
Northern Light Farm was started with the intention to help and create young,
educated riders. We believe that it all starts at the bottom, and building your way up is
how you become part of the best. It’s the ‘why’s’ and ‘what’s’ that are answered
with our program, and what makes a true horseman through and through. A saying sticks out in mind, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life”.
“My teaching method is truly from the soul. I grew up having to grasp every opportunity I
could get to ride. I was not given a silver spoon and an endless bank account. If I rode, it was
because I got in through the back door. This is why I feel I have such a solid base, and I
want to give my riders that same foundation. Nothing is appreciated like the things you give
blood, sweat and tears for. I want my riders to take with them lessons in life as well as
lessons in horsemanship.” –Heather
“A solid base leads to big heights.”
ABOUT OUR TRAINER
Heather Achen is originally from Philadelphia, PA. Her riding career started with Tennessee Plantation Walking Horses. Falling into an opportunity to show and train at the age of 16, Linda Howland gave her the validity that she has the skill to ride competitively. Heather was Pennsylvania State Champion in Plantation English and Western in 1989 and 1990. She has also trained with Reputable trainers such Michael Plumb and Richard Lamb training Cross Country at the Radnor Hunt Club in the early 90's. Meanwhile, at the same time period, Heather trained with Robin Brueckman for Dressage at the Thorncorft Equestrian Center. In the mid 90’s, Heather rode at Hunter Farms in Princeton NJ. Andrew Philbrick and Lise’ Quintero took a special interest helping develop her skills for Stadium Jumping, “It was fun to ride next to Frank and Laura Chapot at a small show on the farm I was based.” Later turning to Hunters as a main focus, Heather understudied with Ben Guanciale and Mark Gory. She really found her love in the horse industry. Being a perfectionist, this was the discipline of choice.
Obtaining a Bachelors Degree for Equine Science and granted acceptance to Hartpury College, England, Heather also has a solid managerial background as well as a diverse training background. “Originally I went to a Jr. College and later returned for an additional two years for I realized I was getting a cram course in politics by meeting and clinicing with people like Micheal Matz, Chris Kappler and Ann Kursinski”. |
|
|
