Northern Light Farm

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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

USHJA Certified Trainer Heather Achen is originally from Philadelphia, PA. She has explored every avenue from Western, Driving, and Eventing. Even has competed successfully as Pennsylvania State Champion in the Tennessee Walking Horse Circuit for a few years. But after all this has decided to become focused in the Hunters. With over 20 years of experience, her riders win and qualify in their appropriate divisions year after year.

Training with named riders such as Michael Plumb and Richard Lamb at Radnor Hunt Club in the Eventing world while at the same time studying Dressage with US Paralympic Team Rider Robin Brueckmann, and her trainer Paul Belasik has given Heather the deep understanding of what it takes to make a good athlete. “This is where I learned suppleness is everything in horse and rider.” –Heather

In the mid 90’s, Heather rode with former US Olympic Team Rider Lise’ Quintero at Hunter Farms in Princeton NJ. Andrew Philbrick and Lise’ took special interest in helping develop her skills in 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 Mark Gory and Ben Guanciale on the rated Hunter circuit. 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. College gave great opportunity to rub elbows with the big timers. “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”.