Meet Carol Heckman, Head Trainer and Instructor

Carol is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, the highest level of achievement recognized by the United States Dressage Federation. In addition to being an instructor, Carol continues to be an active competitor, showing her horses in Florida over the winter and in select local shows over the summer. She also completed the first component of the USDF judge training. Carol is a talented instructor who learned what she knows by riding multiple horses, including those with very few basics, and bringing them along up the levels. She also had the good fortune of working with several schoolmasters and, of course, a group of top professionals including Vera Kessels, Betsy Steiner and Susan Gilson. Carol stresses the important components of solid dressage foundation training and general horsemanship. Carol also maintains an active law practice as a partner in a local law firm. She states that balancing the two jobs keeps her fresh, organized and highly productive.

Meet the Owner

Steve Nelson

President and Owner Steve Nelson has over thirty years' experience in the horse business. He has owned and operated his own feed business (Nelson Feeds) and trained standardbreds.  His vast experience covers all aspects of stable operations, horse care, feeding programs, layups from injuries, and training young horses. Steve has never met a horse that he could not load onto a trailer.  Steve also has extensive construction experience and has upgraded all aspects of the property. He is on site daily, managing the operations and would be happy to design a custom feeding, training, or rehab program for your horse. In 2017, Steve was honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Western New York Dressage Association.  Steve is a master at creating and maintaining top arena surfaces, and with a laser leveler can do wonders.