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If you're looking for top notch horses and people, then look no further. You will find this team to be honest, fair and always willing to help anyone. You will make life long friends and have a world class support team. The world of horses needs more people of their character and love of the Gypsy breed. 5 stars for sure!!
Sara Avakian
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Amazing people with a real love of their horses. Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Absolutely Amazing!
Shari Baldwin
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I love Starfire! They’re professional and so easy to work with!
Michelle Simpson Arciga
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C.J., Samantha, and their team promote 'Excellence' in every way to keep the Gypsy breed as unique as it should be.
Karen Carlley
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Thank you Starfire, for improving the quality of our riding future. I felt safe as could be riding today. If you are serious about achieving that DREAM LEVEL of riding for you and your horses, I absolutely recommend Starfire Training for ALL your horseback riding needs!!!!
Heavenly Grace Ranch
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I would like to give a shout out to Samantha VanSickle and the team at Starfire. After a very stressful breeding season thus far, their team has been extremely easy to deal with, and very professional when it comes to shipping semen to outside mares. Samantha and the team at Starfire have been nothing but pleasant and kind to do business with, and have added zero stress to this crazy breeding season. And for that, I want to give them a great big THANK YOU!!!! I highly recommend them to anyone considering using one of the stallions that they stand at their facility!
Edoras Stables
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Our Philosophy
At Starfire Training Center, we believe that every horse—like every person—is a unique opportunity and a gift. Our approach is centered on developing each horse into the best version of itself, fostering a foundation that will last a lifetime.
Passion drives our work, and when something is at the heart of your world, it reflects in the quality of what you do. Both CJ and Samantha VanSickle are lifelong equestrians who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the connection between horse and handler. They understand that each horse is an individual, requiring a customized training program to unlock its full potential in any arena.
Passion drives our work, and when something is at the heart of your world, it reflects in the quality of what you do. Both CJ and Samantha VanSickle are lifelong equestrians who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the connection between horse and handler. They understand that each horse is an individual, requiring a customized training program to unlock its full potential in any arena.
Q & A with Samantha, the owner of Starfire
Q. How did you get started in this business?
A. My love of horses began at age two when my parents set me on a pony at the Sacramento Zoo, and it’s been a lifelong passion ever since. From the start, my drive has been to truly know and understand each horse on a deeper level. I grew up when “horse whisperer” was the buzzword, but I learned quickly that real progress comes from listening—carefully, consistently, and with humility. Over time I built a horse-centered program around welfare-first training, clear communication, and measurable progress. “Horse-centered” means nothing is one-size-fits-all: every plan is designed for the individual horse. Too often, trainers try to fit every horse into a single theory; I recognized early that, like people, horses learn differently. To build trust and bring out a horse’s best, you have to meet their learning style and present information in a way that makes sense to them—so they become willing, joyful partners. In 2010 we were introduced to the Gypsy Vanner breed, to this day we still own the very first Gypsy Vanner mare that we started under saddle. Over time our horses’ results and client word-of-mouth grew the business into what is now Starfire Training Center.
Q. What is your educational background?
A. I was home schooled from age 5 to 15, at which point I was accepted to college not long after my 15th birthday. I majored in psychology with minors in business and equine science. At 18 years old I chose to pivot before completing my degrees and focused instead on intensive professional development—clinics, certifications, and apprenticeships across all equine subjects from starting young horses, developing finished bridle horses, problem solving horse with difficult pasts, equine nutrition, reproduction, medical management, and equine rehabilitation therapies along with many others. I've always been intensely interested in education, both for horses and humans. I'm intrigued by varying learning styles and how to create curriculums that meet the needs of many while supporting the many ways we all absorb and retain information.
Q. What conflicts have you overcome in this business?
A. One of our biggest conflicts/challenges has been balancing external measures of “success” (awards, social buzz, rapid growth) with our horse-first theology. The challenge is creating horses that are competitive without erasing who they are as individuals. That unique spark within each of us (horses & humans alike) is central to who we are and what makes us special and we never want to see that spark dimmed. We met this challenge by committing to individualized, welfare-led training; saying no to shortcuts; aligning staff and client expectations to the same standards; and judging success by the horse’s mental, physical, and emotional health as much as show results. Industry pressure often rewards speed and uniformity; our approach is the opposite—meet the horse in front of you. We built systems that make ethics practical: individualized plans and pacing, non-negotiables around pain and fatigue, close collaboration with vets, farriers, equine health practitioners — Prioritizing progressive conditioning of mental, physical and emotional strength before show skills, and transparent client communication. If a path would “win” at the expense of a horse’s well-being or essence, we don’t take it. Our accomplishment is not just philosophical—it’s measurable in the mental, physical, and emotional health of the horses in our care, alongside their preparedness and success in the ring.
Q. How many years have you been in the business?
A. In the Gypsy Vanner industry, we have been in business over 15 years, in the equine industry as a whole it’s been over 30 years.
Q. What has kept you in this business?
A. Passion, dedication, grit and tenacity (stubborn to the point of bull headed somedays, if you ask my husband). The equine industry isn’t easy and some days it’s downright brutal both physically, mentally and emotionally. This is something you do because you cannot imagine doing anything else. It’s in your blood and being in the presence of horses is much like breathing, it’s non-negotiable for compatibility with life. The rewards I feel in my soul every time I have the opportunity to positively impact a horse or their human are what keep the doors to the business open. Someday I will retire, and I hope that day is far in the future, but no matter when that day comes, horses will be a part of my day to day existence until my last day on this earth. They have given me everything and that is a debt I will joyfully spend my life repaying.
Q. How do you structure individualized training programs for each horse?
A. We start by meeting the horse in front of us. Every new horse gets a thoughtful intake: history and goals, a soundness and tack-fit check, and a read on how that individual learns and retains information. From there we build a flexible plan that we will reevaluate regularly to make sure it's still serving that individual. We communicate with the owners and work to fully understand their goals and hopes for the future with their horse. We work in a simple weekly rhythm—short, quality sessions, plenty of turnout/social enrichment, and room to adjust for age, fitness, weather, and show calendars. We collaborate with vets, equine health practitioners and farriers as needed so training, comfort, and health stay aligned.
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all, we run distinct pathways—foundation for green horses, refinement for show prep, careful rehab plans, and behavior/problem-solving. We measure progress in ways you can see and feel: relaxation, rhythm, willingness, accuracy, and recovery after effort. “Horse-centered” also means clear go/no-go rules: pain or escalating stress triggers a step back and a reassess; shortcuts that might “win” at the expense of the horse’s well-being aren’t on the table. For competition, we add field trips, mock classes, and pattern polish closer to the show. The result is a program that’s ethical, individualized, and effective—horses that are sound, confident, and ready, and owners who know exactly how to help them shine.
Q. Do you offer an apprenticeship/internship program?
A. Yes—our apprenticeship/internship program rotates through our training principles, horse care, show prep, stable management, business management and reproductive basics. This program includes a written curriculum, weekly 1:1s, logged competencies, and a capstone to demonstrate mastery. Our apprentices come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some are already equestrians looking to grow their mastery and understanding while others may have never sat a horse prior to joining us. We don't just teach equine related skills either, our apprentices learn important life skills as well. Everything from how to change a tire, skills for successful job interviews, communication skills, understanding interest rates as they pertain to home/car loans as well as credit management, budgeting skills, small business management and health coping mechanisms for life in general.
Q. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
A. A life well lived is built on the work you can’t stop caring about. If this is the thing your soul keeps circling back to, chase it—patiently, relentlessly, and with integrity. There will be setbacks, noise, and pressure to compromise; hold your line, keep learning, and keep listening to the horse in front of you. In the end, the joy, growth, and quiet victories are worth more than we will ever know. You only get one shot at this life so be relentless in the pursuit of that which sets your soul on fire!
A. My love of horses began at age two when my parents set me on a pony at the Sacramento Zoo, and it’s been a lifelong passion ever since. From the start, my drive has been to truly know and understand each horse on a deeper level. I grew up when “horse whisperer” was the buzzword, but I learned quickly that real progress comes from listening—carefully, consistently, and with humility. Over time I built a horse-centered program around welfare-first training, clear communication, and measurable progress. “Horse-centered” means nothing is one-size-fits-all: every plan is designed for the individual horse. Too often, trainers try to fit every horse into a single theory; I recognized early that, like people, horses learn differently. To build trust and bring out a horse’s best, you have to meet their learning style and present information in a way that makes sense to them—so they become willing, joyful partners. In 2010 we were introduced to the Gypsy Vanner breed, to this day we still own the very first Gypsy Vanner mare that we started under saddle. Over time our horses’ results and client word-of-mouth grew the business into what is now Starfire Training Center.
Q. What is your educational background?
A. I was home schooled from age 5 to 15, at which point I was accepted to college not long after my 15th birthday. I majored in psychology with minors in business and equine science. At 18 years old I chose to pivot before completing my degrees and focused instead on intensive professional development—clinics, certifications, and apprenticeships across all equine subjects from starting young horses, developing finished bridle horses, problem solving horse with difficult pasts, equine nutrition, reproduction, medical management, and equine rehabilitation therapies along with many others. I've always been intensely interested in education, both for horses and humans. I'm intrigued by varying learning styles and how to create curriculums that meet the needs of many while supporting the many ways we all absorb and retain information.
Q. What conflicts have you overcome in this business?
A. One of our biggest conflicts/challenges has been balancing external measures of “success” (awards, social buzz, rapid growth) with our horse-first theology. The challenge is creating horses that are competitive without erasing who they are as individuals. That unique spark within each of us (horses & humans alike) is central to who we are and what makes us special and we never want to see that spark dimmed. We met this challenge by committing to individualized, welfare-led training; saying no to shortcuts; aligning staff and client expectations to the same standards; and judging success by the horse’s mental, physical, and emotional health as much as show results. Industry pressure often rewards speed and uniformity; our approach is the opposite—meet the horse in front of you. We built systems that make ethics practical: individualized plans and pacing, non-negotiables around pain and fatigue, close collaboration with vets, farriers, equine health practitioners — Prioritizing progressive conditioning of mental, physical and emotional strength before show skills, and transparent client communication. If a path would “win” at the expense of a horse’s well-being or essence, we don’t take it. Our accomplishment is not just philosophical—it’s measurable in the mental, physical, and emotional health of the horses in our care, alongside their preparedness and success in the ring.
Q. How many years have you been in the business?
A. In the Gypsy Vanner industry, we have been in business over 15 years, in the equine industry as a whole it’s been over 30 years.
Q. What has kept you in this business?
A. Passion, dedication, grit and tenacity (stubborn to the point of bull headed somedays, if you ask my husband). The equine industry isn’t easy and some days it’s downright brutal both physically, mentally and emotionally. This is something you do because you cannot imagine doing anything else. It’s in your blood and being in the presence of horses is much like breathing, it’s non-negotiable for compatibility with life. The rewards I feel in my soul every time I have the opportunity to positively impact a horse or their human are what keep the doors to the business open. Someday I will retire, and I hope that day is far in the future, but no matter when that day comes, horses will be a part of my day to day existence until my last day on this earth. They have given me everything and that is a debt I will joyfully spend my life repaying.
Q. How do you structure individualized training programs for each horse?
A. We start by meeting the horse in front of us. Every new horse gets a thoughtful intake: history and goals, a soundness and tack-fit check, and a read on how that individual learns and retains information. From there we build a flexible plan that we will reevaluate regularly to make sure it's still serving that individual. We communicate with the owners and work to fully understand their goals and hopes for the future with their horse. We work in a simple weekly rhythm—short, quality sessions, plenty of turnout/social enrichment, and room to adjust for age, fitness, weather, and show calendars. We collaborate with vets, equine health practitioners and farriers as needed so training, comfort, and health stay aligned.
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all, we run distinct pathways—foundation for green horses, refinement for show prep, careful rehab plans, and behavior/problem-solving. We measure progress in ways you can see and feel: relaxation, rhythm, willingness, accuracy, and recovery after effort. “Horse-centered” also means clear go/no-go rules: pain or escalating stress triggers a step back and a reassess; shortcuts that might “win” at the expense of the horse’s well-being aren’t on the table. For competition, we add field trips, mock classes, and pattern polish closer to the show. The result is a program that’s ethical, individualized, and effective—horses that are sound, confident, and ready, and owners who know exactly how to help them shine.
Q. Do you offer an apprenticeship/internship program?
A. Yes—our apprenticeship/internship program rotates through our training principles, horse care, show prep, stable management, business management and reproductive basics. This program includes a written curriculum, weekly 1:1s, logged competencies, and a capstone to demonstrate mastery. Our apprentices come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some are already equestrians looking to grow their mastery and understanding while others may have never sat a horse prior to joining us. We don't just teach equine related skills either, our apprentices learn important life skills as well. Everything from how to change a tire, skills for successful job interviews, communication skills, understanding interest rates as they pertain to home/car loans as well as credit management, budgeting skills, small business management and health coping mechanisms for life in general.
Q. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
A. A life well lived is built on the work you can’t stop caring about. If this is the thing your soul keeps circling back to, chase it—patiently, relentlessly, and with integrity. There will be setbacks, noise, and pressure to compromise; hold your line, keep learning, and keep listening to the horse in front of you. In the end, the joy, growth, and quiet victories are worth more than we will ever know. You only get one shot at this life so be relentless in the pursuit of that which sets your soul on fire!
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Samantha and CJ VanSickle
Starfire Gypsy Vanner Horses Email: [email protected] Phone numbers: Home: (530) 679-0772 Samantha's Cell: (530) 713-6930 CJ's Cell: (530) 713-3252 |
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