Samantha VanSickle

Owner & Head trainer

Start with a dream, mold it into a vision, pour your heart and soul into it and one day you will find yourself living your dream.
From the age of 2, when her parents first set her on a pony at the Sacramento zoo, Samantha was obsessed with horses. That obsession turned into a lifelong passion for finding the best possible methods for building connection between horses and their humans. Her core values are integrity, curiosity and kindness, which are the foundation that Starfire is built upon.    

CJ VanSickle 

Boss Man

There will never be enough words to truly describe this Legend. CJ is known the world round for his kindness, willingness to help anyone, exception skill with horses, ability to fix anything, vision to create anything and  most importantly, his heart. Starfire wouldn't be what it is today without him. Starfire started out as one little girl's dream and with this incredible human by her side, it became a reality and so much more.    

Mike Feut

Ranch Manager 

Mike joined the team in 2015. There isn't anything Mike can't do around the ranch. His dedication to the horses and other animals here at Starfire shines through in how much they all adore him. When he isn't caring for the horses, you can find him helping CJ with a wide variety of projects around the ranch. On his days off you will find him somewhere with his fishing pole or more often, off helping a neighbor, friend or family  in need.

Kelsey Hulbert

Apprentice 

Kelsey joined the team in 2018. She owns an incredibly talented Gypsy Vanner gelding named Draco who she has raised from birth. Kelsey works as a Vet Tech when she isn't here at the ranch. Kelsey is the "Queen of lists" and she brings her attention to detail, passion, enthusiasm, team spirit, infectious smile, positive energy,  and formidable memory to the team.  

Lorra Jackson

Apprentice 

Lorra joined the team in 2021. She owns a beautiful Arab gelding named Thirty. Lorra is deeply passionate about learning new and innovative ways to connect with horses. Her first thought is always for the horses and it shows every time she interacts with them.  She brings her deep love for the horses, natural leadership and incredible work ethic to the team.   

Tanielle Vintere

Trainer's Assistant

Tanielle joined the team in 2021. She has two wonderful children, Brantley (5) and Karter (2). Tanielle has started or helped to start a number of young horses who have gone on to numerous  wins &  National titles.  She brings her attention to detail, innovative ideas, knowledge, exceptional braiding skills and insane mastery of  show clipping to the team. 

Audrey Dotta

Apprentice 

Audrey joined the team in 2022. She started out with us as a youth apprentice and is now focusing on a specialty with reproduction and early education.  Her kind and quiet energy make her a favorite with the foals and young horses. Prior to joining Starfire she had very limited experience with horses and we are so impressed with how far she has come. Grooming and hair care are also one of her passions along with equine nutrition. Audrey brings her exceptional creativity, passion for learning, innovative thinking and off the hook baking skills to the team. 

Arista Williams

Starfire Team member

Arista joined the team in 2019. She lives in Oregon with her wonderful husband and daughter. Arista owns Pink Peony Photography in addition to being a lifelong equestrian.
She is in the process of buying her very first Gypsy Vanner and we are so thrilled that through her time with Starfire, the Gypsy Vanner community has gained another member! She brings her incredible organizational skills, dedication to the team, attention to detail, artistic flair, heart of gold and mad braiding skills (on both horses and humans) to the team.   

Tori Bailey

Starfire team member

Tori joined the team in 2016. She started out as a Starfire apprentice with a focus on reproduction, nutrition and stable management. Tori owns Blackwood Gypsies with her mother, Rhonda. They are the proud breeders and owners of Hall of Fame mare, Blackwood's The Ineffable Game.  Tori works as a Vet Tech and performs with her Irish Pub band, The Scupper Monkeys when she isn't here with the team. Tori brings her deep dedication, knowledge, leadership skills, compassionate heart and excellent organizational skills to the team.