Inspired By Love
Our Success is Built on Partnerships
At Carrera Horses, we aim to develop and perform at the highest level. Our staff and facility are perfectly tailored towards caring for, training, and developing world-class show jumping horses in a loving and peaceful environment.
INCEPTION
Our Story
It starts at the Bois De Boulogne, in the heart of Paris.
In 2005, in Paris, Nicole took her first English riding lesson. On the family’s return to Canada in 2006, Nicole continued to pursue her newly acquired passion and with her mother’s help, acquired her first horse, Windstar, a Hanoverian with roots that could be traced back to the Southern Family’s Spruce Meadows Operations. At 30, Windstar is living out her golden years at the family farm named after her.
Carrera Horses became a commercial operation in 2013 and the horses were moved to the family facility in the summer of 2019 after running its operations virtually at several well-run barns around the Calgary area. Carrera Horses at Windstar Farms now has 16 horses in various stages of their careers. The love of horses and passion to develop talented competitors runs deep with the family.
PRIDDIS, ALBERTA
Windstar Farms
Equipped with bright, well-ventilated soft matted stalls, extra-large grass paddocks, synthetic wax riding surfaces, and carefully groomed trails. Here our horses can be trained and supported just minutes from the top show jumping venue in the world, Spruce Meadows.
Our facilities include large indoor stalls (12’x12′) with large outdoor turn outs, and 100’x200′ Outdoor Arena, 90’x140′ Indoor Arena, both using TravelRight Synthetic Footing. The facilities are a completely dust-free footing that provides excellent traction, stability, and cushion with unrivalled shock absorption and performance.
La QUINTA, CALIFORNIA
Wishing Star Ranch
After 10 years of showing in the desert, Carrera Horses has found its winter home at Wishing Star Ranch. Located adjacent to the Empire Polo Club and a short, 15-minute drive to the Desert International Horse Park, the property is ideally situated in the horse-friendly community of Polo Estates.
The equine facilities include a state-of-the-art 100′ x 200′ riding arena with an ebb and flow irrigation system, a world-class post and beam barn, which includes six stalls, two tack storage areas, outdoor wash bay and tack up area, and office space with outdoor seating for entertaining. Horses are turned out in generous 30′ x 70′ grass paddock, but also have access from their stalls to a 16′ x 16′ sand enclosures. Additionally, a storage byway, garage, and hay barn have been designed and will be added in 2024.
Claudio Ghersinich
PRESIDENT
Reina LaBossiere
VICE PRESIDENT
In support of their love for horses and their daughter’s passion for riding, Reina and Claudio provide the emotional, financial, and management support to ensure the success of the team.
The First 20 Years!
TEAM
Riders & Trainers
Nicole Ghersinich
Rider / Owner
A passionate rider, Nicole learned to ride English in Paris back in 2005. With over 20 years of experience, she has competed regularly up to 1.10m. Nicole was very successful in 2023 becoming Grand Champion for Jump Alberta in several divisions and successfully transitioned to equitation. At home she can be found assisting Liam in the development of Carrera’s young horses.
Liam Buckley
Equine Manager
Liam brings over 20 years of experience as a hunter-jumper trainer to Carrera. Since joining in 2021, he has played an integral role in developing top equine athletes for performance hunter divisions and international derbies. With training experience in Canada and Germany, Liam has worked extensively with horses at all stages, from young prospects to those competing in FEI 1.35m divisions. His expertise and dedication help each horse reach its full potential in the show ring for national and international success.
Robin Donais
Assistant Trainer - Young Horse Development
Robin’s passion for horses started at a young age, working and volunteering in the industry in some capacity for 20 years. Having competed in hunter jumpers, dressage, and three-day eventing, her priority is to train well rounded horses with an emphasis on correct basics and strong flat work. In addition, she coaches riders to help bring the best out of their partners and create happy, long lasting partnerships.
TEAM
Support Staff
James Davidson
Farm Manager
James has been an integral part of the family business since 2012, holding various key positions throughout the years. After expanding our Windstar facilities in 2020, he took on the responsibility of overseeing all operations at the farm. With extensive expertise in property management, accounting, and logistical support, James plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our operations.
Lisa Smit
Head Groom
Lisa joined Carrera horses in 2017. With over 2 decades of experience she is a valued member of our team. Lisa oversees all the care for all of our horses, home and at shows and the management of the grooms. Lisa’s years of experience, passion and dedication to her job is evident in the care, appearance and performance of our horses, as well as supporting the riders.
Amanda Swiatkowski
Sr. Groom
Amanda brings over nine years of professional grooming experience to Carrera Horses, complemented by a solid background in barn management and comprehensive equine care. Her passion lies in working with young horses and supporting the breeding program, where she takes pride in being part of each horse’s journey from the very beginning. Amanda’s commitment, skill, and attention to detail shine through in the exceptional care she provides to every horse in our program.
Sereine Bill
Farm Hand
Sereine has been supporting the Farm operations for over five years working tirelessly during the early days of the Windstar Farms expansion. She now also supports the barn maintenance and horse care activities.