Nick Karazissis is the owner, operator and head trainer of Far West Farms in Calabasas, CA. His storied equine career spans over 50 years in the disciplines of hunter, jumper, and equitation. He incorporates myriad of experiences from diverse facets of the sport. His professional evolution began as a child competitor (starting at the age of twelve-years-old) to later serving the West Coast, as a trainer, coach, judge, clinician, and owner of a well-respected horse facility, Far West Farms, since 1971. Nick considers it his honor and privilege to serve his industry throughout the years in numerous roles as a steadfast and committed contributing member in the governance of the major organizations of the sport.

Nick and his family are one of the cornerstones of the West Coast Horse Show Industry. Far West Farms is one of the oldest and most successful privately-owned West Coast Hunter/Jumper businesses. Nick, as a trainer and coach, along with his brother, Kost Karazissis, sister-in-law Jenny Karazissis, daughter Cassandra Karazissis, son Nick Karazissis JR, are responsible for many Far West Farms horse and rider wins, in the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. Far West Farms' equestrians are well known for winning numerous year-end awards, at local, regional, and nationally, through the USHJA and USEF organizations.

Nick's focus in the hunter/jumper discipline has been and continues to be, in promoting the "equitation division" (which he believes remains the primary system in North America for correct, connected and efficient riding. Nick's doctrine prepares horses and riders to Get Connected, and ultimately realize achievements in the Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation divisions. Far West Farms students have won countless USEF, USHJA, PCHA, CPHA, and LAHJA local, regional, and national awards. 

Recent Recognition Awards USHJA honored Nick in 2019 at their year-end convention with an induction into The California Professional Horseman’s Association, Hall of Fame.  

USHJ honored Nick (2014) with the Jane Marshal Dillon Lifetime Award for Education. The award honors trainers who "have been instrumental in building future horsemen by instructing their students in proper horsemanship, training, and riding while simultaneously instilling the principles of integrity, empathy for the horse, and a strong work ethic."

In 2008, USHJA honored Nick with the President's Distinguished Award for his work and involvement with The GET CONNECTED Educational DVD on Hunter Seat Equitation flatwork, which is available to the public through Amazon and EquestrianCoach.com. This tool is used by the USEF Judge's Clinic to help standardize the judging profession and create protocols for the execution of topics like position, horses' balance, lateral work, and the USEF's 19 tests.

In 2006 he shared a CPHA Special Achievement Award with the Far West Farms' training staff celebrating eight Medal Finals in one-year.

CPHA Horseman of the Year in 1992 The Hall of Fame Award goes to the nominee, from nominations collected from the membership, whom the CPHA board feels has contributed to the continuous growth and advancement of the sport, through their efforts and contributions over most of their active involvement.

Clinics and Clinician Experience For approximately 30 + years, Nick has worked as a Hunter/Jumper clinician doing approximately 15 to 20 clinics a year. Additionally, he's a featured clinician at expos and trade shows promoting the Hunter/Jumper discipline throughout the United States and Canada. 

Judging For over thirty-five-years, Nick has held a USEF "R" license. Nick continues to judge in the U.S. and Canada, and he also has ministered as a panelist, helping in the process of training Judges in the USHJA/USEF in process.

Nick also took on the task of creating a judge's manual and introduced the first implemented PowerPoint format presentation in hunter/equitation clinics. He then orchestrated and acted as an Executive Producer/Technical Advisor of the Get Connected DVD. Get Connected was established through the generosity of the PCHA and endorsed by our National Governing Bodies, the USEF, and the USHJA. Get Connected is an educational tool used at Judge's clinics today.

Governance Overview Nick has donated his time, energy, and efforts to the Governance of the Sport for over forty years. He has served locally, (LAHJA,) regionally (CPHA, WCE, Zone 10, PCHA,) and nationally (USHJA and USEF.) Nick Karazissis has dutifully and joyfully served in various capacities such as Board Member, President, Vice President, and Committee Chair, Executive Committee, and Chairman.