All About Heidi
Meet Heidi, a teacher from Wiltshire, and her amazing thoroughbred mare, Rosa. Follow their journey on Instagram @retraining_rosa, where Heidi shares her experiences and challenges while retraining Rosa.
Discover the plans Heidi has in store and what makes her tick.
Heidi, please can you tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do, where are you from?
I’m Heidi, a primary school teacher living in Wiltshire with my partner Callum who is in the army. Also in our little family is our flat coated retriever Berry and our thoroughbred mare Rosa - I’m the one who rides her, but she loves my partner so much, so we always say she’s his!
How did you get into teaching and was it something you always wanted to do as a career?
I’ve been a teacher now for 7 years, going into my 8th. I’ve always loved working with children, and I think there’s something really special about teaching children to read and write. I’m currently teaching in Reception and it’s so rewarding as the children learn all the foundations with me.
What do you do in your spare time & what do you get up to offline?
In my spare time I do spend a lot of time at the yard with Rosa - we love hacking and dressage, but I’ve just bought a GP saddle as my plan for this summer is to start jumping too! I also love doing gun dog training with Berry, it’s definitely a challenge at times as she’s got lots of energy but it’s really fun.
Where did your love of Horses come from, and do you still take part in any horse events?
My mum definitely influenced my love of horses, starting me riding from a very young age! We were lucky enough to get a family pony when I was 4 (and so was she) and we’ve grown up together, even travelling to California with her when my dad was posted overseas with the RAF. Ceri is 30 this year and is doing so well. I’ve previously done unaffiliated dressage and hope to do some more this year, but I’ve also got my eye on some clear round showjumping and maybe some cross country too. I’m most confident out hacking so figure cross country will just be hacking with obstacles!
My mum definitely influenced my love of horses, starting me riding from a very young age! We were lucky enough to get a family pony when I was 4 (and so was she) and we’ve grown up together, even travelling to California with her when my dad was posted overseas with the RAF. Ceri is 30 this year and is doing so well. I’ve previously done unaffiliated dressage and hope to do some more this year, but I’ve also got my eye on some clear round showjumping and maybe some cross country too. I’m most confident out hacking so figure cross country will just be hacking with obstacles!
Do you have any tips for anyone looking to do their first competition this year?
I would definitely say to not put too much pressure on yourself - it’s meant to be fun! If it’s something you love doing, you don’t have to be perfect, just enjoy getting dressed up and having fun with your horse! As hard as it is, try not to compare yourself to anyone else.
I would definitely say to not put too much pressure on yourself - it’s meant to be fun! If it’s something you love doing, you don’t have to be perfect, just enjoy getting dressed up and having fun with your horse! As hard as it is, try not to compare yourself to anyone else.
We saw that you sing with the wonderful Military Wives choir, how did you become part of this and if anyone wanted to be part of this, how would they go about joining?
I joined the choir 2 and a half years ago as I was new to the area and wanted to make some friends. I have loved every minute as it’s a wonderful community and everyone understands what it’s like to have your partner going away and the highs and lows of military life. To join, have a look on the Military Wives website and find a local choir - there are no auditions so all that’s needed is a love for singing!
I joined the choir 2 and a half years ago as I was new to the area and wanted to make some friends. I have loved every minute as it’s a wonderful community and everyone understands what it’s like to have your partner going away and the highs and lows of military life. To join, have a look on the Military Wives website and find a local choir - there are no auditions so all that’s needed is a love for singing!
What is your ultimate Hiho love (favourite piece from the Hiho collection) and why?
Oh definitely my Cherry Roller Snaffle bangle, I haven’t taken it off in the 4 years of owning it!
It was a gift from Callum and has the Fairfax and Favor bead on it (another favourite brand of mine!) so it’s extra special.
It was a gift from Callum and has the Fairfax and Favor bead on it (another favourite brand of mine!) so it’s extra special.
You can follow Heidi and Rosa on Instagram at @retraining_rosa