Heidi Herriott is a multi-talented horsewoman who performs over 300 shows annually as a professional horse trainer, clinician and entertainer. Heidi is proud to be a third generation performer with specialties that include trick horse, liberty, and dancing horse training. Her career highlights include; Animal Planet’s Pet Star, Walt Disney World, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre, Circus World Museum, Six Flags Parks, multiple state and county fairs, rodeos, horse shows and more. Now she is passing on the family’s successful training method to others who are eager to enhance their horse’s training repertoire. She hosts an innovative online trick horse training program called HorseTrix. As a trick horse clinician, Heidi works with novices to experienced clients.
Tell us about growing up as a third generation performer?
My parents felt education was very important. Even on the road, we were home schooled, so later, we would have options in life. At the same time – our lives and lifestyle was immersed in show business and a variety of animals. I went to college, but something always pulled me back to
entertaining and performing. When my children were very young, my resume even included single trapeze and ring master. I think I’ve done it all, and my life has never been “normal”!
What kind of performing did your family do?
My father worked for Ringling Bros Circus and especially loved working
with elephants and horses – he was known at the time – as one of the
finest liberty horse trainers. He trained 12 horses and taught them
intricate patterns.
Can you share the method he passed along to you?
His method relays on consistency, repetition, reward, discipline and
progress. This was the training method he used on every animal – not just horses. The only difference is that for each animal, you have to take into account their intelligence and ability. I’ve worked with
many great trainers and always take something away, but my Father’s
method continues to serve me well.
You work with amateurs now and teach them tricks with their own horses. How hard is that?
In twelve weeks I can teach anyone the basics (to bow, smile, yes & no, pedestal and picking up items with mouth) – especially if your
communication is clear to the horses. At the clinics I give, my first
step is to watch people’s body language and the voice they use with
their horse. I don’t believe in abuse of any kind, but if you have to
ask your horse more than once, you need to let your horse know and
discipline them. Afterwards, they get playtime! The Dancing Horses or “High School” horses are different. It usually takes me 2 years to teach them piaffe, passage, dressage changes, Spanish walk, high trot, etc.
What kind of horse is best suited for a trick horse?
When we were growing up, we never had the opportunity to pick our
horses, so we worked with different breeds taking into account their
intelligence and ability. Over the years, I’ve worked with quite a few
different types of horses and find the Andalusians to be a natural at
learning tricks and performing high school tricks. Saddlebreds and
Cross Andalusians are also excellent.
You are working on a “Mustang Project” now. What is that about?
My Dad’s vision 20 years ago was to tame the “wild horses of America”.
He is retired now so I picked up his dream. People think the approach
to training a Mustang need to be different, but when I give clinics to
Mustang owners, I use the same tenants of training I learned from
my Father. You need to be warm but firm. Mustangs are like “street
kids”, survivors with great intelligence. For good reason, they don’t
trust people because they have learned to take care of themselves.
Once you earn their respect and trust, they are loyal. For more info about Heidi www.heidiherriott.com
