Heidi comes from a planned background in equine science and training. After growing up with horses at home, she went to Westmoreland Davis International Equestrian Institute (a.k.a. Morven Park) and studied riding and training in depth under the tutelage of Raul de Leon, and Tad Coffin. The school provided an intense opportunity to train with superior trainers such as Bert de Nemethy, Jack LeGoff, Sally Swift, and Gunnar Ostergaard, to name a few.

After graduating from Westmoreland Davis and receiving the only award given at the school of Most Improved, Heidi went on to University of New Hampshire to continue studying Equine Science. During college, she was also Assistant Manager/Trainer at Green Acres Stables in Dover, NH. Graduating top of her class was yet another tribute to her dedication in the horse industry.

After college, Heidi managed the barns at the Hamilton Equestrian Center in Hamilton, MA. After almost a year there, she decided that training was really her passion and she became an instructor at Chrislar Farm in Rowley, MA. To this date she credits Chris and Larry Cassenti and their program to her success with her own program; they are true mentors and horse people. She also began to study under Bill Woods, who helped her train her first quality  horse, Waidmann.  After two years at Chrislar, it was time to start First Choice.

During the exciting endeavor of starting her own riding academy, there were also many opportunities to continue her education as well, including training and pursuing dressage with Volker Bromman. This led to many awards through both NEDA, Region 8 and USDF. This was with her own horses Waidmann and Elekt, but also with clients' horses.

In 1995, Heidi studied to become a dressage judge. It took a full summer of hard work, but in the end when she received her certification with distinction, it was well worth it. Studying to become a judge of any title is an honor and an endeavor that can't be taken lightly. The USDF provides instructors of the highest quality who all have a shared goal of creating up and coming L-Grads to become actual judges.

In 1996 Heidi married Bob Gill. In 1997 they moved from Exeter, NH to Hanover, NH and started a family. When their first son was 8 months old Heidi and Bob leased a farm in Enfield, NH. It was there that they would live for the next 23 years, and raise two boys, as well as a community full of young riders.

Heidi trained with Joy Congdon, Jane Savoie and Gunnar Ostergaard during this time. In 2005 She purchased Willioso SSF, and with help from those three she brought him through the levels to Grand Prix!

While owning First Choice Riding Academy Heidi guided many students Jr/Yr and AA alike to Region 8 Championships and year end awards. Heidi and her students made yearly trips to Lendon's Youth Festival at first in Darien CT, and then in Saugerties, NY. Over the years Heidi has trained many youngsters from the beginning stages of riding to true horse professionals. Many of them are also self employed or own farms of their own.

Most recently Heidi spent a winter season training with Kathy Connelly in Wellington, FL. Heidi and Bob enjoyed the area so much they sold the farm and are now year round in Wellington. Heidi is traveling to teach both localy and nationwide, and loves it. Heidi is currently continuing to train Willioso SSF as well as other horses. Heidi is looking forward to competing at the Grand Prix level with Willi in Wellington, Loxahatchee, and Ocala. 

Heidi is a USDF certified instructor, a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, and a Jane Savoie Certified Instructor through 3rd level. Heidi is available to give clinics as well as judge schooling shows both locally and is happy to travel.