About Heidi
Heidi Herriott is proud of her heritage as a third-generation animal owner, trainer, and committed caretaker. Her parents were well respected animals trainers. Her mother specialized in dogs, minis, ponies and horses, while her father was internationally acclaimed for training camels, llamas, zebra, horses, elephants, and more! Heidi likes to describe her dad as a veritable Dr. Doolittle who really did 'talk to the animals'. She and her three sisters were always a part of the animal training process, and also the care (which is a very important part of the training process and life lessons!). Animals were part of their family! Their parents included them and allowed them to work with animals as they were comfortable. Her parents and grandfather utilized a very common sense approach to animal care and training, which she feels is the cornerstone (and uniqueness) of her training methods today. John and Mary Ruth Herriott both passed away in 2015, but their legacy endures with Heidi, her sisters, and many nieces and nephews who still work with and care for animals!
Heidi has travelled throughout North America exhibiting her beautiful, trained horses and dogs. She also enjoys hosting clinics specifically highlighting effective and universally recognized dog and horse training techniques that: enhance the training for both the animal and their people; maintaining a safe environment; and ultimately enhance the bond and relationship people share with their animals. She is respected and recognized as an animal welfare expert, and has served as a national spokesperson. She is also a knowledgeable and engaging speaker on the subject of celebrating the bond we share with our animal partners, as well as correcting misinformation about working and caring for animals in what is truly in the best interest of the animals. Her new podcast "ANIMAL TALES" can be found here on the AT Podcast page or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!
Heidi served as the Head Trainer and/or animal consultant for various venues including the Tournament of Kings Show/Excalibur (Las Vegas); Walt Disney World Co. (FL); Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction (Kissimmee, FL); The Dancing Horse Theatre (Lake Geneva, WI); Kentucky Horse Park (Louisville, KY); The Land of Little Horses (Gettysburg, PA).
Heidi provides a unique perspective regarding working with and celebrating our animal partners. Her goal is to provide a counterbalance to the emotional, philosophical, and even misleading information animal rights and protection groups present to media, legislators and most importantly, animal owners and lovers regarding animal shelters, and appropriate care and training for animals. As a sought-after writer and speaker, she is committed to delivering factual information regarding best practices in animal husbandry, recognized behavioral training techniques, science, and data to allow for a more informed and enlightened decision regarding animal ownership and care, and the larger debate regarding how we care for and consider the animals we share this planet with.
On air credit/highlights: IHeart Radio; Good Morning America; CBS This Morning; MSNBC; Fox; O’Reilly Factor; “Heidi Herriott’s HorseTrix” (she wrote, produced, directed. and served as the host for this national television series which aired from 2012-14 on the RFD network)
Speaker credits: International Association of Fairs & Expositions (past Speakers Bureau); Outdoor Amusement Business Association; Texas/Virginia/Maryland/Florida/KS Fair Associations; International Association of Venue Managers; Elephant Manager’s Association; United States Department of Agriculture: The Ringling Museum
Career highlights: Animal Planet’s Pet Star; America’s Got Talent; Walt Disney World Co.; Nickelodeon Studios; Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus; Midwest and Hoosier Horse Fairs; Six Flags Parks; Kentucky Horse Park; Downunder Horsemanship
