Heather Lee Reid – Owner/Instructor
My passion for horses and music has always guided my life’s path, since early childhood. Growing up in a musical family, I had the opportunity to play guitar and electronic pop organ. My dreams were always filled with galloping horses and a desire to connect with those majestic beings. As a teen, I found 4H, riding lessons and showing, horse camp and music competitions. After working with Yamaha Canada Music in Winnipeg, I returned home to my family’s retail music business where I ran our keyboard music education program for many years. I met a lot of wonderful people along the way.
My equestrian career grew from its’ beginnings, in a traditional western saddle, into elite athlete status. I traveled with my horses for over 20 years as a Trick and Fancy Rider, performing daring gymnastic stunts at the gallop and as a Roman Rider, navigating jumps from standing atop the backs of “The Silver Storm”, my most trusted pair of snow-white steeds. Their talent and beauty led me to offer White Horse Carriages service in Southern Ontario for several years. We were also called upon for various roles in film and television productions.
While living such an active life, it may not come as a surprise that I was experiencing the gradual wear and tear of constant physical stresses on my body.
Enter Pilates! I had never heard of such an intriguing form of body movement. A chiropractor encouraged me to pursue this as a means of rehabilitating my sore back. After discovering that Pilates was such an amazing way to train the human body back to health, I decided to follow through and I achieved my Stott Pilates Full Comprehensive Certification in early 2004. Going back to school full-time, I studied essential to advanced Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Stability Chair and Barrels, Anatomy and Human Biomechanics. Completing the Injuries and Special Populations component allowed me to understand the requirements of assisting stroke survivors, surgical recovery, pre/post natal and addressing neuromuscular diseases and arthritic degeneration of the joints. Little did I know at that time that I would be applying my knowledge 10 years later to retraining myself through a total hip replacement! (The younger, invincible body catching up with me). Continuing education keeps my Pilates based training relevant and I feel rewarded by assisting my clients in achieving their personal goals.
Today, I still play music and I ride my beautiful Oldenburg mare in the discipline of Dressage. As well, I own and operate Spine To Spine Rider Fitness, my anatomically based method for conditioning riders of all disciplines. It takes me from “in the studio” to “in the arena”, as I address the unique challenges of the equestrian body.
And the best part is, I continue to meet wonderful people along my life’s journey!
Passion: Playing a role in people’s health and happiness
Happy Places: In the saddle, grooming my horse, at home on my farm with my puppy and kittycat, reading, music, spending time with friends and family.