The Unbridled Ways Team

Having grown up on a small dairy farm in Charlotte, VT where it was not economical to have a horse, Heidi developed a strong desire to be around horses in any way that she could.  Anything horse-related was a passion and childhood dream. In her early 20's, as soon as she owned a home and some land, Heidi bought her first horse and her desire to learn everything about them has been her life's focus.

In 2005, with a college background and many years in the business industry,  Heidi took a huge leap of faith and purchased a steel structured horse barn with arena and moved it to her family's land.  After four years of “blood, sweat and tears” working to resurrect the barn, it eventually became Heart and Heritage Stables. Creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere was her mission, a place where people could come enjoy their horse without competition,  a place where they could come to get away from the hustle of the outside world. 

The healing power of the horse became evident to Heidi through many of the transitional phases in her life, and so she took an interest in finding ways to share this unique equine experience with others.  This lead her to obtain her certification as an Equine Specialist through EAGALA in 2015, begin the study of equine-assisted personal coaching in 2017, and the eventual foundation of Unbridled Ways.  

As an occupational therapist and founder/director of the non-profit center The Philo Center, Jill supported children and their families for 20 years. In addition to treatment with individuals and groups, she provided extensive consultation and training to therapists, educators, and families throughout Vermont. She also served as president of the board of directors of the Vermont Parent Information Center and the Vermont Family Network. 

Jill's first riding lesson was in 1998, but it was following her 2011 partnership with her quarter horse Tequita that she dove in and immersed herself in all-things equine. Traditional and alternative veterinary care, behavior and communication, lameness therapy and rehabilitation and hoof care are some areas of study. She has trained with a variety of gifted horses and trainers in dressage, and stadium and cross-country jumping. She attended her first Eagala training in 2011. Work done at Courage and Renewal circles and retreats that she has attended since 2014 complement and support her equine-facilitated approach.

Marley has loved horses ever since she was a little girl. Growing up she immersed herself in horses through all sorts of activities including all types of riding, pony club, volunteering at hippotherapy programs, and teaching 4-H.  One thing she noticed across all of these various settings is that horses have a power to help and heal people.

Marley continued to fuel her passion for horses by teaching horseback riding lessons while working on her Master's Degree in Social Work through the University of Vermont. She then went on to obtain her license in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). Marley is currently employed as a pediatric social worker at Essex Pediatrics, where her support for kids and their families includes individual counseling, connection to services, and development and implementation of parenting strategies. She is very excited to blend her two loves, horses and helping people, through Unbridled Ways.