Heather MacInnis: Young Trainer is Moving Ahead in Leaps and Bounds

In the four short years since Heather MacInnis branched out on her own as a trainer, she has already experienced a level of success that even she finds a bit surprising. Her business, MacInnis Show Jumping, is based out of Poplar Lane Farm in Grimsby, ON; she leases the 24-stall facility in addition to coaching clients that meet her at the shows. Heather’s students had a stellar season in 2013, taking home 18 year-end OHJA Top Ten awards and 20 ribbons from the Royal Winter Fair.

The 32-year-old was born “horse-crazy” and began riding at the age of seven at a YMCA summer camp, progressing to weekly lessons and part-boarding a horse. Her first horse was an “insane” Quarter Horse mare purchased through the Toronto Star classifieds. “The only way I could get her to jump straight was by riding with two dressage whips,” Heather says, laughing. “I didn’t know any better and at the time didn’t have access to expert trainers.” Heather eventually found her way to Mike Grinyer’s facility and under his supervision leased and bought young or affordable prospects that helped her progress through the ranks. She became a working student for Mike while in high school, holding down a server’s job at Kelsey’s that helped offset riding expenses.

In 1998, Heather was awarded the Randy Cole Memorial Award by the OHJA, given to a young rider working her way through the sport. “I went to Mike Grinyer as a 14-year-old rider with virtually no show experience,” she remembers. “Mike helped us find horses we could afford, coached me at every level, and gave me the opportunity to ride literally hundreds of horses over the years.” When Heather graduated from Conestoga College with a business and marketing diploma, Grinyer hired her as his barn manager. “He taught me almost everything I know about horses, horse care, and horse management.” On her first grand prix horse, Shine of Light, Heather was OHJA Rising Star champion and National Talent Squad reserve champion in 2009 and won a $40,000 grand prix before the Swedish Warmblood mare suffered a career-ending injury.

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With Grinyer’s support, Heather set out on her own in 2010. “I took that leap of faith, believing that with the support of key people in my life – my parents and my husband, plus Mike Grinyer and [Poplar Lane Farm owner] Sue Perez – I could make my passion for horses, riding, training, and coaching into a viable business,” she explains. “I had hoped to make my customers successful in their showing careers, but didn’t expect such success so soon. At the same time, it is definitely not always about winning ribbons; I emphasize to my students that what is important is learning and improving. Not all of my clients can afford to do a full show schedule or own a “fancy” horse, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be learning new skills and enjoying their horses to the fullest.”

Heather’s work ethic, stemming from years as a working student, is imparted on her students, who are expected to care for their horses and prepare for shows themselves. “It’s the way I was brought up,” she explains. “I don’t believe in ready-made horses waiting for their riders to mount them at the ring. I’ve got a great group of clients who all share a love of horses and a determination to do their best. We are a happy extended family. Most of my clients are working on a tight budget and I am happy to work with them to get the best out of their horses and their budgets, because that’s also how I got my start.

“I am so happy to still have Mike as my mentor, advisor, and friend in the business. I want to keep having a couple of young horses to bring along as investment prospects, and continue working with my customer base to ensure they are fulfilling their goals as riders. It’s important to me to create and foster a warm and welcoming environment in my barn where horses and people are having fun and doing what they love.”