Testimonials
Thank you so much to Heidi and Bob for what I know will be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Smoothie! I am a timid adult rider, looking for a pony to love and enjoy for low level dressage and trail riding. From the minute I walked into Heidi's barn, I could tell I had made the right decision. She is calm, knowledgeable, and caring. She wanted to make sure that I found the right horse for me, and that she found the best home for Smoothie. It has only been a few weeks but I already know that this is the perfect partner for me. He is sweet, loving, well-trained, and brings me and my family so much joy. I look forward to many years of fun together, and I would confidently recommend First Choice Academy to anyone looking for a horse or pony to purchase!
KK Bochman
We were looking for a "retirement horse"' suitable for Granny and the kids. Horses of different kinds have been part of our family for many years, but this time our search was for quiet, dependable, and still interesting to ride. After contacting Heidi, who focussed immediately on finding the correct horse for our particular needs, she offered Bella as a good choice. We met Bella, a charming teenage Chincoteague Pony who totally belies her "wild" heritage by her lady-like behavior. Heidi's concerned, caring attitude about finding the exactly best fitting horse for the purchaser was evident from the start. While trying the pony out, I felt her analyzing the interaction between horse and rider, not just trying to sell a product. Her awareness of the human as well as the equine side of the equation sold me on Heidi, along with her knowledge of Bella's history, performance and health. Heidi willingly, patiently, and completely answered all the questions we had, and proved very much more of a matchmaker than a salesperson. Loved working with her, and would certainly go back to her.
Bella has now been with us a few months, and is part of the family. Her new life is quieter and more casual, but I fully trust her with my greatest treasures, and there can be no better recommendation than that. Thank you, Heidi!
Susie Feldman, MA
We met Heidi in 2005, when we contacted her about a horse she was selling. From our first conversation, we found her to be helpful, knowledgeable, and honest--- she knew her horse well and spent a great deal of time with us trying to determine whether the mare would be a good match for our needs and skills. When we decided that she really wasn't, Heidi was very supportive and encouraged us to keep looking. Since then, we have kept in touch with Heidi, and have looked at other horses she's had for sale; she has also welcomed us to several clinics held at First Choice over the past few years. Heidi's singular focus on making the best match between horse and rider is what sets her apart from other trainers we've encountered. We've appreciated her expertise, candor, and good cheer in every interaction we have had with her-- she cares for people and horses with the same dedication and energy!
Christine G. Price, Ph.D. and family, Concord. MA
I contacted Heidi Hauri-Gill about a young QH named Joey who she had advertised on the internet. I was impressed with her honesty & thoroughness in describing his attributes, personality & experience. When I came to see him, she was professional & understanding of my needs & gave me the time & space I needed to make my decision. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to buy a horse. I am hoping to keep Joey for many years, but if I am ever in the market for another horse, I will definitely contact her first.
Linda, CT
First of all I wanted to say THANK YOU for Tristins lesson !! She had such a great time and being able to canter was huge for her! You are the most wonderful instructor around with a focus on safety , fun and comfort for both horse and rider. You also know how to put a parent at ease. You knowledge of horses along with our kind attitude to horse and kid make a wonderful , fun learning time for a child!!
Lori
I
started riding when I was four and until I came to First Choice, I
bounced around to many different trainers. When I came to the barn it
felt like home right away. I was immediately given dozens of
opportunities that improved my riding every day. I got to do so much and
had so much fun doing it. I even got to not only ride, but also win the
NEDA Region 8 championships in 2007. The best part about it was that all
of my accomplishments and downfalls were with Heidi by my side. There
was even one time when I fell off and Heidi caught me! I have been
through several horses in my time at FCRA, always learning lots from
each of them! Now I have a great little chestnut boy that was a little
scruffy and skinny, okay quite a bit scruffy, when I got him. Heidi
found him and saw underneath all that and I now have a great 3rd level
(and more) horse. This fall I went to college with Bailey and pursued my
education (riding and scholastic) there. Next I am taking time off and
backpacking for three months but I know that when I come back I will
have a place back at the barn for the summer because in the end it’s
where I always end up. Thanks for being my rock Heidi!
Mollie Bachner
Our 8 years as boarders and students is a huge testimonial to the high
quality riding program that Heidi and Bob have developed at FCRA. My
daughter, Cecilia, now age 16, has grown up under Heidi's wing and Bob's
sense of humor and work ethic. She spends as much time at the farm as her
responsibilities will allow. Over the years, she's experienced a lot of
firsts at FCRA: her first lesson, first canter, first horse, first show,
first blue ribbon, first riding camp, first clinic with a visiting Olympic
level instructor, first gold medal, first paying job-- you get the idea.
Heidi has been an unfailing mentor, instructor, coach, and friend through
thick and thin. She has also instilled in Cecilia a love of dressage that
will never die! FCRA is an outstanding place to learn to ride and show, to
find a horse to make your own, and to keep your horse happy and healthy. I
recommend it as a place to grow up too. Here are two photos of Cecilia on
"Bare Necessity" (Bear) and "Graffitti" (Teddy), both horses which Heidi
helped us buy, train and show. They really tell the story!
Dale Shields
First
Choice Riding Academy has been a wonderful place for my family to learn
about the care and riding of horses. Heidi and Wendy are caring and
supportive instructors with a tremendous amount of experience and
practical knowledge. Most importantly, they love and understand children
and horses and bring out the best in both. Not only is FCRA a nurturing
place to further one's riding skills, it also is tremendous resource if
you are thinking of buying a horse of your own. With Heidi's help and
guidance, 11-year-old Nathalie has found the horse of her dreams -- Koda
-- a bright, young, talented thoroughbred-cross who loves learning as
much as Nathalie does! Everyone at the barn is enjoying watching them
grow together.
Lisa, Phil, Nathalie and Meredith Ferneau
Almost
2 years ago I found myself drawn to your chestnut mare named Skips Ezy
Babe (aka Fiona). Something deep in my core told me I had to have her.
Why, exactly, I could not explain at that time, but I bought her from
you. Today, it became apparent as I watched Jessica, age 12, give a
riding lesson to her sister Bridget, age 9. This was day 3 of a 3 day
horsemanship camp implemented by Jessica. I watched as Bridget,
normally fearful of such a beautiful and powerful animal, walked and
steered with and without stirrups, performing leg and upper body
stretches as instructed. She also trotted, rode backwards and went
around the world, all with a smile. This same mare had already helped
Jessica gain confidence in herself and tackle a more challenging mare we
bought from you, named Trio. What this mare, and you are teaching me is
still indescribable. I thank you for allowing us to share your farm,
your knowledge and your training in The Power of the Horse.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Darling
Heidi
- I Can't believe it has been almost 10 years since I first started
riding at First Choice. WOW has the barn grown in that time! I can't
thank you enough for making it possible to have horses in my life. Your
barn has given me SO many amazing experiences. No matter where my life
took me, my first phone call on my way back to NH was always to First
Choice, and there was always someone new and exciting to ride, and lots
of old friends to play with. Thank you to both you and Bob for giving
me such a wonderful home away from home!!
Lindsey LeClair
Hi Heidi, The beach was a BLAST! I am so
thrilled that I was able to join the party. I truly had the best time.
It was a dream for me to be able to ride on the beach - and which horse
better to share it with than Ronnie! My thanks to you and Bob for all
your efforts to bring us there and for the care with which you both
managed everything. We are so very fortunate to benefit from your skill
and wisdom and willingness to support such a great outing. I can only
imagine all the thought and planning and attention to millions of
details that I know nothing of. Thank you so very much.
Diane
Heidi, Congratulations on all of the
new horses! The ones I have met in the aisles are so sweet! You have
such a talent in choosing horses with such great temperaments! Also,
I wanted to thank you for sharing the magic of your farm with Kylie and
me. I was thinking about it the other day, and a year has passed since
Kylie began her lessons. I have watched my little girl grow up and
change in so many ways as a result of being at the barn and around the
horses. She is more independent and responsible, and most importantly
more confident in herself. I’m not sure I would’ve been able to teach
her these things as easily or quickly. Nor, would I know the pleasure of
goose bumps appearing on my arms and running down my spine when one of
the horses blows into my hair or nuzzles my neck, or the sense of peace
from simply grooming Murray. So, thank you for sharing!
Brandy
Heidi,
Thank you so much for the wonderful horses you have brought into our
lives. We have made so many wonderful memories at the barn. I can't
thank you enough for bringing Remmington into my life. I know you know
exactly what he means to me! We also thank you for letting us have the
privilege to ride and have Cutie. She was such a perfect addition for
us. It amazes me how you can match a student and a horse and how you
knew that Cutie was exactly what we needed. She is very happy at home
now enjoying the days with Remmington and thinking that the mini horse
is her baby. We are very happy and excited about our newest addition
that you have found for us. Alicia and Kip are going to have so much
fun! Another great keeper for us!! Thank you so much for bringing
these gifts into our lives and giving us such a great place to spend our
days.
Many thanks from my family to yours,
Beth, Alicia and Corey
Andrew
and his trusty steed, Tonka, at their first horse show! Thanks for all
the great teaching and confidence building.
The Brunelles