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On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Heather Gillette about her recent shift from upper-level rider to being a dressage judge and TD.

Heather is a 5* event rider based out of New Jersey. Her father was an avid rider and he got Heather her first pony when she was only 2 years old. She grew up eventing with her two sisters. 

Heather got a degree from Rutgers University and then started a corporate job, which she quickly realized was not her path. That's when Heather found her to-be upper-level partner, Pickle Road. Heather ultimately sold Pickle Road when she received an offer she couldn’t refuse, and she talks about grappling with regret and appreciation for that decision. 

Heather talks about deciding to be a TD and a dressage judge in an effort to stay involved at the upper levels. They discuss what Heather has learned with her judge certification and how that experience has changed her perspective as a rider. Heather talks about creating Strides for Equality, an equestrian non-profit focused on promoting diversity in equestrian sports.

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