About
Hi, my name is Heather Wallace and this is my pony Ferrous. I am a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT) and Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT). Many people wonder why I refer to myself as The Timid Rider. I’m not afraid to ride, usually, and seem really sure of myself.
Appearances can be deceiving. I’m extremely hard on myself. I think too much about what I’m doing wrong and whether I’m giving my horse what he needs. Sometimes I’m able to push through and focus on the connection with my horse. Other times I end up having a complete panic attack. The good news is that most days are good. But just like anything, I’m not perfect and I’m not afraid to talk about it and show that to the world.
While I am confident at work, I struggle with confidence in the saddle. I left riding as a teenager due to anxiety but returned as an adult after having my first child. This time around is a lot different. I’m older, I’m less flexible, and I’m a lot farther from the ground. Not to mention, I have three daughters at home depending on me. I still doubt myself but my determination to pursue my passion with horses is a constant struggle that I’m working on every day with my pony Ferrous. My advice to you? Never give up. Be bold and step outside your comfort zone. I’m speaking from experience and I hope that my journey will help you. If you can relate, please join my Timid Rider Community on Facebook.
I am perhaps best known for my best-selling book, Confessions of a Timid Rider, which won the 2018 Equus Film Festival WINNIE award for Best Non-Fiction. My newest book, Girl Forward is now a literary selection for the 2019 WINNIE awards and a winner of the Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Award! I have also written for a number of publications including Holistic Horse Magazine, Sidelines Magazine, and Equine Info Exchange among others. View my portfolio for more information.
Are you a brand, marketing rep, or press member? Please view my Media page for more information.
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Recent Blog Posts
Pony Conditioning Week 3
With two weeks of reconditioning under our belts, I’m excited for the next few weeks. This week the veterinarian will return for the spring shots and we can discuss his progress. More, Ferrous has don…
Progress and Then…
Confession: Lately I feel I’ve been making such strides in my confidence under saddle. Then, suddenly, I’m not.
Coarse Mane & Tail No More
I struggle with removing knots from my horse’s coarse mane and tail. Finally, there is a natural product that really works for us!
Pony Conditioning Week 2
I thought my pony was an easy keeper but it turns out when he isn’t regularly exercised he is basically a jellyfish- nothing firm about him. Thank you for joining us on week two!
Pony Conditioning- Week 1
7 weeks during pandemic lockdown and and my pony’s top line just disappeared. This is week one of our rehabilitation diary.
Equine Rehabilitation Diary: The Beginning
Pandemic forced my pony into vacation mode for almost two months. When I returned, his entire toppling disappeared. Now, we’re building up from the bottom.
Our Community
Did you know that I have a private FB group called The Timid Riders? The world celebrates confident, extroverted people but is that “real” 100% of the time. I wanted to create a place where we can be honest with your highs and lows, stories, and setbacks. This is intended as a supportive group of like-minded people who aren’t perfect but try their best. So, if this sounds like something you would like, please join us! Plus, don’t forget my blog posts that you might find helpful and hopefully, a little inspirational. I know it helps me to write them.
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