Heidi McKay

Meet Heidi McKay. She is an amazing animal trainer who has worked on famous movies and her work has taken her all around the world. Currently she works at the Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast where she trains animals for the show and performs as a horse rider. Read her interview to see how she achieved her dream.

What's your current job/position?

I train animals for film & TV and also work at Australian Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast as a performer.

How did you get there?

I have always been a great lover of all animals, but as a child my passion was horses. I got my first horse at age 6 and I have never looked back. My parents were always very supportive of me and gave me the confidence to continue with my love of horses, even though, I am sure they thought it wouldn't get me anywhere in life.

I struggled through my whole school life and had trouble learning. I always had a fear of reading or standing up to talk in front of class. I had no confidence in myself and was terrified of looking silly. I couldn't wait to get home from school to my horses, as this was something that I knew I was good at. I finished school in grade 11 and went to work in a solicitors' office before starting my dream life of working with animals.

I got my break 14yrs ago when I was asked to work on a film with 300 horses travelling around Australia. I then went on to work at Warner Bros Movie World as a trainer & presenter in the Animal Actor Show. I have since worked on many films & TV both here in Australia and in USA with domestic & exotic animals. I am still with Warner 12ys on, now working at Australian Outback Spectacular riding as a stockperson in the show. I am lucky enough to be able to ride in the show & continue to do my animal training for film. Life just couldn't be better, as I have my perfect job.

Advice for teens today….

Always believe that you can achieve your dreams and goals if you follow your heart.