Since turning professional in 2012, Gillian has specialized in horse training and equine management.

A Virginia native, Gillian's life has been fueled by her passion for horses. A working student from a young age, Gillian rode with J.T. Tallon and Carol Gwin as a junior and young adult. While on a scholarship to Randolph Macon Woman’s College, Gillian was also IHSA Team Captain for three years. During school, Gillian braided and groomed to support her horse showing. In 2008, Gillian won the Oak Ridge Medal Final, a regional USET-style championship, and was awarded the South West Virginia Hunter Jumper Association Iris P. McNeil Sportsmanship Award.

Gillian began her professional career with Legacy Hunters & Jumpers, managing a small string of school horses and instructing the riding school, before working her way into an assistant trainer position. Over the next several years, Gillian spent time with Therapy Corner Store, where she learned about equine sports therapy and helped her friends build a business. Gillian also worked as Manager for the Washington State Hunter Jumper Association and Cascade Horse Shows, learning about horse shows behind the scenes. In 2019, Gillian joined Thumbs Up Farm as Assistant Trainer. During this time, Gillian worked with a team to manage as many as forty show horses, instruct students of all ages and levels, and show horses of all types. Highlights included winning her first USHJA National Hunter Derby and Mini Prix competitions, as well as coaching students to victories ranging from short stirrup hunters to the 1.10m jumpers.