April’s journey began in a small hunter/jumper and dressage barn in Hampstead MD when she was 10 years old. Her instructor Cindy saw she had a natural talent for dressage. Dressage built April’s confidence in the saddle. Which led her to lease a quarter horse named “April” for the summer. April and “April” had a blast riding through fields and hanging out while she grazed. Eventually she moved on to other barns and other horses. It turned out April had a solid seat being able to stay on horses off the track that were new in the lesson program. That led her to other opportunities of re-training off the track thoroughbreds and helping start green horses.

Due to re-training and rehabilitating OTTB’s it sparked another passion for rescue and rehabilitation work. She went on to rescue 3 off the track horses, 2 thoroughbreds and 1 standardbred, that has deepened her understanding of these often misunderstood horses.

April’s first horse she rescued in 2011 is a off the track thoroughbred named “TJ’s Revenge” aka Toreeno. Toreeno was a very nervous type that was skinny and had bad feet. He took some time to rehabilitate. Toreeno was eventually able to do hunter/jumper training and also did paperchases. He is now happily retired at her home.

In 2016 April adopted her Standardbred named “Tumbleweed” aka Jag. Jag is an ex-pacer. In 2017 April took Jag to the Great Frederick Fair Standardbred Breed Show taking first place in the walk trot class . She and Jag also competed in trail competitions and hunter classes. However their favorite pass time was taking long trail rides with friends in the hills of Pennsylvania. Jag is now 23 years old and was a good horse to pony her newest addition Mareda when it came to her rehabilitation.

In 2020 she rescued a off the track thoroughbred mare name “Forest Cafe” barn name “Mareda” before she went through the horse sales in New Holland, PA. Mareda was underweight and had medical issues that needed addressed before training could start. Afterwards, when the training started it was clear there were still some serious problems. She became very difficult to handle, breaking crossties, rearing and had serious anxiety issues. Looking for other ways to help her April started looking into what could be causing her pain. She started learning more about bodywork and relaxation techniques for horses as well as clicker training. Not knowing if she could ever help Mareda overcome these behaviors she was still willing to try because no matter what she was keeping her. Because of the remarkable results with Mareda’s behavior changing for the better April decided to study equine bodywork getting certified through Equine Studies Institute. Fast forward to 2024 April was able to finally take Mareda for trail rides, even fulfilling her dream to go swimming with her horse.

April believes every horse has something to teach. Mareda taught her to follow her instincts which had great rewards. Now she wants to share her knowledge she has gained throughout the years to help other owners realize their dreams.