About April

April’s journey with horses began at the age of ten in a small hunter/jumper and dressage barn in Hampstead, Maryland. Her instructor, Cindy, quickly recognized April’s natural aptitude for dressage, a discipline that helped build her confidence and foundation in the saddle. That confidence soon led to her first lease, a Quarter Horse aptly named “April.” Together, April and April spent a memorable summer riding through open fields and enjoying quiet moments while her mare grazed, deepening April’s love for horses beyond structured lessons.

As April moved on to different barns and worked with a variety of horses, it became clear that she possessed a notably solid, balanced seat. She was frequently trusted to ride off-the-track Thoroughbreds newly introduced into lesson programs, a responsibility that opened the door to further opportunities. This experience naturally led her into retraining OTTBs and helping start green horses, sharpening both her skills and her horsemanship.

Working closely with off-the-track horses sparked a deeper passion for rescue and rehabilitation. Over the years, April has rescued three off-the-track horses—two Thoroughbreds and one Standardbred—an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of these often misunderstood athletes.

In 2011, April rescued her first horse, an off-the-track Thoroughbred named “TJ’s Revenge,” known as Toreeno. Toreeno was anxious, underweight, and struggling with poor hoof health. His rehabilitation required time, patience, and consistency. With thoughtful care and training, Toreeno eventually went on to participate in hunter/jumper work and paper chases. Today, he enjoys a well-earned retirement at April’s home.

In 2016, April adopted her Standardbred, “Tumbleweed,” known as Jag, an ex-pacer with a kind and steady nature. In 2017, April and Jag competed at the Great Frederick Fair Standardbred Breed Show, earning first place in the walk–trot class. They also participated in trail competitions and hunter classes, though their favorite pastime was taking long trail rides with friends through the hills of Pennsylvania. Now 23 years old, Jag played an important role as a steady pony horse during the rehabilitation of April’s newest rescue.

In 2020, April rescued an off-the-track Thoroughbred mare named “Forest Café,” barn name “Mareda,” just before she entered the horse sales in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Mareda was severely underweight and facing medical challenges that needed to be addressed before any training could begin. Once training started, it became evident that deeper issues remained. Mareda was extremely difficult to handle, frequently breaking cross-ties, rearing, and exhibiting intense anxiety. Determined to help her mare, April began exploring underlying causes of discomfort and stress. This search led her to study equine bodywork, relaxation techniques, and clicker training.

Unsure if Mareda would ever fully overcome her behavioral challenges, April committed to her regardless of the outcome. The remarkable changes she witnessed, both physically and mentally, confirmed she was on the right path. Inspired by Mareda’s transformation, April pursued formal education in equine bodywork and became certified through the Equine Studies Institute. By 2024, April and Mareda were trail riding together, even fulfilling a lifelong dream of swimming with her horse.

April believes that every horse has something to teach. Mareda, in particular, taught her the value of trusting her instincts and listening closely to the horse in front of her. Today, through her business A Stable Pace, LLC, April is passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years. Her work centers on equine bodywork, thoughtful training, and whole-horse assessment, helping horses move with greater comfort while guiding owners toward calmer, healthier partnerships. April’s approach emphasizes listening to the horse, addressing the body before behavior, and progressing at a pace that supports long-term soundness and trust.