About April

April has always loved watching horses run and play--if you watch long enough you will notice some move more fluidly than others. Why?

As a trainer of horses, April noticed the horses that were in some kind of discomfort or pain were labeled the ''problem horses,'' hard to train and that people were quick to get rid of them. She learned to listen to the horses that came to her for training and worked on the underlying issues. April discovered that, often, at the heart of each "trouble horse" that was in pain, was actually a willing equine partner eager to do what was asked.

When April was introduced to endurance riding, she discovered a new aspect to physical challenges faced by horses. As she thrilled to riding a willing partner that worked hard--truly, an equine athlete--small things could start a painful "ball" rolling. For instance, a spasm in the hind end would cause the front of the horse to have to pull harder. She noticed that the horse started to compensate, resulting in a ripple effect. As April committed to sleuthing for the source and resolving the issue at its origin, the rest of the horse came back into balance. The true equine athlete was restored, able to use 100% of his body.

April knew that she was asking a lot of her athletic equine partners and became determined to support and help them realize their maximum potential by taking care of their bodies in a holistic way. The success of this approach has been seen in the results she has experienced with her horses and in the lives of clients she has been privileged to help as well.

Any athlete in balance will perform better, faster and longer without compensatory break-down or arthritic changes. Never being content to let things just take their course, April began to ask questions about the movement of horses she witnessed. Why is the suspensory or tendon sore? Why is the horse loading that front leg? Why are the hocks sore? Why are they working twice as hard as they should be? What in the front end is not able to move freely, inducing the hind end to work even harder to pick up the front end?

April became driven to find out the answers to the ''why's'' of injuries that often sidelined horses that should have been at their peak, continuing to perform but who were, instead laid up needing to "recover."

When asked about her own horses over the years, April tells of a gelding that she fell in love with who had a great mind but was not physically the best candidate for long distance riding. She was told he would never make it in endurance--that he would never hold up. That was three years ago and Tiki and April are still going strong!

In 2007, he placed third in the West Region Heavyweight Division with 955 miles in one year, including 28 consecutive completions in just 16 months of 50 miles or more in a day .

2008 continues with more of the same--April and Tiki are high in the standings with 855 miles as of September 26. He has had only one rider option pull in some 40 rides and has completed over 2,000 miles total in just over two years. The two of them flow together down the endurance trail of mountains, boulders, river crossings, narrow fall off type trails. He is fluid and in harmony with his rider and greatly appreciates all the money April spent on classes to learn how to best take care of him!

To date, April has spent 186 hours in schooling level one acupressure, Reiki, kinesiology, bio-energy analysis techniques and a 40-hour equine sports massage course, over a 4 year period. She plans on continuing her education as well.

Email April or call her at 530-823-7321.