April

April's Story

Rescued in 2009 and Now Loving Life

April, a Spanish Arabian mare, was once found living feral in the rugged mountains of Butte County, California. When she was rescued, she was in heartbreaking condition—thin, weary, and in desperate need of care. But even in those difficult beginnings, there was something special in her spirit.

Her recovery was not quick; it took patience, dedication, and nearly a full year of rehabilitation to restore her health and strength. After six months, Mark began introducing gentle groundwork, and step by step, April began to change. With kindness, consistency, and the help of several devoted young students, she blossomed into an extraordinary horse.

April never needed force—only trust. She met every lesson with willingness, calmness, and grace. She seemed to thrive on the attention and care she received, and the strong foundation built through months of groundwork prepared her to accept riders with confidence and ease.

One young student, Hannah, became an especially important part of April’s journey, riding her daily and helping her grow even more. Together, we carefully introduced April to all kinds of new experiences, and with each one, her trust deepened. She remained steady through challenges that would have unsettled many horses, including balloon pops and, eventually, the gunfire required in reenactment training.

April went on to perform in demonstrations and public events at the Gold Nugget Museum, State Parks, school district programs, PRCA Rodeo halftime shows, and community events featuring steam train robberies. What began as the rescue of a fragile, forgotten horse became the story of a remarkable partner whose courage, gentleness, and heart far exceeded anything I could have imagined.

April’s journey is a testament to what patience, trust, and compassion can make possible. She is not only a great horse—she is an inspiration.