Greenbrier Academy announces new Equine Program Director, April Hart.
April's relationship with horses began at the age of 5. Now after 25 years in the profession, training, teaching and showing, she looks forward to joining the staff and students at Greenbrier.
April attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she received a degree in Social Advocacy with a minor in Psychology, where she was fortunate enough to begin her long association with Dr. H.L.M. Van Schaik, an Olympic medalist. His teachings instilled in her a love of classical dressage and an understanding of the importance of a methodical and conscientious development of the horse. The time she spent with him as a working student made her realize that it is possible to combine the highest level of competitive success while remaining in touch with and continuing to honor the amazing kindness of the horse. The strong commitment to communication and trust in her training method offers her students an opportunity to develop serious equestrian skills based on knowledge and compassion. Her mission statement reads: Ride for the beauty of movement, the challenge of unity, the love of a horse.
In keeping with these two major influences, April has continued her study of classical dressage and horsemanship by working with other professionals committed to these standards of excellence and kindness. Her mentors and teachers have included both nationally and internationally recognized equestrians. Her interest in furthering her knowledge has taken her to many workshops and clinics. She regards continuing education as essential to good horsemanship, and has developed a variety of workshops for her clients, including a college-accredited instructors licensing program.
April holds a degree in Social Advocacy with a minor in Psychology from UMass Amherst and has operated riding and training schools for the past 22 years.