Meet the Staff
David and Laurie Gainey
Founder & Owner
David Gainey grew up right here and started his riding at 6 years old. Being self-taught, David was dedicated and driven to understand how horses think, move, talk, and learn. Throughout the years, David found he had a talent for training horses with groundwork and bringing them from “green” to “broke to ride” level of training. This started his 35-year career in training horses. Through the years he gained immeasurable experience which included frequently working with “problem horses” with specific training needs such as loading into trailers or getting them to give their feet. David has two sons, one of which, Brian Gainey, joined David in training horses by finishing their training in the saddle once David had completed their groundwork.
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Together, David and Brian started Gainey’s Horse Heaven Stables Inc 25 years ago and built, by hand, the red barn and pastures seen on the property today. After Brian joined the Army and moved away, David continued to grow and improve the business, and eventually married his wife, Laurie Gainey. David and Laurie have made this facility what it is today. After many long years of success at Gainey’s Horse Heaven Stables Inc, David and Laurie are semi-retired from the business and maintain ownership. The beginning of January 2025, they brought on April Lee as the new barn manager to continue making the farm an amazing place for all level of riders. Fortunately, the staff here has the opportunity to continue learning from David and his vast experience with horses as the “Barn Family” remains a close-knit community, going on organized trail rides, enjoying late night fires, and maintain the “heaven on earth, here on horseback” way.
April Lee
Barn Manager
April grew into a love for horses as an adult while in Montana at a former family member's small ranch. Due to a family health issue, she had to step in and manage the ranch with true 'on the job' training. She then spent a summer as an informal apprentice where she helped train two mustangs under a 30 year veteran horse trainer from Guatemala who specializes in Mustangs. Their training was recognized locally and highlighted in the local paper. During this experience, she had the blessing to work with three little girls who began their journey of healing with horses and riding lessons after dramatically loosing their mother in a domestic violence vehicle accident where the girls were witnesses and injured when the accident happened. At this time, April realized her love and calling to pursue an education and career in barn managing and horses. She has since completed her Bachelor's Degree in Science of Equestrian Studies with a focus in Business and Marketing. During her education her life led her to South Carolina and New Mexico where she had opportunities to get hands experience and expand her knowledge with barn management and horse training. She accomplished all of this during her most important role as a mother of two, Keira (age 17), and Oliver (age 15).
Courtney Dunlap
Riding Instructor
Courtney brings 15 plus years of equine industry experience into her coaching sessions. Whether teaching fundamentals or advanced skills, she believes coaching is about building a partnership with students. She shapes every ride according to the needs of the horse and rider. Courtney is passionate about helping veteran riders meet specific goals, as well as helping the next generation of riders fall in love with the sport. She teaches private and semi-private lessons on weekday afternoons.
