Welcome to Peace of Mind Equestrian Academy

Program Director and Head Trainer

For 18 years, Jaclyn has developed the potential of scores of horses and students. She launched Peace Of Mind Dressage in 2007 while still a full-time apprentice for "S" Judge and Grand Prix trainer, Heather Mason. In 2025, Jaclyn now brings her two decades of experience to launch Peace Of Mind Equestrian Academy, where she aims to inspire a new generation of young riders.

Jaclyn’s past success with adult and young adult students shows that every horse and rider can excel.  Her clients have ranged from rescued horses which Jaclyn started under saddle and trained in dressage to Grand Prix Schoolmasters.  Along the way, POM’s adult and young adult students competed nationally, earned USDF Medals, qualified for American Eventing Championships, competed at Dressage at Devon, and continued to soar long after their time with us. Some became trainers and even started their own businesses, groomed at the 5* Level and competed Internationally.  

Passionate about her own education, Jaclyn completed three apprenticeships, earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, and graduated with distinction from the USDF "L" judge program.  She also served on the board for the Potomac Valley Dressage Association, earned a certificate in natural hoof trimming and hosted dozens of educational events as she grew her business in NJ, MD, and now VA.

Peace of Mind Equestrian Academy builds off Jaclyn’s rich experience and brings equestrian training to starter students of all ages.  The philosophy of the Academy is simple: create a rewarding community for growing young riders by putting the horse first.  

Jaclyn lives at the farm with her husband and three young children. 

Jackie teaches Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday between 8:15AM-4:30PM.

Asst Trainer and Instructor

Ashley has had a life long love for horses. She is dedicated to be in service to the horse through constant learning and striving to steward fair, empathetic, and respectful training methods.  She loves that every experience is a learning opportunity!

She believes the journey with horses brings out a deeper self awareness, self confidence and the understanding how our actions and energy affect another being. Her goal in working with others is to foster leadership and confidence.  Capable leaders inspire and motivate everyone around them, strengthening relationships and community.

Ashley has worked with many types of horses and her background is mainly in dressage. She has been working with and learning from Jaclyn Sicoli at Peace of Mind Dressage since 2017.  Ashley is constantly engaged in learning and has participated in many clinics including with Nicholas Fyffe and Jodi Lees.  These experiences have given Ashley the tools to mold her students in correct rider mechanics and posture, lungeing, groundwork, lateral work and stretching.

She loves a good trail ride and is passionate about community connection and empowering others to dream big.

Ashley also has a love for all animals, gentle parenting, nature, running, yoga, and anything fitness related! Her and her husband live in Frederick MD in on their permaculture homestead with their two children.

Ashley teaches Wednesday and Thursday between 11:00AM-6:00PM.

Instructor and Asst Barn Manager

Marah is an experienced instructor with training background in dressage, hunter/jumpers, and horsemanship.  Her passion and love for horses drove her to dedicate years of her life and education to learning everything about horse care, training, and teaching.

A recent graduate of the University of Findlay with a double major in English Equestrian Studies, and Business Management, Marah's education did not start there.  Through the United States Pony Club, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, The Michigan State University Farrier School, and hands-on apprenticeships, Marah became an expert in multiple horse related modalities.  Top horse professionals such as Ruth Hill Schorsch, Jennifer Foreman, Bunny Hendrinks, and Brittany Friesner focused Marah's passion into reality and found her devotion and drive admirable. 

Marah's skills for grooming and barn management were sharpened during her time as a head groom with Ascend Equestrian, where she learned to maintain and present performance horses on the A circuit.  Marah's positive teaching style inspires confidence while raising student's abilities to ride with their seat and provide clear communication to the horse.  Marah believes that every experience is a learning opportunity, and her teaching style reflects that.

When she has free time, Marah is an avid reader, loves to go hiking, explore new areas, and spend time with her husband. 

Marah teaches 5 days per week including weekends from 11:00AM-7:00PM.