August C. Torsilieri

Co-Founder and Head Trainer

Head of Operations, Sales and Services

August ‘Gus’ Torsilieri began riding at his family farm at a young age. Growing up to a non “horsey” family he began his education with the US Pony club. After attaining an A rating he began a tutelage with Jean Paul Murat.

Opening his own stables at 18, August focused on retraining problem horses and breaking in young stock. Over the years August grew his business, Torsilieri Show Stables, to a 30+ horse training business in Pittstown NJ. Throughout his career he recieved training and mentorship by top professionals such as Devin Ryan, Nona Garson, Anne Kursinski and Stephan Cheret.

August’s personal riding career has taken him to the FEI 3* levels on Samy du Reverdy, breaking into the top 100 on the Rolex Ranking list, winning numerous grand prix classes and open ranking classes. Young horse production has always been a passion of August’s and has produced many young horses to the national finals and developed and sold them on to great results. In addition, his students have been seen in the high amateur classes, U25 classes and junior jumper ranks.

When not riding and training, August enjoys cooking, golf and mowing his yard.

Alexandra K. Hird

Co-Founder and Senior Trainer

Equestrian Director

Alex's equestrian journey began near her childhood home in Phoenixville, PA, where she and her best friend spent their formative years riding around the local golf course and galloping through nearby trails and cornfields. She formalized her training under the guidance of Dawn Corrado at Valley Hill Farm in Chester Springs, PA, where she acquired her first horse, a 5-year-old Thoroughbred named Kodak Moment. This marked the beginning of Alex's deep love and respect for the Thoroughbred breed.

During and after college, Alex worked and trained with Frank, Mary, and Laura Chapot at their facility in Neshanic Station, NJ. This invaluable experience allowed Alex to compete at major shows along the East Coast while learning the art of starting and developing young horses under Frank's mentorship.

12 years later, Alex took the next step in her career and established her own business, Veritas Farms, which grew to encompass a diverse array of students and horses—many of whom remain with her today. Following her marriage to Gus and the merger of their businesses, the couple founded Mad Maple Farm.

Throughout her career, Alex has competed in numerous prestigious classes, including FEI Grand Prix events. More recently, she has entered the realm of International Hunter Derbies with her Grand Prix jumper, Lord Carlino.