FACTS PAGE
We compiled the most common and often asked questions and answered them all below - learn all about Greenbriar!
Where should I start?
We recommend starting with an introductory lesson for all new students. During this one-hour session, you’ll learn safe horse handling, grooming, and discuss which riding discipline may be right for you. Riding time is included and adjusts to the pace of the rider—some students need a little extra time to feel comfortable, while those with prior experience may enjoy more time in the saddle. Our goal is always a safe, positive, and fun lesson.
Our introductory lessons also give you the opportunity to chat more about our lesson options and everything Greenbriar has to offer. After your lesson, you can move into private or group lessons based on your skill level. Book your first lesson below or give us a call—we’d love to chat and answer any questions.
Barn Phone Number: (319) 854-7115
Locating The Barn
When entering Greenbriar property, you can enter from two different streets. When coming in from 1st Ave, you can look for Scott Family Motors and our entrance right across from them. You will see our white fence and dirt road - drive straight down the road and you will see both of our barns, the Office Barn on the left and the Stall Barn on the right.
When you enter from Broadway St, you will follow 2nd Ave through the park and up the side of our property, passing the lower barn and the side of the Office Barn.
Finding Your Instructor
When joining us for your first lesson, plan to meet your instructor in the Office Barn. They will meet you directly inside of the barn entrance or be in our Tack Room. Once inside the barn, the Tack Room will be the first door on the left. Feel free to walk in, no knock needed. Your instructor will be there or right inside of the office located within the Tack Room.
When should I arrive for my lesson?
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to your introductory lesson. This will allow time for you to park, locate your instructor, complete any waivers or forms, and ensure your lesson time is fully utilized. A 5-10 minute early arrival is also suggested for our regular lessons, and can increase with lesson preparation time as you grow more independent.
Can parents stay and watch?
Of course! Parents are welcome to assist their young riders as needed and watch their lessons. We have aisles with seating and heated viewing rooms with seating for the chillier days.
What horse will I ride?
You will be matched with a horse that fits your experience level and height/weight. There is no guarantee that you will ride the same horse for every lesson. Different horses challenge you in different ways, allowing you to become a well-rounded horseman.
Do you offer Western or English riding lessons?
We provide instruction in both disciplines and offer the opportunity to ride in whichever saddle you feel comfortable starting or continuing with. We have saddles that fit all horses and riders - so you are welcome to choose either or build skills in both.
We focus on dressage based teaching, which overlaps in techniques used in both the western and english saddle.
Do I get to groom my horse?
Yes! Time on the ground next to your horse is special and should be valued as such. Grooming allows time to bond with your horse and learn communication. Grooming is a portion of time spent during our introductory lessons as riders become comfortable around their horse.
Grooming is also a part of our regular riding lessons. Riders will have help grooming and preparing for their lesson as they begin in the program. Once you have mastered the basic skills, riders are welcome to come early and prepare their horse for the lesson.
What age can my child start riding lessons at?
We offer riding lessons starting at 4 years old. We find that 4 is a safe age for children to start gaining responsibility with a horse. Half hour private lessons are suggested for children ages 4-7. Children can move into group lessons at 8 years old.
What is Horsemanship?
Usually an unmounted class, students learn all of the other information that doesn’t require sitting in the saddle. Learning how horses think, how to fit their tack to their bodies, and what it takes to care for them to keep them healthy and at their best; that’s what Horsemanship is! Many people can ride but the mark of a true horseman is in how he or she takes care of his or her horse.
Do you offer showing?
We offer a variety of ways to show at Greenbriar. Show opportunities correlate directly with rider skills. Student’s skills are tracked by a color-coded level system and each level gains different show opportunities.
Do you offer boarding?
Please call our barn or send us a message to discuss boarding opportunities!
Barn Phone Number: (319) 854-7115
Do you offer birthday parties?
Please call our barn or send us a message to discuss event opportunities!
Barn Phone Number: (319) 854-7115
Do you have public events?
We do! Our events are announced on our Facebook page - so be sure to follow us! We also have our monthly Greenbriar Gazette that highlights any upcoming events. You can subscribe below!
Do you host clinics?
We do! We offer various clinics throughout the year and post about them on our Facebook page and in our monthly Greenbriar Gazette.
Do you offer Summer Camps?
We do! Summer Camps are open to adults and kids 8+. All riders start at our Bronco level and progress through the multiple camp levels we offer. Join us for one camp (or more!) each summer and build horsemanship skills while making new friends (2 and 4 legged)!
Are you open during the winter?
We are! We have two indoor arenas that ensure our lessons continue throughout the Iowa winters.
Still have questions? Send us a message!
CONTACT INFO
Address:
8 1st Ave, Springville, lowa 52336
Phone:
(319) 854-7115
Email:
greenbriarridingacademy@gmail.com
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