Don't miss anything happening
at Greenbriar Riding Academy!
AUGUST 2025
Issue 20
It has been a great summer despite the heat and the rain! I felt deep gratitude when I walked into my indoor arenas on those kinds of days. Modified lesson plans and water breaks helped keep everyone hydrated and learning. We plan to end this summer with a flurry of activity so don’t schedule anything for the 23rd of August, because we have something for everyone!
Read this newsletter to learn more about it.
Robin
WHAT'S COMING
AUGUST 16
AUGUST 23
Give it your best in your riding lessons, know where you are in your riding journey!
Learn and test yourself on your horsemanship information and skills
using Quizlet.
Be ready to answer
questions about your
horsemanship information in
your riding lesson.
You're invited to celebrate our Summer Trimester Finale!
August 23rd, 5 - 8 PM
With longer days, jam-packed summer camps, and more horses to ride, our students have accomplished some amazing things—and it’s time to celebrate! We'll be firing up the grill and providing hot dogs, burgers, condiments, plates, and silverware. You bring your favorite dish to share and a lawn chair, and we’ll bring the fun!
Try your hand at roping
Toss a few horseshoes
Share tall tales around the campfire
Cheer on our students during the 6:00 PM Awards Ceremony as we recognize those leveling up with certificates and ribbons!
Family and friends are welcome—come celebrate the achievements of our awesome riders!
Bonus Fun: Barn Campout!
Students who have achieved Yellow Level or higher in Horsemanship are invited to stay overnight in the barn after the games and cookout. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and your comfiest PJs! The sleepover will happen rain or shine inside the barn arena, with our instructor Kendall Bloomfield staying over to help keep the good times rolling.
If you have enjoyed the benefits of horseback riding, please let your friends know about our Open House, from noon-4pm on Saturday August 23rd. Start by picking up your Passport to all the fun! We have several activities planned for the day. This will be an opportunity to tour the barns, meet and ride the horses, and speak with our instructors! Learn about feeding and grooming our horses, plus take a selfie with a horse. Watch a Liberty Demonstration and a Musical Freestyle. Find out what Greenbriar has to offer you or the horse lover in your life!
Please note that Horsemanship Days for August are on Saturdays!
2nd Annual Greenbriar Olympics
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Greenbriar Olympics! We had a fantastic turnout with ten kids and five parents taking part in the fun. Selby Ballantyne did a wonderful job organizing an afternoon full of laughter and friendly competition for our students and their families.
Events included the Hose Reel, Saddle Up, Turd Toss, Water Bucket Relay, and Barrel
Roll—each inspired by real tasks you might face when caring for a horse or running a barn.
Everyone left with smiles, memories, and a little something to brag about!
Share your experience with us!
What would you like to accomplish in the saddle?
What has connecting with horses done for you?
We'd love to hear about YOUR love for Greenbriar!
GET YOUR STUDY ON!
Ready to level up? Study with the HorseSense Learning Levels in Quizlet.
Play games, flip through flashcards, and use practice tests to prepare for level up week!
Learn Your Dressage Letters - Equine Skeletal System - And More!
Training Classes
As a participant, many of our students have gained valuable insight into how the mind of a horse works and how we can work with horses using what we know about them. Over the last couple of months Geline has shaped her vision for the future of this program. If you're ready learn what it takes to be a horse trainer, enroll soon! As we shared in our last newsletter, we will begin charging a monthly fee when our Fall trimester begins August 25th - details below!
MONDAYS
6PM
TUESDAYS
4PM
FRIDAYS
2PM
It will require at least four people enrolled to hold two classes per week, so be sure to sign up! To enroll, please contact your instructor before August 22nd.
Reflecting on Julie Christie Clinics
By Sue Keller
Building Confidence,
Connection, and Skill
Participating in several clinics with Julie Christie at Greenbriar Riding Academy over the past year has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Each session brought noticeable progress, not only in my horse’s development but in my own confidence, clarity, and connection in the saddle.
When I first rode with Julie, I was working with a new, anxious horse following the loss of a previous heart horse. With guidance from my instructor, Geline St. John, and Julie’s fresh perspective, we focused on building trust, contact, and rhythm. Julie’s ability to offer clear, effective tools—like her “coffee press” half-halt—was a game-changer. Her calm, approachable style helped us reduce tension and find a better partnership.
In later clinics, Julie refined our work—helping us maintain contact through transitions, improve balance, and smooth out rising trot challenges due to some personal health limitations. Her expertise in rider biomechanics is especially impressive; small, thoughtful adjustments made a big difference in both my comfort and my horse’s movement.
While the journey has included challenges, the overall progress has been steady and deeply meaningful. Julie’s clinics continue to build better horses, stronger riders, and a more connected, confident partnership between the two. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and look forward to more in the future.
Horse Lover - Barn Buddy Program
Looking for a way to get more involved? Our Barn Buddy Program is your gateway. This program is a chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside others who share your passion. It’s more than just helping out—it’s becoming part of something bigger. Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive barn family.
If you’re reading this, chances are you're interested in spending more time in the barn! This program is just ANOTHER benefit included in your monthly subscription.
At Greenbriar, countless small tasks keep the barn running smoothly. From prepping feed to untangling lead ropes, these moments matter—and that’s where our Horse Lovers shine. They fill the gaps, support our instructors, and serve as mentors and role models for others, young and old, who want to dig deeper into the world of horse care. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to see you in the barn!
Held on the third Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Please sign up on the white board by the Saturday before to ensure we have a mentor available for you.
Our next session is on August 16th at 11:00 AM. Don’t forget to bring a snack!
OUR MAILING ADDRESS
Greenbriar Riding Academy
PO Box 435 - Springville, IA, 52336
United States
+1 319-854-7115