Don't miss anything happening at Greenbriar Riding Academy!
Don't miss anything happening at
Greenbriar Riding Academy!
FEBRUARY 2026
Issue 25
February is for love—and ours is found in the barn. We’re grateful to do work we love, building a program where our horses thrive and our students grow every day. While the cold weather may not be quite as lovable, our riders are taking it in stride and staying focused on their goals. Winter is a wonderful time to slow things down, sharpen horsemanship skills, and deepen the connection between horse and rider.
FEBRUARY 2026
Issue 25
February is for love—and ours is found in the barn. We’re grateful to do work we love, building a program where our horses thrive and our students grow every day. While the cold weather may not be quite as lovable, our riders are taking it in stride and staying focused on their goals. Winter is a wonderful time to slow things down, sharpen horsemanship skills, and deepen the connection between horse and rider.
Please note that Horsemanship Days for February are on Saturdays!
a chapter well ridden
kendall bloomfield
What first sparked your love for horses?
My first love of horses actually began at a pre-school field trip. We took a trip to the local stable to go see the horses and learn about them. I was about 5 years old at this time. From there, I was completely hooked. This place was called Windance Acres, but has since closed. Like Greenbriar, they offered a summer camp. I, of course, just HAD to do the summer camp! From there, I started lessons at 5 and a half. Me, and anyone who knows me would agree, being this little tater tot riding these “gigantic” lesson horses, (they’re all large when you’re 5!), really did it for me. I still owe so much to Patch, Corrido, Cowboy, Holly, Liberty, and of course Windance himself for really getting me hooked on their patience, soft muzzles, and the general love of horses. From there, I think I tried just about every discipline under the sun. I tried barrels and speed events, Western and English pleasure, Halter, Horsemanship/Showmanship, Dressage, and Jumping throughout my almost 18 years worth of riding. I also did a bit of horse training!
What’s your favorite “lightbulb moment” to see in a student?
I’d say that one of my favorite things to teach is a rising trot or teaching diagonals in the rising trot. Feeling the rhythm and understanding your body’s mechanics is really fun for me to teach.
It seems like every time a student understands either one of these things, it’s like their whole life has changed! I’ve definitely seen quite a few faces light up once they understand rising trot.
One student when she started riding with me had told me that she didn’t like trotting. It was bouncy and uncomfortable. I gave her the tools through a lunge lesson to be able to feel the rhythm, figure out the two beat gait, and after that day, she had gotten it. Now, this student LOVES trotting, and we are still working on perfecting her new skill. I am so proud of this student! (And all of the other ones. Robin is right, I think I just love everything.)
What’s one horsemanship skill you think every rider should focus on (no matter their level)?
I think a horsemanship skill that every rider should focus on is truly listening to your horse. If I had a dollar for every time I said I wish that horses could talk! Our horses tell us so much with their body language. Look at their eyes, ears, lips, literally anything, and you can see that your horse is talking to you somehow. Take a look at your horse the next time that you are grooming. What are your horse’s ears doing? Are they out to the side like airplane ears? Are their eyes half closed or is he alert? Is he stomping or is he relaxed and still? Did you find an itchy spot and are they wiggling their lips? I find myself constantly trying to look at what my horse is telling me while I am catching the horse, grooming, tacking up, and even riding. There is so much they can tell us without saying a single word!
We don’t have to ask who your favorite horse is. How did Maverick steal your heart?
I’m so thrilled you asked me to talk about my son. I actually really did not like Arabians for most of my life. I had only had experience with a few and a lot of them were super hot headed. I met Maverick for the first time during my interview with Greenbriar. He had been getting bullied in the pasture, darn horses, and he had a few marks on him. I walked him with Robin into the other barn, and there was something about him that I just loved. Everyone also knows that I am a complete sucker for bays as much as I am for Maverick. (Except for Robin, she says I love all of them. She isn’t wrong.)
I had a really bad fall off of a horse in 2023 and it broke my confidence. I was bucked off into a pile of rocks and thought I had broken my hip since I had trouble walking and pain that lasted for months. Before this fall, I was willing to get on anything. After that, it took me a long time to want to get back on a horse. I was told from a very important mentor in my life that, “This horse inspires me to ride again. I haven’t felt that in a really long time.”
I can wholeheartedly say that I felt that to my core when it comes to Maverick. I loved his soft eyes, big ol’ nostrils, tail that is sky high in the air, and just the sheer beauty of that little bay Arabian. I rode a few horses at Greenbriar before I had gotten to ride Maverick. They were all great, but there was something about him that was so special to me. I feel like when we ride, I really have a great connection with him. I understand him, I know how to press his magic buttons that he offers, and I can say without fail that every ride on this horse always puts me in a better mood. (Just don’t ask me to sit his trot.)
I’ve come to the barn on some really hard days and not even riding him, but just being around him makes me feel so much better. He is personable, loves his scratches, and always feels the need to triple check my pockets for cookies. I could talk about this sweet boy all day long.
There was one day that I was catching a horse from the pasture and while I was walking out there, he came to visit me. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it meant a lot to me. I wasn’t out there for him, but he still chose to see me. Between us playing in the arena, or sharing the joy of riding my favorite horse with the other students at Greenbriar, this guy will always have a special place in my heart.
If horses could talk, who do you think would have the most opinions?
I definitely think that Jake would have the most opinions. I mean, we all know him. I think he is seriously one of the smartest horses in the barn. He can read a clock, he can take care of beginner students, he knows treats are expected after a ride. He also loves playing games. Jake would tell you where his treats go. He would tell you which ones he wants. He would tell all of the other horses that it’s clearly his water trough and no one else’s. He would tell you, “No, don’t pet me there. Give me scratches instead. I want to play the catch game today.” He knows he is the king of Greenbriar.
What’s your biggest pet peeve - horse edition?
My biggest pet peeve is probably not asking questions if you are unsure. In Kendall World, there is never a silly question. My goal with my students is to never make them feel bad about asking me something that may seem silly. If I had someone who did that to me, I would never learn anything and feel bad about myself. My job as an instructor is to give tools, knowledge and advice to help students grow and become successful. I will do everything in my power to help my students learn! We all start somewhere. We saddle up and ride around 1000lb+ animals. I think it’s very important that we take the time and have a clear understanding of what we are doing and our expectations for being around our animals. If there is something you don’t know, ask me! If I don’t know it, I’ll gladly try to find the answer for you. I’ve been around horses for almost 18 years now and still enjoy learning more about them. I’m always open to sharing information and methods of teaching. With this, it is a two way street. All you have to do is ask!
What do you love most about being part of the Greenbriar community?
I’ve ridden at many horse barns before but no barn compares to Greenbriar. The community here is so welcoming, so supportive, and so positive that I truly recommend it to anybody. Our instructors are great. Our horses are fantastic and definitely well seasoned veterans! I also love the way that the programs are set up here at Greenbriar. This includes horsemanship, but also having lessons that are tailored to your skills. I’ve been riding for the good majority of my life and I still find new things to learn every time that I take a lesson. Riding at Greenbriar opens up so many doors of opportunity for students that are at any level. Show team, training classes, horsemanship, Greenbriar horse shows, fun events, and general riding lessons are so many things that can be learned here. Greenbriar is such a special facility.
Not only is it a very awesome place to be, but it’s such an ethical barn and I agree with every method that we teach. You go to some places and some things that you may see aren’t the best. Greenbriar truly cares about the success and welfare of their horses and students and for me, that is huge! I try to tell all of our current students just to come hang out at the barn. You can build so many friendships and relationships with the people around you and obviously we are all here for the same thing, the love of horses. Greenbriar will always hold a special place in my heart.
As many of you have heard, I will be leaving my position as a Riding Instructor for Greenbriar. My last day will be Saturday, February 23rd. I gave it some thought and it was a very difficult choice to make. This role for me will be a big opportunity, and unfortunately it is one that I cannot pass at this time. With this, I am leaving you with a letter.
Dear Students,
Teaching you has been such a meaningful part of my life. Between telling me I look like I’m 30, telling me funny jokes, or bringing me a piece of artwork, I’m truly honored to say that I was a part of your horse riding journey. Watching confidence grow, tough subjects like rising trot, diagonals, learning the canter depart, among so many other things that may have clicked, has been absolutely magical. I’m so thankful that I got to be a part of those victories for you. These are the moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Your determination, strength, positivity, and patience have inspired me more than you will ever know. Showing up to a place with students who are always hungry to learn more will also be a fond memory to bring with me. Each day that I came to work was always a new day filled with new laughs, new skills, and most importantly, more tools for you to keep in your toolbelt.
The kindness towards the horses and other students, (You guys are seriously the best helpers ever!), determination on days where we learn something new, and joy on the best days gave me a reminder as to why I love this job so much. It was the horses, (yes, Robin, I do love all of them), but all of the people involved. I am so proud of how far each and every one of you has come, not just as riders, but as individuals as well.
Though I may be moving to a new chapter in my life, a part of my heart will always be at Greenbriar, (Probably in Maverick’s stall), but it lies in the arena, in the barns, and especially in all of my people. I know each and every one of you are going to continue doing amazing things.
I want to give you a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for trusting my skills, my teaching and keeping you safe, my words of wisdom and all. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for giving me laughs and many stories to tell. Thank you for being the best you that you can be, not only for me but for the horses. Thank you for being YOU! Keep riding with the same courage, patience, and love for your horses. As we say at Greenbriar, Ride Every Stride. This is not a goodbye forever, just a simple see you later. Peace, love, and good vibes.
The Chaotic Instructor, Kendall
showing at greenbriar
Our show season is starting soon! Show team is the perfect opportunity to partner with a horse, grow your skills, and develop discipline and responsibility. Want to learn more about joining our show team? Click below!
2026 SUMMER CAMPS AT GREENBRIAR!
Summer?! It’ll be here before you know it — even if the snow, mud, and darkness outside say otherwise. Our camp schedule is set and enrollment is officially open!
We love welcoming both new and returning faces to Greenbriar each summer and can’t wait to spend sunny camp days ahead with you and our horses.
Early birds save! Use code SAVE40 at checkout to take $40 off each camp when you book before April 1st.
gallop ahead with quizlet
Horsemanship happens outside the barn, too! Studying on your own helps you level up your skills, understand your horse better, and progress through your HorseSense Learning Levels.
We use Quizlet as an easy, go-to resource. Your levels tie directly to the privileges you earn at Greenbriar — and they help make you a better horseperson overall.
Check out Quizlet and read below for this month’s Red–Blue level horsemanship topics!
red level
More than “the leg thingy”
Learning the parts of the horse can feel overwhelming — but it’s one of the best foundations a rider can have. Our worksheets break it down into something approachable, repeatable, and (dare we say) kind of fun.
Extra challenge: practice during your lesson!
Students are encouraged to name the parts of the horse out loud during their lessons for extra practice. It’s a great way to build confidence, reinforce learning in real time, and mark this skill off as mastered.
yellow level
Keeping Horses Cozy (The Right Way)
Horse blankets can feel a little mysterious at first — turnout, stable, coolers, different weights… it’s a lot. We’re breaking down what horse blankets are, why we use them, and how to tell when (and when not) a horse actually needs one. Think of this as your cozy guide to keeping horses comfortable through changing weather and seasons!
green level
Not All Riding Looks the Same
Each riding discipline has its own feel, focus, and set of skills. Take a closer look at a few common disciplines and what riders can learn from each. Can you match the disciplines below?
blue level
Longeing: The Art of the Circle
Longeing (or lunging!) is about connection, communication, and reading your horse. Learn what it’s used for, how it supports training and safety, and why it’s such a valuable skill.
Grab your Greenbriar Calendar
Our 2026 Greenbriar Riding Academy Calendar is here! Designed and filled with photos taken by our very own Gwen Clement. Enjoy our horses all year long, grab your own calendar today!
Stop in the barn during business hours or place an order to pick up or be shipped right to you!
OUR MAILING ADDRESS
Greenbriar Riding Academy
PO Box 435 - Springville, IA, 52336
United States
+1 319-854-7115