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Don't miss anything happening at

Greenbriar Riding Academy!

MAY 2026

Issue 28

May has arrived, and with it comes plenty to celebrate at Greenbriar. This month marks Greenbriar’s 33rd birthday, and we are so grateful for every rider, family, horse, and supporter who has been part of the journey through the years. We are also celebrating birthdays for Selby and Robin, making it an extra special month around the barn.

Our riders are heading into the first Tamarack Show of 2026, and we are excited to cheer them on. It is always rewarding to watch students put their hard work into action and continue building confidence in the ring.

We also have a wonderful lineup of special guests visiting the barn this month. TJ Wells will be joining us to teach about halter and showmanship, as well as judge our mock show. Chloe Lansing will be sharing insights on MagnaWave therapy, and Shasta Smith will be visiting for vaccines. We are excited for the learning opportunities these visits bring to our riders and horses!

And one more exciting update, our Greenbriar spring shop is open, so get ready to show off your Greenbriar gear!

Stock up for Spring!

APRIL 2026

Issue 27

April is on the way, and with it comes a welcome break in the weather and more opportunities for outdoor riding. This time of year always brings a fresh sense of energy to the barn, and it is exciting to see riders stepping into a new season of growth.

With an upcoming clinic and horse show on the calendar, students will have meaningful opportunities to build both skills and confidence in the saddle. After wrapping up Level Up Week, many riders are feeling refreshed, proud of their progress, and ready to continue learning.

And for those who cannot get enough horse time, the Midwest Iowa Horse Fair is just around the corner. It does not get much more horsey than that.

WHAT'S COMING

Happy Birthday Selby!

May 6

Happy Birthday Greenbriar!

May 8

Happy Birthday Robin!

May 18

Greenbriar's Showmanship Clinic + Mock Show

May 9

Tamarack Show

May 14-17

Julie Christie Clinic

May 22-24

2026 Summer Camp

T-Shirt Design

Our chosen logo for 2026! Summer will be here soon and we can't wait to see all of our campers show off their shirts!

Please note that Horsemanship Days for May are on Saturdays!

HORSEMANSHIP CALENDAR

meet selby

This month, we’re spotlighting someone who keeps everything running behind the scenes. From early mornings to late nights, Selby plays a huge role in the care of our horses and the rhythm of the barn. We asked him a few questions about his day-to-day, his favorite horses, and his love for Greenbriar.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn is part of your daily routine?

When I do morning feed, I stack the hay in the back of the Kawasaki to move it to the pastures. The thing about hay is that once you remove the twines, it becomes REALLY easy to tip over. So a big part of my morning is chasing horses (Smokey) away from the Kawasaki so they don't tip my stack over while trying to get a quick bite.

What’s the most challenging part of keeping the barn running smoothly?

Prioritizing what to do each day. A functioning barn is made up of 1000 little jobs and having a routine helps prevent me from forgetting things. But sometimes there just isn't time or energy to do everything, so you have to pick and choose how to spend your time.

What’s a small detail in horse care that makes a big difference?

Curiosity makes a world of difference. This job is steeped in routine, and it's easy to overlook a detail in order to keep to the routine. You need to be curious enough to not just say, “It’s probably nothing.” If something seems weird, it’s always worth checking.

Which horse keeps you on your toes the most?

Maverick. He has an overwhelming urge to go into the wrong stall, ANY wrong stall, when I bring him inside from the pasture. I think I have changed the process like 3 times trying to keep him from eating Turbo’s food.

Who is the most dramatic horse in the barn?

Gosh, there's a few good answers to that. Atlas sometimes likes to pretend he’s never been to Greenbriar before and spooks at every corner. Elsa has an unhealthy obsession with Frankie (have some self-respect Elsa, he’s just not that into you). And then there's Linus, who might be the biggest pot stirrer of all time.

Do you have a favorite moment or memory at Greenbriar?

Back in 2008, before Robin bought the land that now has the office barn on it, the creek next to Greenbriar burst its banks and flooded waist deep (or deeper) water through the only barn we had back then. While Robin and Geline were working to keep horses and students safe, my sister and I were jumping on and riding the plastic barrels through the flood waters. Probably not the safest, but it sure was a silver lining in a tough situation.

What is your top podcast pick to listen to while doing chores?

I listen to podcasts constantly while I work (about 1000 hours last year) so picking just one would be pretty hard. So I think I’ll do something easier and pick a few. It's baseball season so I listen to Talkin’ Baseball and Tipping Pitches constantly to stay up to date. My Brother, My Brother, and Me has been one of my favorite comedy podcasts for years and was one of the first ones I listened to regularly. Lastly, I think continued learning is enjoyable and genuinely important so I listen to a lot of science and history pods like Ologies, The Prairie Farm Podcast, Short Wave, and Philosophize This!. There are dozens more but I don’t want to use up all the digital ink so I’ll leave it there.

You share a birthday month with Robin and Greenbriar! Any big plans to celebrate your day?

Oh I’m sure my sister will have something nefarious planned.

julie christie clinic

MAY 22-24

- - Awaiting confirmation of dates and times available - -

Julie Christie is a USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, FEI Rider, and former Equine Science College Professor who specializes in the biomechanics of riding horses, focusing on rider position and its impact on the horse's learning and well-being. Julie's approach emphasizes understanding how a rider's position and movements affect the horse's balance, movement, and overall learning.

Clarity of Aids: She teaches riders to use their aids (seat, legs, hands) clearly and effectively, promoting positive learning experiences for the horse.
Horse Behavior Knowledge: Julie is knowledgeable about how horses think and learn, which is beneficial in training and addressing behavioral issues
Teaching Methods: She uses analogies and integrates tools like Franklin Balls and Equiformance Bands to help riders understand concepts and improve their riding.
Ongoing Learning: She regularly seeks out further knowledge and experience by riding with experts in biomechanics, horse behavior, and dressage judging.