Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center

☀️ 3 Ways We Beat the Heat at GMTRC 🐴

Summer days at the barn can get warm—but our horses stay cool, comfortable, and cared for with a few key practices:

❄️ 1. Cool Barn, Smart Protocols
Our cinderblock barn acts like a natural fridge, staying cooler than the outside air. We also follow specific temperature and humidity guidelines to adjust activity levels and determine when horses should stay inside. Plus—fans in the stalls help keep the air moving!

💧 2. Cooling Down After Work
Just like us, horses sweat! After activity, we sponge them down with a refreshing mix of water and liniment to help cool their bodies and keep them comfortable.

🥤 3. Hydration (and a Treat!)
Plenty of fresh water is a must—for horses and humans. And on extra hot days, our horses even enjoy a fun treat: homemade “popsicles” to help them cool off! 🍃❄️

Staying cool is all about thoughtful care—and maybe a popsicle or two. 😉

How do you beat the heat? ☀️

Today, we celebrate the fathers and father-figures who lead with strength, patience, and encouragement. 💙

At Greystone Manor TRC, we see the impact you make—cheering from the sidelines, walking alongside lessons, and supporting each step of growth with steady presence and care.

Your guidance helps build confidence, courage, and connection in ways that last far beyond the barn.

Happy Father’s Day to the incredible men who show up, support, and inspire. 🐴

✨ Meet the Minis: Scout ✨

Scout joined the mini herd in 2024 after coming from a petting zoo that was downsizing—and it didn’t take long for him to find his place in both the herd and our hearts.

As the newest addition, Scout brought a wonderful eagerness to learn and a natural love for being the center of attention. His willingness to jump in and try new things made him a perfect fit.

One of Scout’s most striking features? His beautiful eyes—somehow both brown and blue—making him just as unique as he is sweet. 💙🤎 He also loves being groomed and soaking up all the attention he can get!

Scout is smart, curious, and a true team player. Whether he’s joining his herd on an adventure, making new friends, or even “watching” TV and being read to, he’s always ready to be part of the moment.

🎂 Birthday: February 9, 2022

We’re so excited for you to get to know Scout and all the joy he brings to the barn! 🐴✨

✨ Welcome, Aaron's Acres Campers! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Aaron’s Acres campers to the barn for six Tuesdays this summer—starting earlier this week! 🐴☀️

Each week, campers will rotate through three hands-on experiences: riding, in-hand leading, and grooming our horses. In between, there’s time for fun games, crafts, and even a few quiet moments to relax and recharge.

This year, our minis are playing a special role—helping campers build confidence through touch and connection (because they’re always ready for a hug!). 💙

We’re looking forward to a summer full of growth, joy, and meaningful moments together. Let the fun begin!

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: Erica ✨

We’re so grateful for volunteers like Erica, whose joyful spirit and heart for others make a meaningful impact across the barn.

🐴 What do you do at GMTRC? How long have you been on the team?
“I volunteered for the first time at last year’s Annual Horse Show and had a brilliant time. Since then, I’ve enjoyed working alongside Terri and team on Saturday mornings for barn duty, as well as assisting as a sidewalker and newly graduated horse leader in the evenings when I’m able.”

💙 What’s your favorite part about volunteering here? Why?
“Allow me two favorites? First, it’s a privilege and a joy to have a front row seat to the learning, growth, and fun that happens in lessons. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the participants, volunteers, GMTRC team, and of course, the horses and ponies. The culture of intentional care and commitment to others that the team and board have cultivated is incredible.”

🌱 In what ways have you grown during your time here?
“Any time spent in and around the barn lightens my shoulders and broadens my perspective—which is a gift.”

💌 What is one fun thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
“I love sending postcards to friends. There’s nothing quite like receiving a note in the mail—even if it’s just a quick hello or a funny anecdote.”

Thank you, Erica, for the care, encouragement, and presence you bring to GMTRC—we’re so glad you’re part of this community! ✨

Become a Herd Hero. 💙🐴

Behind every lesson, every breakthrough, and every moment of connection at GMTRC… there’s a horse making it possible.

Our Herd Hero program is a special way to support the care of these incredible partners—helping provide for their feed, health, and overall well-being so they can continue changing lives.

When you become a Herd Hero, you’re not just supporting a horse—you’re investing in every student who learns, grows, and thrives because of them.

Ready to meet the herd and learn more?
👉 https://greystonemanortrc.org/our-horses/

✨ Meet the Minis: Skyla ✨

Skyla officially joined the mini herd in 2018—but her story started even earlier. After capturing hearts as a newborn, she was lovingly handled and socialized from the very beginning. A few years later, her first owner knew just where she belonged—and donated her so she could continue sharing that love with others.

And share it she does. 💙

Skyla’s pint-sized cuteness draws people in like a magnet, but it’s her spunky, affectionate spirit that truly leaves a mark. She brings joy, energy, and connection to everyone she encounters.

A few fun facts about Skyla:
☕ She enjoys outings to Tractor Supply and even Starbucks
🎨 Her coat started as a dark grey and has lightened over the years
👣 She’s convinced she’s actually a person—and would happily follow you anywhere

Skyla is adventurous, people-loving, and always ready for the next experience (especially if it includes a surprise visit or two!).

🎂 Birthday: April 2, 2015

We’re so excited for you to meet Skyla and experience the joy she brings wherever she goes! ✨

🎓✨ Another school year, complete! ✨🎓

To our incredible students, families, and volunteers—congratulations on reaching this milestone!

We’re especially celebrating those who are graduating and stepping into an exciting new chapter. Whether you’re heading into middle school, high school, college, or the workforce, we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where your journey leads next. 💙

At GMTRC, we have the privilege of watching growth happen every day—and this season is such a special reminder of just how far you’ve come.

Wishing everyone a summer filled with rest, joy, and new adventures. ☀️🐴

👇 Tell us—what’s next for you this summer or in the year ahead?

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer? ☀️🐴

We’re looking for volunteers to join us at Greystone Manor TRC! Whether you’re helping in lessons, caring for our horses, or supporting behind the scenes, every role plays a part in creating a space where our students can grow in confidence, strength, and connection.

No prior horse experience? No problem. We’ll provide the training—you bring a willingness to learn and a heart to serve.

Summer is a beautiful time at the barn, and we’d love for you to be part of it. 💙

Interested in getting involved? Check out our volunteer page to learn more!
👉https://greystonemanortrc.org/volunteers/

Reins used to be a distraction.

Now, they’re a connection.

With a little help, he’s learning to hold, to guide, to say “whoa.”
And for the first time, he’s beginning to understand how he influences his horse.

It may look small—but it's a big step. 💙🐴