Greyhavens Farms LLC

01/06/2025

Another great year!!! Congrats to all of Team Greyhavens on a great 2024🎉🎉🎉. The Indiana Hunter & Jumper Association Awards Banquet did not disappoint. Thank you to the Board for all their hard work. Bring on 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

01/01/2025

Happy New Years from all of us at Greyhavens🎉🎉🎉🥂🥂🥂🥂

12/25/2024

As a coach, one of the most rewarding things to see is when a rider starts showing more interest in the sport. Whether it’s spending extra time at the barn, asking thoughtful questions about training, or simply showing up more frequently, these moments are signs that they’re developing a deeper connection with both the horse and the discipline. But here’s something to keep in mind: how we respond to these efforts matters.

Imagine this: a rider who’s typically more reserved starts coming to the barn more often, spending time brushing their horse, watching others train, or just hanging out and soaking in the atmosphere. This is a huge win. Yet, if the first thing we say when we see them is something like, “Oh, nice of you to finally step it up,” we risk undermining that progress.

That comment, even if meant playfully, can make them feel like their effort isn’t valued. I’ve been guilty of it. Instead of encouraging them to keep engaging and showing more interest, we might inadvertently make them feel like they don’t belong unless they’re constantly involved in the “main action.”

As coaches, we need to be mindful of the message we send when we see our riders starting to take a more active role. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. When a rider begins to show more interest—whether it's staying after class to help clean tack, watching lessons, or simply spending more time at the barn—it’s a clear sign they’re invested. Instead of downplaying it, celebrate it. A simple, “I’m really glad you’re spending more time here,” or “It’s great to see you getting involved,” can reinforce the positive behavior and keep them coming back with even more enthusiasm. It’s also important to not be overly negative if they *stop* showing interest or back off their involvement at the barn some. Sometimes people need a break! Let them know they’re welcome anytime and encourage them when they do show up.

Much like our horses, riders need consistency, trust, and encouragement. If we want them to engage more with the sport, to show up and put in the extra effort, we have to create an environment where those actions are celebrated. By acknowledging their growing interest and reinforcing their presence, we’re not just teaching them riding skills—we’re teaching them the value of commitment, teamwork, and passion for the sport.

Let’s make sure we’re encouraging the behaviors we want to see by supporting their efforts and creating a space where they feel welcome and motivated to grow. After all, when they invest more in the sport, we all grow stronger together—both as riders and as a community

Stop negatively reinforcing things you *want* to see!

Likewise: If your child spends all their time in their room, and they finally come to sit with the family, don’t discourage it. If your child comes home with a B, when they have been struggling in school, don’t berate them cause it isn’t an A. These ideas transfer to all areas of life.

12/25/2024

From our Barn Family to yours Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁

12/25/2024

Ask any of our instructors/staff and we will all tell you the profound impact horses have had on our lives. We are so blessed to share these life lessons our students!

➡️ Why I Choose Horses for My Kid: Lessons Worth Every Penny

People often ask me, “Why do you spend so much money on horses for your kid? They’re just ‘money pits,’ emotional heart-breakers made of tissue paper that can kick your lights out. Why?”

The answer is simple: because horses teach kids more than any iPad, social media influencer, or textbook ever could.

Yes, you’re right—horses are relentless in every way. They demand your time, energy, and finances. They can test your patience, challenge your emotions, and consume you entirely. But look at what they give in return.

⚡️ Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Horses teach my child skills no technology, trendy outfit, or peer group could ever provide:

• Nonverbal Communication: Learning to “speak” with a 1,200-pound animal without words develops awareness, empathy, and understanding.

• Responsibility: Early mornings, late nights, and putting the needs of another being before their own teach kids accountability.

• Confidence: The triumphs and struggles in the saddle or barn instill self-belief and grit.

• Emotional Intelligence: Handling setbacks, managing fears, and celebrating successes alongside a horse build emotional resilience.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: When something goes wrong, as it inevitably does, kids learn to think critically and act swiftly.

• Goal Setting & Consistency: Progress with horses comes through small, consistent efforts—a powerful life lesson. swiftly.

• Value of Networking & Mentorship: The horse industry molds kids to be coachable and open minded to collaboration with their peers. Success in this industry requires a network - they learn that quickly.

Beyond the tangible skills, horses bring kids closer to nature, science, and even spirituality. There’s something deeply humbling and awe-inspiring about working with these magnificent creatures. I know for a fact they bring you closer to God as well.

🔥The Physical and Mental Challenge

Many don’t believe equestrian activities qualify as a sport. To that, I can only say: spend a day in the barn. The physical demands of mucking stalls, lifting hay bales, and conditioning a horse are real. Riding itself is a full-body workout that requires balance, strength, and coordination. These kids spend more time practicing their skills than most athletes on the planet.

But the mental aspect is just as significant. Equestrianism teaches kids how to master pressure, manage performance anxiety, and handle adversity with grace. Those are skills they’ll carry into every aspect of life.

👉 A Priceless Investment

I would rather my child be so consumed by the living, breathing responsibilities of horses than searching for validation on social media, in peer groups, or, worse, through harmful substances.

Horses are an investment—not just in riding lessons, vet bills, and show fees—but in my child’s future. I’d rather spend my money on building her character, teaching them discipline, and giving them life skills than on fleeting trends or technology that will soon be outdated.

Yes, horses are expensive. Yes, they’re challenging. But they’re also one of the greatest gifts I can give my child. Because when I look at them, I don’t just see a rider—I see a confident, capable, compassionate human being. And for that, horses are worth every penny.



Shared from Blue Thunder A Unicorn Story

12/23/2024

Congrats to Ashley Vaught on putting in some great rounds on Prince. Not bad for their first show together!🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

12/23/2024

Congrats Payton and Trudeau on getting Reserve Champion in the Novice Child/Adult Jumpers!!!! We r so proud of this duo🏆🏆🏆🏆⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

12/23/2024

Winner Winner Trudeau and Payton🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

12/21/2024

Walking the course. Good luck Payton and AV🦄

12/20/2024

So proud of Donald and Prince both Champion in their divisions.

12/19/2024

Love my young horses💖💖. The boys were AWESOME🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

12/19/2024

Boots shined we r rdy to go! Love our home away from home World Equestrian Center in Ohio🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

12/17/2024

The Best Christmas present EVER🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁. Thank you everybody. I was speechless😲💕

12/17/2024

The GHF Christmas Party was a blast🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄. Thank you Team GHF for a great time, great food, and I am truly blessed to call u all Family🎁🎁🎁🎁🧑🏻‍🎄🧑🏻‍🎄🧑🏻‍🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

12/11/2024

Ponies can now compete as Green Ponies for two years but only in the Green section at their first USEF Pony Finals. No more reinstatements needed!⭐

🔗Learn more at ushja.org/knowbeforeyoushow.

12/10/2024

Be aware😎😎😎

There are new clarifications for what classes draw reins and German martingales are allowed to be used in!

🔗Learn more at ushja.org/knowbeforeyoushow.

📷: IF Photograph

12/06/2024

Working hard. Barn is looking FABULOUS🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

12/04/2024

Getting closer 😎😎😎