Greenbriar Riding Academy Staff


A History of Excellence
Greenbriar Riding Academy was founded in 1993 by owner Robin Ballantyne, who strongly believes that "the outside of a horse is the best thing for the inside of a man (or woman or child)". Greenbriar Academy strives to provide a riding program that accommodates everyone from age six through adult. Greenbriar's success over the years is largely due to the quality and experience of its skilled staff. All instructors are certified through recognized instructor programs. They have a deep understanding of horse psychology as well as an in depth knowledge of the human anatomy and how it interacts with the movement of the horse. They are trained to assist students in developing the skills necessary to effectively communicate with a horse. Regardless of the chosen riding discipline, Greenbriar will instill in their students a solid foundation of riding basics. Our instructors also know that horseback riding empowers such personal skills as responsibility, self esteem, judgment, self reliance and an "I can do it!" attitude.
Introducing Our Instructors
	Robin Ballantyne, owner and instructor is a 1990 graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre in Waverly, West Virginia. There she received a Riding Master VI and Advanced Instructor certification covering dressage, jumping, and western riding. Robin has been actively teaching since 1987. She has also been a supporter of Miracles in Motion, a local therapeutic riding program, since 1992.

	Geline St. John is the head instructor and barn manager for Greenbriar Riding Academy. She is a 1996 graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre in Waverly, West Virginia where she received a Riding Master III and instructor certification covering the disciplines of jumping, dressage, and western riding. She is also certified with the American Riding Instructor's Association and holds a Level II in Recreational Riding & Dressage. Geline has been teaching at Greenbriar since 1996. Her students and horses alike respond to her smile and the patience she brings to every class.

	Katy Merritt, a student since 2001, will be taking care of the horses for us this summer. She'll be the stall cleaner and feed person as well as assisting Geline with her lessons. She says her experiences at Greenbriar have helped her overcome her shyness. Katy says the Horse Lover program has helped her the most, making her stronger physically, challenging her mentally, and helping her express her love of horses by caring for them. Katy owns two horses and a pony. She bought her first horse Apache, an Appaloosa gelding, from Greenbriar. He was joined by the infamous pony Tinker. The next addition was a weanling QH filly named Rose. Katy has completed all five levels of day camp at Greenbriar and used Rose for her Trainer camp project. She says the chance to train her own horse with one-on-one assistance was the best experience of her life. Rose will be returning this summer as a three year old to complete her training with Katy and Geline.

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