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Countdown to 2026 IEL Champs: 10 Days!
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Catch next week’s newsletter for all the details as our GWIF Dragons look to Bring the Fire and defend title territory!

🗓️GWIF Goes: The Near Future🗓️

• May 8th: Make Up Lessons (John’s Creek) - If you ride at our John’s Creek Campus and will miss a lesson in May, this is your opportunity to make it up!

• May 9th: Meg Monthly Dressage Clinic- Join Meg for a deeper dive into dressage skills that you’d like to focus on.

• May 14th - 17th: USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing League Championships at Stable View Farm - Rally behind our GWIF Purple Dragons as they Bring the Fire! 🔥🐉 Twelve fierce riders will take the courses, forming three unstoppable teams ready to defend their titles in both eventing and spirit competitions. Let’s go, Dragons—time to ignite the arena!

• May 23rd: XC Schooling - Available to all students capable of jumping 18” course. Please ask your instructor before signing up if this would be your first XC Schooling. Adult supervision and transportation required.

• May 24th: XC Schooling - ADULTS ONLY! Available to all ADULT students capable of jumping 18” course. Please ask your instructor before signing up if this would be your first XC Schooling.

• May 24th: Make Up Lessons (Huntcliff) - If you ride at our Huntcliff Campus and missed a lesson in May, this is your opportunity to make it up!

• May 23rd - May 29th: BARN CLOSURE - Make up lessons are not offered for lessons missed during scheduled barn closures. Leasing clients may exercise their horses as usual.

• May 28th - May 31st: USEA Ocala Summer I + Area III Championships - Open to leasing/boarding clients with trainer permission and those who have qualified for Area III Championships. Divisions offered: Starter - Intermediate; Closing Date: 5/12

Check Out Our Full Website Calendar For More Details!

Weeks are filling up!
Click the flyer to reserve your spot at camp!

🧏‍♀️ Barn Tip of the Week 🧏‍♀️
What They Hear, They Echo

Ever notice how your horse seems to “randomly” get tense, wiggly, or just a little extra? Funny thing…it might not be so random.  Horses don’t just listen to your aids, they respond to how you feel. Every emotion you carry shows up somewhere in your body: in your hands, your seat, your breathing.  What they hear, they echo.

Think of your horse as the ultimate tattle-tale. You might think you’re hiding nerves, frustration, or tension, but your horse reads the fine print.
Clenching your jaw? ➡️ Tight rein.
Holding your breath? ➡️ Locked up ribcage and core.
Overthinking that one jump? ➡️ Signals that say “go” and “whoa” at the same time.

If you want a relaxed and confident horse, start by checking in with yourself! Exhale. Drop your shoulders. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Ride the horse you want, not the feeling you brought with you.

Chances are, your horse will meet you there. 💜

🔦 Rider of the Week 🔦
Betsy Meacham

This week, we celebrate Betsy Meacham, an adult rider at our John’s Creek campus.  Betsy started riding as a child in Atlanta about 30 years ago and competed through college before taking a break from the saddle.  Almost two years ago, she found her way back to riding at GWIF.  Today, she rides in an evening class with other adults and is loving being back in the arena.  

When it comes to favorite lesson horses, Betsy doesn’t like to pick favorites…but admits a soft spot for the ponies.  Piper and Pumba tend to win her over! One of Betsy’s favorite things about GWIF isn’t just the riding—it’s the people. She loves the friendships she’s built and the way everyone supports each other in lessons. For her, barn time is more than just a hobby - it’s a weekly reset that is good for the soul. Looking ahead, Betsy’s short-term riding goal is to get back into jumping.

Without consulting each other, both David AND Marissa nominated Betsy as our Rider of the Week. They describe her as a true gem who consistently jumps in to help without being asked. Betsy is always willing to lend a hand, share her knowledge, and make sure both horses and riders are well cared for. From helping new riders learn daily horse care to simply being a steady, positive presence around the herd, she is a true part of the John’s Creek barn family.

Congratulations, Betsy! We are so glad you are here!