Meet Your Hosts
Gabby Greco
Gabby has been involved in the Saddlebred industry for the past 25 years, when her mom put her on a horse at the age of five. She started showing in the academy division in the Midwest, and moved up to show numerous horses in the pleasure and performance divisions. Her formative years working in the industry began when she rode and was a student helper under the Equitate banner with Sheri Brandl and Sarah McClintock. Gabby continued to ride, show, and work throughout college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature at UW-Madison, with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. The highlight of her college career was being able to study abroad in the United Kingdom. After graduating, Sarah hired her full time to assistant trainer and instructor at Highland Ridge Stables. Gabby loves to teach kids and introduce them into the world of horses and showing! In 2023, Sarah and Gabby were named the Instructors of the Year at the National Academy finals held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Gabby was also voted the 2024 United Professional Horsemen’s Association chapter ¾ horse person of the year. She is so excited to be working with Bob on the Stable Minded Podcast to be able to further learn more about the industry and help support those who are involved with horses from the very beginning lessons, all the way up to owning a horse and competing at the national levels!
Bob Griffin
Bob Griffin’s journey in the Saddlebred industry began when he started riding at the age of 13. Just a few years later, at 16, he was honored to win the National Pleasure Equitation Medallion Finals in Kansas City—an experience that helped shape his passion for the show horse industry. Over the years, he was fortunate to learn from respected horsemen and women like Marlys Bell, Rick Wallen, Andy Freseth, and Dick and Jeanette Durant. In 1999, alongside Tom Thorpe, he co-founded Northern Tradition Farm in Minooka, Illinois, and with the support of generous and loyal clients, Bob has had the chance to be part of the careers of some amazing horses and riders. Wanting to give back to the industry that has given him so much, he recently partnered with Gabby Greco to launch the Stable Minded Podcast aimed at sharing stories and celebrating the people and horses that make the show world so special.
Why We Started A Podcast
Frustrated with the fact that the national organizations were not giving local charter clubs the attention and resources they needed, we, in association with the Illinois Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association (IASPHA), decided to create the change we wanted to see. We wanted to facilitate and encourage open conversations about different topics, struggles, and viewpoints.
Within the first recordings, we found that even everyday conversations can bring out relatable experiences that really matter. As we strive to build an even stronger community, we hope that many of us who are dealing with the same challenges come to realize that we’re all in this together. When it's all said and done, we want to forge a future for our industry that grows, not only in size, but in understanding, creativity, and inclusion.