Greta @ Greta and the Herd
Greta and the Herd: An
Interview with Lauren McGee
by Gina McKnight
No Duplication Without Permission.
Archived from the August 2026 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete www.floridaequineathlete.com
Lauren McGee has become
one of the most compelling voices in the online horsemanship world, known for
her thoughtful storytelling, quiet barn‑aisle wisdom, and the magnetic presence
of the horses who make up Greta and the Herd. I enjoy seeing Lauren’s
posts, learning about new tips and tricks in and around the barn. What began as
a simple window into her daily life with Greta has grown into a community of
riders, learners, and horse‑lovers who return again and again for her honesty,
her humor, and her ability to translate the emotional language of horses into
something humans can finally hear. Today, we sit down with Lauren to explore
the heart behind her work, the horses who shaped her path, and the philosophy
that continues to inspire thousands across social media.
Welcome, Lauren!
GM: Greta is adorable!
How did you meet Greta? Is she your first horse?
LM: Greta is my first horse, and I adopted her and her "brother," Little Warrior, from a rescue in Virginia. Funny enough, we actually went there to meet a different horse. Then they brought out Greta and said, "Nobody wants her because she only has one eye."
Well...my boyfriend and I looked at each other and said, "Bring her over."
She already felt like she belonged with us because we have a one-eyed German Shepherd named Kilo and another rescue dog, Jack, who had cataract surgery as a puppy. Our home has always been full of rescue animals, so Greta fit in with us.
What we didn't know at the time was that she also had arthritis in one of her front pasterns. I got her as a yearling, and raising a young horse with a medical issue, while still being pretty new to horses myself, has definitely been an adventure. I heard the saying, "Green on green equals black and blue," more times than I can count, fortunately for me, I got through it without the "black and blue" experience lol.
Thankfully, Greta has the sweetest personality. I just love her and she loves people. She's incredibly smart, and she's been so patient with me while we've learned together. Because of her arthritis, she may never be the riding horse I imagined having, and that's okay. She has a forever home with us, and I wouldn't change that for anything.
She gave me far more than a riding horse—she gave me a purpose, a community, and ultimately the inspiration behind Greta and the Herd.
GM: When was the
moment you knew Greta and the Herd needed to exist, and how
did Greta herself shape that vision?
LM: I started posting to Greta and the Herd in late April 2026. I'd always wanted to create something on social media, but I knew in order to have an account that was going to grow, it had to actually help people. When I started thinking about my own journey, it clicked.
I couldn't find an account that made the horse world feel welcoming and approachable for adults who wanted to get started. Most content assumed you grew up around horses. Accounts that showed the aesthetic side, expensive side. I wanted to create the resource I wish I'd had—a place where people could ask questions without feeling embarrassed, learn about lessons, leasing, and ownership, and realize those goals were actually possible.
I didn't grow up riding. I took my first lesson when I was around 30 years old and bought my first horses around 32.
Was I ready? Definitely not. Was I committed? Absolutely.
I've learned that horse ownership is a huge commitment—financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally—but it's also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I want people to know that if they didn't grow up in the horse world, they haven't missed their chance.
Greta is the reason this community exists. Every lesson I've learned, every mistake I've made, and every milestone I've celebrated has happened because of her. Since sharing that journey, I've heard from so many adults who finally started riding or even bought their first horse in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. I had no idea there were so many people just like me who had always dreamed of horses but thought they were too late.
That's what Greta and the Herd has become. It's not just a social media account anymore—it's a community that reminds people it's never too late to start.
GM: When you walk into
the barn, what’s the first thing you notice that tells you how the herd is
feeling?
LM: The first thing I notice is whether Greta is already waiting for me. About 90% of the time, she's heard my car and is standing at the fence waiting to say hello. If she's not there, all I have to do is call her name, and she comes running. It never gets old, and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling lucky when she does it.
Our horses live out together 24/7, and I really think that contributes to how relaxed and happy they are. The herd dynamic is incredibly positive, and it's been the perfect environment for Greta to grow up in.
She's the youngest of five mares, well her and another 4 yr old are the youngest. She lives with horses from different backgrounds and disciplines—from an OTTB to a seasoned trail horse—and they've all helped shape her into the kind, mostly level-headed horse she is today. I like to think they've done as much of the teaching as I have.
GM: What’s one
lesson Greta taught you that changed the way you work with every horse who’s
come after her?
LM: Greta has taught me a lot, but the biggest lesson has been to slow down and be patient. Owning a young horse taught me that every horse communicates differently, and it's my job to meet them where they are—not where I want them to be.
I've learned that taking the time to listen, rather than rushing through the process, builds trust and creates a true partnership. Whether we're riding, trailering, or just working on the ground, every horse has a different personality, different needs, and a different way of learning. You can't treat them all the same because, just like people, they're all individuals.
She's also taught me to have quick reflexes... and to always expect the unexpected.
GM: How do you
help riders quiet their minds enough to hear what their horses are actually
saying?
LM: I'm careful not to give technical riding advice because I'm not a trainer. My goal has always been to share my experience, not tell people how to ride.
The biggest reminder I give myself—and other riders—is to slow down and remember why we're here in the first place: because we love horses. They're not machines, and every horse is different.
Something as simple as putting on a bridle is my go to example. It's going over their ears, around their eyes, and into their mouth. If someone were putting something like that on me, I'd want them to be patient and gentle—not rushing through it. I think slowing down is one of the best ways to understand what your horse is trying to tell you. And if the ride isn't going the way you hoped? Slow down, take a breath, reset, and start again. Sometimes that's exactly what both you and your horse need.
GM: Is there a
horse or human whose journey still gives you goosebumps when you think
about it?
LM: Honestly, I could name a handful of people—including myself. But one person who immediately comes to mind is a girl I used to ride with before I moved. Like me, horses weren't part of her life while growing up. Riding wasn't an option until she was an adult with her own career and her own money. She was a few years ahead of me in the horse journey, and I looked up to her because she was an example that starting later didn't mean you had missed your chance.
She took lessons, bought her own horses, and became an amazing rider, but what inspired me most was the way she approached it all. She wasn't chasing one specific discipline or trying to fit into a box. She is a great horsewoman. She built a relationship with her horses and enjoys every part of the journey.
Seeing someone who had started later and still created the horse life she'd always dreamed of gave me confidence that I could do the same. Looking back, I think she was one of the first people who showed me that there isn't just one "right" way to be a horse person—and that's a message I now try to pass on every day.
GM: What dreams
are you nurturing for Greta and the Herd as it continues to
grow?
LM: Greta and the Herd is still really new, but it's been amazing to see how many people connect with the message I am sharing. My goal is simple—I want it to become the place people think of / are recommended to go when they're getting into horses as an adult and don't know where to start. I know more and more young people are online now too so it is important for my account to be a safe place for parents to feel comfortable sending their kids to know they're going to find encouraging, beginner-friendly information without feeling overwhelmed.
As it grows, I want to keep creating free guides on topics like finding a barn, leasing, horse ownership, and all the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started. I'm not trying to be the expert who has all the answers. I'm just sharing what I've learned along the way and hoping it helps someone else feel a little more confident taking that first step. If Greta and the Herd can help more people realize it's never too late to get into horses, I'd consider that a win.
GM: What’s the best way
for fans to connect with you?
LM: I've really enjoyed the opportunity to share my story and the mission behind Greta and the Herd. My Stan Store is an extension of everything I share on Greta and the Herd. I created it to give adult beginners a place to find helpful resources all in one spot.
Right now, it includes two free guides: my Barn Basics Guide, which covers a lot of the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started, and my How to Find a Barn Guide, which walks people through finding a place to take riding lessons. I also have a waitlist where people can sign up to hear about future guides as I create them. Both of these guides are for true beginners - if you have been riding for more than 4-6 months, these are not for you.
I've also linked my Amazon Storefront, Chewy Storefront, and Etsy shop, where I share products I actually use, love, or genuinely recommend. My goal is to make getting into horses feel a little less overwhelming and give people a trusted place to find the information and products that have helped me along the way.
GM: What does
horsemanship mean to you?
LM: To me, horsemanship is about building a relationship with the horse based on trust, patience and respect.
Connect with Great
and the Herd…
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretaandtheherd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretaandtheherd
Stan Store: https://stan.store/GretaandtheHerd
LM: Greta is my first horse, and I adopted her and her "brother," Little Warrior, from a rescue in Virginia. Funny enough, we actually went there to meet a different horse. Then they brought out Greta and said, "Nobody wants her because she only has one eye."
Well...my boyfriend and I looked at each other and said, "Bring her over."
She already felt like she belonged with us because we have a one-eyed German Shepherd named Kilo and another rescue dog, Jack, who had cataract surgery as a puppy. Our home has always been full of rescue animals, so Greta fit in with us.
What we didn't know at the time was that she also had arthritis in one of her front pasterns. I got her as a yearling, and raising a young horse with a medical issue, while still being pretty new to horses myself, has definitely been an adventure. I heard the saying, "Green on green equals black and blue," more times than I can count, fortunately for me, I got through it without the "black and blue" experience lol.
Thankfully, Greta has the sweetest personality. I just love her and she loves people. She's incredibly smart, and she's been so patient with me while we've learned together. Because of her arthritis, she may never be the riding horse I imagined having, and that's okay. She has a forever home with us, and I wouldn't change that for anything.
She gave me far more than a riding horse—she gave me a purpose, a community, and ultimately the inspiration behind Greta and the Herd.
LM: I started posting to Greta and the Herd in late April 2026. I'd always wanted to create something on social media, but I knew in order to have an account that was going to grow, it had to actually help people. When I started thinking about my own journey, it clicked.
I couldn't find an account that made the horse world feel welcoming and approachable for adults who wanted to get started. Most content assumed you grew up around horses. Accounts that showed the aesthetic side, expensive side. I wanted to create the resource I wish I'd had—a place where people could ask questions without feeling embarrassed, learn about lessons, leasing, and ownership, and realize those goals were actually possible.
I didn't grow up riding. I took my first lesson when I was around 30 years old and bought my first horses around 32.
Was I ready? Definitely not. Was I committed? Absolutely.
I've learned that horse ownership is a huge commitment—financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally—but it's also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I want people to know that if they didn't grow up in the horse world, they haven't missed their chance.
Greta is the reason this community exists. Every lesson I've learned, every mistake I've made, and every milestone I've celebrated has happened because of her. Since sharing that journey, I've heard from so many adults who finally started riding or even bought their first horse in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. I had no idea there were so many people just like me who had always dreamed of horses but thought they were too late.
That's what Greta and the Herd has become. It's not just a social media account anymore—it's a community that reminds people it's never too late to start.
LM: The first thing I notice is whether Greta is already waiting for me. About 90% of the time, she's heard my car and is standing at the fence waiting to say hello. If she's not there, all I have to do is call her name, and she comes running. It never gets old, and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling lucky when she does it.
Our horses live out together 24/7, and I really think that contributes to how relaxed and happy they are. The herd dynamic is incredibly positive, and it's been the perfect environment for Greta to grow up in.
She's the youngest of five mares, well her and another 4 yr old are the youngest. She lives with horses from different backgrounds and disciplines—from an OTTB to a seasoned trail horse—and they've all helped shape her into the kind, mostly level-headed horse she is today. I like to think they've done as much of the teaching as I have.
LM: Greta has taught me a lot, but the biggest lesson has been to slow down and be patient. Owning a young horse taught me that every horse communicates differently, and it's my job to meet them where they are—not where I want them to be.
I've learned that taking the time to listen, rather than rushing through the process, builds trust and creates a true partnership. Whether we're riding, trailering, or just working on the ground, every horse has a different personality, different needs, and a different way of learning. You can't treat them all the same because, just like people, they're all individuals.
She's also taught me to have quick reflexes... and to always expect the unexpected.
LM: I'm careful not to give technical riding advice because I'm not a trainer. My goal has always been to share my experience, not tell people how to ride.
The biggest reminder I give myself—and other riders—is to slow down and remember why we're here in the first place: because we love horses. They're not machines, and every horse is different.
Something as simple as putting on a bridle is my go to example. It's going over their ears, around their eyes, and into their mouth. If someone were putting something like that on me, I'd want them to be patient and gentle—not rushing through it. I think slowing down is one of the best ways to understand what your horse is trying to tell you. And if the ride isn't going the way you hoped? Slow down, take a breath, reset, and start again. Sometimes that's exactly what both you and your horse need.
LM: Honestly, I could name a handful of people—including myself. But one person who immediately comes to mind is a girl I used to ride with before I moved. Like me, horses weren't part of her life while growing up. Riding wasn't an option until she was an adult with her own career and her own money. She was a few years ahead of me in the horse journey, and I looked up to her because she was an example that starting later didn't mean you had missed your chance.
She took lessons, bought her own horses, and became an amazing rider, but what inspired me most was the way she approached it all. She wasn't chasing one specific discipline or trying to fit into a box. She is a great horsewoman. She built a relationship with her horses and enjoys every part of the journey.
Seeing someone who had started later and still created the horse life she'd always dreamed of gave me confidence that I could do the same. Looking back, I think she was one of the first people who showed me that there isn't just one "right" way to be a horse person—and that's a message I now try to pass on every day.
LM: Greta and the Herd is still really new, but it's been amazing to see how many people connect with the message I am sharing. My goal is simple—I want it to become the place people think of / are recommended to go when they're getting into horses as an adult and don't know where to start. I know more and more young people are online now too so it is important for my account to be a safe place for parents to feel comfortable sending their kids to know they're going to find encouraging, beginner-friendly information without feeling overwhelmed.
As it grows, I want to keep creating free guides on topics like finding a barn, leasing, horse ownership, and all the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started. I'm not trying to be the expert who has all the answers. I'm just sharing what I've learned along the way and hoping it helps someone else feel a little more confident taking that first step. If Greta and the Herd can help more people realize it's never too late to get into horses, I'd consider that a win.
LM: I've really enjoyed the opportunity to share my story and the mission behind Greta and the Herd. My Stan Store is an extension of everything I share on Greta and the Herd. I created it to give adult beginners a place to find helpful resources all in one spot.
Right now, it includes two free guides: my Barn Basics Guide, which covers a lot of the things I wish someone had explained to me when I was getting started, and my How to Find a Barn Guide, which walks people through finding a place to take riding lessons. I also have a waitlist where people can sign up to hear about future guides as I create them. Both of these guides are for true beginners - if you have been riding for more than 4-6 months, these are not for you.
I've also linked my Amazon Storefront, Chewy Storefront, and Etsy shop, where I share products I actually use, love, or genuinely recommend. My goal is to make getting into horses feel a little less overwhelming and give people a trusted place to find the information and products that have helped me along the way.
LM: To me, horsemanship is about building a relationship with the horse based on trust, patience and respect.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretaandtheherd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretaandtheherd
Stan Store: https://stan.store/GretaandtheHerd
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| Lauren and Greta |
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| Greta 2026 |
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| Greta 2025 |
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| Greta and Lauren |
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