Ask Gabby - F&Q

**Q: How long have you been riding? 🐴**

A: Three years! I started when I was 7, and I haven't stopped since. Well, except that one time I had the flu and Maxine literally banned me from the barn. She said, "Gabby, you'll make the horses sick." I stayed home but I was MAD about it.

**Q: What's your favorite horse at the barn? 💜**

A: Okay, don't tell the others, but it's Moonbeam. She's this gorgeous gray mare with the softest nose ever, and she's a little spicy with most people but she LOVES me. We have a special connection. But honestly? I love all of them.

**Q: Have you ever fallen off? 😬**

A: Three times! Once when I was learning to canter and lost my balance. Once when a horse spooked at a plastic bag (seriously, horses are so dramatic). And once when I tried to show off and do a jump before I was ready (don't tell Maxine). Each time I got back on immediately because that's what you do.

**Q: What's the hardest part about horseback riding? 💪**

A: People thinking it's easy! They're like, "Oh, the horse does all the work." NO. YOU try sitting trot without bouncing like a ping pong ball. You try keeping your heels down, shoulders back, hands steady, legs on, core engaged, AND paying attention to the horse's body language all at the same time. It's HARD. But that's what makes it awesome.

**Q: Do you want to work with horses when you grow up? 🌟**

A: 100% YES. I don't know exactly what yet—maybe a vet, maybe a trainer, maybe a barn manager, maybe a professional rider. But whatever I do, it's going to involve horses. I literally cannot imagine doing anything else. Like, what would I even DO with my life? Sit in an office? No thanks.

**Q: What's your favorite thing about Aunt Maxine? 🏆**

A: Everything. She's 93 and she's cooler than everyone I know. She doesn't treat me like a little kid—she teaches me real stuff and expects me to remember it. She tells the BEST stories about her exciting adventures from like 70 years ago. She's tough but kind. And she believes in me. Like, really believes in me. That matters a lot.

**Q: Why do you do yoga? 🧘**

A: Because Maxine noticed I was getting tense in my shoulders while riding, and she said, "Gabby, if you're tight, your horse will be tight. You gotta stretch." So now I do yoga to improve my flexibility, balance, and core strength—all super important for riding. Plus, it helps me stay calm, and horses can totally tell when you're stressed.

**Q: What's your biggest fear? 😰**

A: Something bad happening to one of the horses. I know that sounds dramatic, but I care about them SO MUCH. Also, spiders. But mainly the horse thing.

**Q: Do you have a favorite riding discipline? 🏇**

A: I'm still figuring that out! Right now I'm doing mostly English riding with some basic dressage and jumping. But I want to try western riding, trail riding, maybe even barrel racing. Maxine says I should try everything and see what feels right. She's probably right. She's always right.

**Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start riding? 💡**

A: DO IT. Just try it. Even if you're scared (I was terrified my first time, but I didn't want to admit it). Find a good teacher who cares about you AND the horses. Be patient with yourself—riding is WAY harder than it looks. And most importantly: listen to the horse. They're always trying to tell you something.

**Q: What's the best part of being a barn rat? ✨**

A: Honestly? Everything. The smell of hay. The sound of horses munching their dinner. The way a horse nuzzles your shoulder when you're grooming them. Learning something new every single day. Spending time with Maxine. Feeling like I belong somewhere. The barn is my happy place, and being a barn rat means I get to be there as much as possible. What's better than that?