Gabi Caicedo: Writing Her Own Story

By Annelise Klepper

Portraits by Melissa Fuller

At the ripe age of 10 years old, Gabi Caicedo’s résumé would outshine most adults’. She is already a published writer, philanthropist and accomplished equestrian, and she does it all with integrity and heart. Now, she’s looking toward a new chapter.

Gabi currently lives in South West Ranches, Florida. Her family is originally from Colombia and Venezuela, and Gabi has come to value both cultures immensely, crediting them for her ability to dream big and stay grateful. She began taking formal riding lessons when she was 5 and has been obsessed with horses ever since. She describes the barn as her “happy place.”

Learning to Ride Milan, Gabi’s first pony, didn’t just teach her how to ride, but also taught her the values it takes to be a true horsewoman. “Milan changed everything for me,” Gabi said. “He was the one who taught me how to take care of someone who depends 100% on you. Even when he got injured and I had to stop riding for a while, he taught me that loving a horse means showing up on the easy days and the hard ones. Those lessons stayed with me.”

Another influential pony of Gabi’s was an Appaloosa named Little Red, who helped her grow in her confidence in jumping, as well as her current pony, Q. “Q has been great, not only because we do well together in shows but also because she is very patient with me,” Gabi commented. “Additionally, I’ve been lucky to have amazing trainers who pushed me, believed in me and helped me grow into the rider I am today.”

Gabi has truly found her stride in show jumping. “I love jumping because it has everything I enjoy: the adrenaline, the challenge and the connection with my pony. You have to think fast and react quickly, and I like the feeling of being totally focused together in the ring,” Gabi reflected. “I love the teamwork and trust it takes to get around a course. And my favorite part is that tiny moment when we leave the ground; it makes me feel brave and free, like we’re flying for a second.”

Gabi has had to learn to meticulously manage her time in order to balance both school and riding. It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes, when she spends more time at the barn, she wakes up early to study before school. Despite her busy schedule, she still manages to find time to be creative and give back to others.

Gabi takes weekly art lessons, plays piano, sings and writes. She has published a book and is working on publishing a sequel. “My first book, ‘Chosen by a Pony,’ was inspired by Milan. When he got injured, it was really hard for me, but he taught me so much about love, patience and being brave even when things don’t go the way you hoped,” Gabi said. “Writing the book helped me turn a sad time into something good, and I wanted to create a story that could help other kids feel understood and strong, too. I definitely want to keep writing. I’m already working on my next book, and my dream is to create a whole series that inspires other young riders and readers.”

Giving BackGabi has volunteered at a horse rescue for two years and has even begun a program called Read to Rescue, where she donates a portion of the sales from her book. Along with her best friend, Gabi is also beginning Rescuing Hooves, another fundraising effort to support horses in need.

“Gabi inspires me every day,” said Gabi’s mother, Silvia. “Her dedication, her kindness and the love she has for her ponies show in everything she does, from riding to writing to helping at the rescue. I’m incredibly proud to be her mom.”

Gabi continues to lead by example. She hopes to encourage more people to get involved in causes they care about, regardless of age. “Helping rescue horses is something that really matters to me. I like knowing that even a kid can make a difference,” Gabi said. “I also love being part of the horse community, from my friends at the barn to the ponies I help at the rescue. Everyone has taught me something in a different way. I hope I can inspire other kids to follow their passions too, whether it’s riding, writing or anything else they love.”

Now, Gabi is looking toward the future. “I want to continue competing in Wellington and moving up to higher classes when I’m ready,” she said. “I’m really excited to publish my second book, which continues the story I started. My goal is to keep growing as a rider, a writer and someone who helps make a difference for horses.”

Through it all, Gabi remains firm in the values she was raised to hold. “I think the most important things to me are being kind, being responsible and being brave. I always want to put the horses first and take care of them the right way, no matter what. I also try to work hard and not give up when something feels hard, because riding has taught me that the good moments are worth it,” Gabi said. “I just feel really grateful that I get to do what I love. Riding makes me happy every single day, and I love the bond I get to build with every pony I ride. Writing is also such a passion of mine, and it’s fun seeing how a small idea can turn into a whole story.”