Trotting Along with Abby Barnes

Whiz Kid: Abby Barnes, 9

Whiz Kid’s School: Fourth grader at

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: An upcoming equestrian.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Every little girl seems to fall in love with horses after their first pony ride at a fair. It was no exception for Abby Barnes when she was three years old.

“I loved being on a horse,” Abby said. “When I was four or five years old, I took pony classes and now am taking riding lessons.”

The Pony Pals class, offered through the in conjunction with Century Mill Stables in Bolton is what really inspired Barnes to continue with further lessons.

She has participated in summer camps at the Stables as well as in her first horse shows this past summer.

“I love the personalities of the horses,” said Abby. “They sense your mood; they are sensitive animals.”

Jackie Barnes, Abby’s mom, said that riding has been a wonderful experience for her daughter. “It teaches compassion, courage, teamwork, responsibility, and hard work. Abby has learned a lot in just a few years.”

Abby has also learned what is involved in the care of a horse including cleaning them, bringing them in and out of the pasture areas, and keeping them hydrated and fed.

The horse shows can be intense though. It is an early start to the day and often is an all-day event. Riders compete in different divisions based on age of riders and experience. They can be judged on things like the presentation of the rider, management of the horse, control of the horse, and the more technical things such as rider posture.

Abby has competed in what is called the walk-trot category, where she has to walk/trot the horse on command, follow a specific direction, stop on command, and follow patterns.

The Stables holds their own horse shows too, and this helps riders to build confidence and to learn what to expect for bigger shows.

The gear that is required must include the proper head protection, riding pants, and boots. It can be very formal, but it is from a safety standpoint too.

The time commitment isn’t overwhelming said Jackie. “She has time for her other interests and we keep it balanced.”

Abby also is working on earning her orange belt in karate at T. Rose’s Uechi-Ryu Karata Dojo “It has taught me endurance and strength,” she said. “It’s fun too.”

She also is an active member in Girl Scouts and takes tennis lessons.