Five-Year-Old Shows She’s One In A Million By Taking Horse On Obstacle Course With Ease

Oct 07, 2020 by apost team

Kinsley may only be 5 years old, but her connection with her mare Ruby makes her a tiny champion! This little rider from Gablestable in Caldwell, Idaho shows fans of all ages what a well-trained rider and gentle, strong horse can do as a team.

It's obvious in the video that Kinsley is very comfortable on horseback. Ruby, a Morgan Draft cross, has the strength for the jumps and is receptive to Kinsley's touch.

Part of controlling a horse is your leg length and strength; you can guide a horse and give her confidence with a squeeze of your legs as you reach through a jump. In fact, having a "loose" or rider that feels disconnected can leave a horse feeling uncertain. They may balk at a jump or not fully commit to it.

However, Kinsley and her mare are obviously very well connected and have put in a lot of time practicing together. Kinsley handles the reins beautifully, snugging up to help Ruby build up speed as she approaches the jump and stretching out flat as Ruby clears the jump and strides forward to the next bar. Remarkable teamwork!

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The Gablestable facility obviously puts in the time necessary to build not only skills but trust between rider and horse. Such a tiny rider would often only be allowed on an older horse; a gentle mare or a gelding with the ability to tolerate a rider with short legs and little saddle connection. Learning to clear jumps as a team takes a great deal of practice, time and trust.

The partnership between Kinsley and Ruby has obviously been built over time. Luckily, the Gablestable facility is focused on family horses and lots of training time. Children have a fascination with horses, and the Gablestable style of training and commitment means that these kids will learn the love and work of horse care from an early age.

Heather and Brandon, owners of Gablestable, have been on horseback since their early childhoods. They both work to prep riding horses from colt through adult. Their skills may have gotten Kinsley started, but it's her passion that has her in the saddle as often as possible.

Exposure to horses can put kids from challenging situations literally in the driver's seat. If you love the idea of a childhood spent with a trusted animal partner, like and share this video. Let's get Kinsley's story out there!