54
SIDELINESMAGAZINE | May 2026
GABI
CAICEDO
Writing Her
Own Story
By Annelise Klepper • Portraits by Melissa Fuller
t 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
Gabi Caicedo with her pony, Q, and the
book she wrote, “Chosen By a Pony.”
PONY/JUNIOR