For Fourways teen Gabi Carnell, and her mother, Taryn, horse riding is more than a sport; it’s a shared journey of trust, resilience, and an unbreakable bond between rider, parent, and horse.
When 17-year-old Gabi first climbed into the saddle back in 2018, Taryn didn’t expect that moment to change both their lives. After years of trying every extracurricular activity imaginable, from ballet to gymnastics, it was only when Gabi placed her foot in the stirrup for the first time that something clicked.
“From that first ride, she was hooked,” Taryn recalls. “One lesson a week quickly became two, then three, and before we knew it, she had her own horse.”
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What started as a hobby soon evolved into a deep passion, one that Taryn has watched blossom from the sidelines.
“Seeing her grow from a wobbly beginner to a confident, capable rider has been a privilege. Riding teaches grit and determination, but it also requires kindness, teamwork, and respect for your partner. Those are qualities Gabi now carries into everything she does.”
Like any sport, equestrian life has its share of highs and lows, lessons in resilience, heartbreak, and triumph.
“The hardest part as a parent is watching your child get hurt. Sometimes it’s physical, but often it’s emotional. Gabi’s a perfectionist and always believes it’s never the horse’s fault. That mindset has also built her character. It’s taught her to rise after every fall.”
For Gabi, the true magic lies in the connection between rider and horse. “The bond you build with your horse is what I love most. There’s nothing that compares to it. Playing with him on the ground or just spending time together, those are my favourite memories. Bonding is just as important as riding.”
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Though schoolwork has taken priority lately, Gabi is gearing up for a few upcoming shows, including the Post Derby and possibly some Fourways riding competitions.
Her dream? “To one day compete in the Derby, that’s the ultimate goal.”
Through every stride, jump, and challenge, Taryn has been right there.
“My mom has been my number one supporter. She’s my loudest cheerleader when I win and the first person to offer a shoulder when things go wrong. She’s taught me to celebrate the successes and accept the rough patches.”
For Taryn, the proudest moments aren’t always the ones with ribbons.
“Watching her get back in the saddle after an extended break was incredibly special. Seeing the trust between her and her horse, that look in his eye that says: ‘I’ve got you’, that’s when I knew she had found her place.”
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