Irish Roots

By Emily Elliott, 8th Grade, Carmel Middle School

As thirteen year old Annie Knight mounted the bay Thoroughbred Gelding, it took off!  Unable to find her balance, she panicked as the newly retired racing horse galloped toward a fence.  Right as they approached the fence the horse stopped and ducked his head, Annie went flying off.

            The honor roll eighth grader at Carmel Middle School is reminded of the frightening day by the scar on her back.  However it hasn’t stopped her from riding.  At least five days a week Annie joyfully arrives at Meadowbrook Farms and Stables, ready to go.

            This rider spends her time at the barn grooming horses, mucking out stalls, taking lessons, and riding, which is her favorite thing to do at the barn.  “Irish is a great companion. I love him so much,” said Annie.  Irish is her eight-year-old horse that she got this past summer.  He is a Warmblood Cross that is bay with a white star, which she constantly rides.  Irish and Annie are an inseparable duo.  “You can’t ride unless you and your horse have established a partnership,” she said.  Irish and Annie have that partnership through all the trail rides, lessons, practices, and competitions. 

            Annie recently brought home a second place ribbon, to add to the collection of over fifty.  They compete in the dressage, show jumping and cross country events in the local competitions.  “They are tons of fun,” said Knight.

            Annie has ridden for over nine years and still loves it.  Her mom rode as a child and introduced Annie as a toddler.  It is something they do together; they share the common bond of loving horses.  It is quality time for the two of them.  “There is always something to learn on a horse, and I’ve learned a lot,” Annie said.  Riding has taught Annie perseverance, teamwork and many other life lessons.  Some of her closest and lifelong friends are her “barn buddies” as she calls them.

            Talk to any child in Charlotte and they will say they are soccer, football, baseball, or basketball players, and that they are passionate about it.  You won’t have many children say they ride horses and are passionate as Annie, but for her, “Horseback riding is my life.”

 
            By: Emily Elliott
            8th Grade
            Carmel Middle School