A Conversation with Gabi Caicedo - Author, Rider, Ambassador, and Advocate On Her Debut Book Chosen by a Pony

Horse stories have always been inspiring to young readers by celebrating the unique bond between children and horses while encouraging compassion and confidence. At just 11 years old, equestrian, advocate, JustWorld International ambassador, and author Gabi Caicedo has already turned her passion for horses into a mission to make a difference. I spoke with Gabi about her debut children's book, Chosen by a Pony, a heartwarming story that not only shares the magic of finding friendship through horses but also supports the rescue and care of ponies and horses in need. Through her riding, advocacy, and writing, Caicedo is inspiring young readers to follow their dreams, give back to animals, and discover the life-changing connection between people and horses.

Ames Chang: How did you first fall in love with horses and with writing?

Gabi Caicedo: When I was around 3 years old, I went on a pony ride. I loved it so much and started taking lessons. I have been riding ever since! I’ve been writing since very young, but I think what most motivated me to write was reading other people’s books and taking in ideas and wanting to write a book too.

AC: What inspired you to write Chosen By a Pony ?

GC: My biggest inspiration for Chosen By a Pony was my first pony, Milan. Like one of the ponies in the story, he injured his left hind leg. Sadly, he never recovered enough to jump again. I wrote most of Chosen By a Pony while Milan was injured. He taught me so much about resilience, courage, and unconditional love. He also taught me that it takes courage to fight for someone you love, and sometimes even more courage when things don't turn out the way you hoped.

AC: Is any part of the story based on your own experiences?

GC: Yes there is! The Milan part and finding an other pony after him. I also included little moments from my own life at the barn because I wanted the horse world in the book to feel as real as possible.

AC: What was the most fun part of writing the book?

GC: Writing the first draft! I loved seeing the story come to life and watching the characters become more real with every chapter.

AC: What was the most challenging part?

GC: Definitely editing! It took a lot longer than I expected, but it was worth it because the book turned out even better..

AC: I know that Chosen By a Pony is the first book in a series you are writing. Can you give us a sneak peek into the upcoming books?

GC: I'm currently working on the second book! I don't want to give away too much, but I can tell you there will be new characters, new adventures, and of course, horses. I hope readers will love meeting the new horses as much as I loved writing about them.

AC: I know your book supports rescue horses. Which rescue organizations are you involved with and why is supporting rescue horses important to you? How does your book support them?

GC: Many rescue horses have stories a lot like the horses in my book. Some have been abandoned or abused, but they were given a second chance. Even after they're rescued, they still need food, medical care, and lots of love. That's why I'm donating all of the profits from my book to several horse rescues in South Florida including F.R.I.E.N.D.S Horse Rescue and Sanctuary and Horse Rescue Alliance. It makes me really happy to know that my story can help real horses too.

“I love telling kids that anyone can become an author. You don't have to be a grown-up to write a book, you just need an idea, imagination, and the courage to start.”

AC: What dreams do you have for helping rescue horses in the future?

GC: My friend and I recently started a fundraiser called Rescuing Hooves to help raise money for rescue horses. We want to help provide food, safe shelter, and medical care for horses that need it most. Some rescue horses need treatments that rescue centers can't always afford. Our dream is to help as many horses as we can because we believe every horse deserves to feel safe, loved, and cared for. I hope Rescuing Hooves keeps growing so we can help even more horses in the future. This is our website: rescuinghooves.com .

AC: In addition to being a very talented writer, you are also an accomplished equestrian. I know you mostly compete in the jumper ring, so I was wondering what you love most about competing in the jumpers?

GC: I love the adrenaline and the partnership between the horse and rider. Every horse is different, so every round feels like a new challenge. I love figuring out how to be the best teammate I can be for my horse. I also like that even when things don't go as planned, you learn from it, keep going, and come back better next time.

AC: What are your goals as a rider over the next few years?

GC: I'd love to move up to the next jumper divisions. I'd also love to become a catch rider someday because I think every horse teaches you something different. I'd love to compete in the hunter ring too and become the best rider I can be.

AC: You are also a JustWorld International Ambassador. How did you first hear about JustWorld, and what projects or causes are you most excited to support?

GC: One of my favorite things about being a JustWorld Ambassador is visiting schools with limited resources and helping get kids excited about reading. I've been able to do that for the past two years, and this year I even got to bring my own book, Chosen By a Pony. I love telling kids that anyone can become an author. You don't have to be a grown-up to write a book—you just need an idea, imagination, and the courage to start. Seeing them realize that they can do it too is one of my favorite parts.

AC: You're already an author, rider, ambassador, and advocate. What's one thing you're most excited about for the future?

GC: I'm excited to keep writing more books, keep improving my riding, and keep helping rescue horses. If I can help more horses and inspire more kids along the way, that would make me really happy.

AC: Ok, and now some rapid-fire questions! Horses or ponies?

GC: Ponies.

AC: Reading or writing?

GC: Both! But If I have to choose, writing.

AC: Movies or TV shows?

GC: TV shows.

AC: Hunters or jumpers?

GC: Jumpers.

AC: Beach or mountains?

GC: Mountains.

AC: Summer or winter?

GC: Winter (in Florida).

AC: Thank you so much for doing this interview, Gabi. It was so nice to talk to you!

GC: Thank you, it was so nice to talk to you, too!

Link to buy Chosen by a Pony

Follow Gabi on Instagram: @gabicaicedo_