About Amy Barnett, rider
Gingerbread Acres
"My horse history"

by Amy Barnett

I grew up in Lake City, FL , and I got my first pony when I was seven years old.  I only rode about once or
twice a month from ages 7 to 11 because  my pony was about 25 miles from my house (in Branford, FL) and
I didn't see him much.  When I was 11 years old, our horses were moved to only six miles away from the
house, so my riding picked up.

It was at this time that I began taking riding lessons from an Appaloosa breeder/trainer in my town. Though
I had my own horse, she wasn't show-quality, so I began showing my trainer's horses in local shows.  
When I was 14 years old, I bought a two-year old Appaloosa/Arab gelding from her.  I'm proud to say that as
a 14-yr. old I trained him myself, with my trainer's advise, and I was the first person on his back. I had him
for 5 years and showed in many area 4-H and open shows.  When I was 19, he was killed.  He was the last
horse I had until I bought my current horse, Kota.

I bought Kota as a 4-yr. old in Feb. 2006 because I wanted a gaited horse.  I rode a Tennessee Walking
Horse once when I was about 20, and I thought it was the smoothest ride I had ever experienced!  I was 38
when I started riding regularly again, and I decided at that age I needed smooth!  I wanted a young horse,
too, though.  I guess I wanted the challenge :)  .Kota has been a great horse.  We have taught each other
a lot.

I was privileged to meet natural horsemanship trainer and instructor Lynn Brown, in May of 2006.  I
studied under her for a year, and she taught me many techniques in the areas of horse training and horse
behavior that I had never before been exposed to.

I have studied the methods and philosophies of Brenda Imus, author of Gaits of Gold and Heavenly Gaits,
videos and material by Clinton Anderson of “Down-Under Horsemanship”, and videos and material by Pat
and Linda Parelli of “Natural Horse-Man-Ship”. Some books I have studied include: Easy-Gaited Horses, by
Lee Ziegler, Well-Shod by Don Baskins, Horsewatching by Desmond Morris, and Practical Horse Massage
by Benate Ettl. I have also read countless articles in magazines such as Horse Illustrated. I read every
free trade magazine that I can, such as Equus Cabalus, Horse and Pony News, and Show Life.

Right now I teach four girls riding on a regular basis, including my own. Sometimes I add in another couple
of people.  We do arena work as well as go on trail rides.  I've also taken the girls and horses to horse
shows and to Southside Saddle Club Friday night rides.  They are looking forward to working for
Gingerbread Acres one day.

I continue to be fascinated with gaited horses, especially as trail mounts.   However, I'm not completely
biased...Lexy is a trotter.  Virginia will tell you, however, that she'd prefer to ride gaited on the trail.

I'd love to introduce you to my gaited horse(s).

I plan to buy at least one more horse to give lessons on.  I don't know whether I'll go with another gaited
horse or a trotting horse.  I'll probably have two gaited horses and two trotting horses.

Thanks for reading this.  Don't miss the gallery  and don't forget to contact us.


Other

We are members of  St. Johns River Pony Club

and St. Johns Young Riders 4-H Club.
Visit the GALLERY to see more pictures
Amy and Charlie,
Amy's 2nd pony,1978
Click on picture
to enlarge.
For phone number, location, and email
address, please click here to go to the
Contact Us page.