Riding with a Smile at the Age of 4: Aubrey Reeves
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
Dogs are known as a man’s best friend, but what about horses? For 4-year-old Aubrey Reeves, horses are definitely her best friend.
Raised on a farm in the beautiful countryside of Boyd County, Aubrey Reeves is just four years old but takes riding lessons, shows horses, and raises farm animals of her own. She has never met an animal that is not her friend, and through this connection, Aubrey has found a passion of her own in the Ohio Horse Park.
Aubrey’s grandpa, Buddy Patrick, has raised Aubrey. He has been riding horses for about six years and could not speak more highly of his granddaughter–from her bright smile and nature to her ability to make friends wherever she goes with people and animals alike. Aubrey helps her grandparents around the farm, whether it is feeding horses, milking cows, or caring for their animals. Aubrey is always on the case.
“We try to [travel], to get her out and let her experience a little bit of everything; see the world. When I got her she was really bashful. Now she doesn't meet a stranger–she goes to feed stores and everybody knows her,” explained Patrick with a smile.
Aubrey has been riding since she was 1 ½ years old, and just this past year began showing horses. She has taken part in Leadline and Barrel Racing and plans to keep taking lessons at the Ohio Horse Park and grow in her equine skills. Aubrey’s first riding lessons were a Christmas gift from her grandpa, and she has hit the ground galloping ever since.
The community at the Ohio Horse Park has only continued to grow Aubrey’s love of riding, as well. From making friends, having new experiences, and trying out new riding techniques, taking lessons at the Horse Park has greatly impacted her life.
“There are all kinds of girls over here from 12-18. They take care of her. This is a real good place,” expressed Patrick.
Patrick noted that the girls and trainers at the horse park take great care of Aubrey, and are a built-in friend group for her.
Not only has Aubrey made lasting friends, but she has also grown close to her trainer. Katie Osterbaan has known Aubrey for two years and has been her primary instructor for riding lessons. Osterbaan has been teaching at the horse park for close to a year with 25 years of experience with horses. She has grown close with Aubrey during their lessons and time together.
“It started out that we rode together, and now she's finally gotten to the point where she can ride by herself. We teach her to ride and hang out. We talk a lot. She likes to talk, tell her stories and sing to me,” commented Osterbaan.
During her lessons, Aubrey takes the horses through obstacles and practices walking and trotting with them–all with a smile on her face.
“She never meets a stranger; she’s always that happy,” commented Patrick.
From caring for her horse, taking care of her favorite pigs, and milking her cows, Aubrey continues to not only brighten the days of all those around her but of her animals as well. While she does not have a riding horse of her own at the moment, Aubrey loves to ride at the Horse Park and care for her colt, Dylan.
“My other favorite part about horses is because I get to trot,” explained Aubrey grinning from ear to ear after finishing her lesson for the day.
From Aubrey’s story, the hope is that you will be inspired to write a story of your own. Whether you are looking to further your equine skills, or make lasting friends, the riding lessons, shows, and experiences of the Ohio Horse Park are perfect for you. Those interested should check out the horse park location in Franklin Furnace.
Osterbaan declared, “Don’t be afraid to come take riding lessons and just ask for help. You'll never know until you try it. And once you try it, most of the time you're hooked on it.”
Those interested in learning more about Aubrey’s story and her animals should check out her farm’s Facebook page at the Back 40 Farm.
