A Teen Hero Saves the Day: How a 16-Year-Old Girl Rescued a Runaway Horse
Not all heroes wear capes—sometimes, they wear riding boots. Sixteen-year-old Caroline Shoults proved this when a routine day at a horse show turned into a heart-stopping adventure.
Caroline was at De Novo Farms in Anne Arundel County, getting ready to compete with her rescue horse, Tinkerbell. Everything seemed normal—until chaos broke loose. One of the horses escaped from the barn and bolted straight for the highway, leaving everyone stunned.
Without hesitation, Caroline leaped into action. While most of us might panic in such a moment, she stayed calm and chased after the runaway horse. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Julia Young captured the entire dramatic rescue on her phone, later sharing the footage on Facebook through Jeanette Newland.
Jeanette described the scene on Facebook:
“At our first horse show, we were in our barn family when we saw another horse break free from her halter and take off. A brave 16-year-old, getting ready to compete, stopped to help try to catch her.”
The chase wasn’t easy. Caroline was on foot, while other riders followed by car, shielding the runaway horse from oncoming traffic. It was a tense, nail-biting pursuit.
Recalling the experience, Caroline shared on Facebook:
“After about three miles, everyone was exhausted. I finally managed to guide her onto the shoulder of the highway and into the grass. I jumped off, threw the lead rope over her neck, and waited just a few seconds for the others and the horse trailer to catch up.”
When asked how she stayed so composed, Caroline revealed her secret:
“The one thing that kept me sane was talking to my horse. I can’t say I was scared—I was so focused on a positive outcome that I didn’t have time to feel fear.”
Credit: Caroline Shoults
Thankfully, the runaway horse, Ice, was safely returned to the barn. The ordeal could have ended in disaster, but Caroline’s quick thinking and bravery saved the day.
Jeanette summed it up perfectly:
“It was intense with the traffic and could have gone wrong in so many ways. But she kept her cool and helped keep the horse safe until she tired herself out. What an adventure we all had. I’m just thankful that the horses and the people helping were all safe.”
This incredible act of courage reminds us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes—even 16-year-old girls with a love for horses.
Would you have been as brave as Caroline? Share this story with your friends and let us know what you think!
