Carlsbad Eighth-Grader Gallops Her Way to Success

Parents often tell their kids to quit horsing around, but in Shannon Rohring’s case, horseplay has helped her soar.

“I participate in equestrian competitions all over the country, and I’ve learned to find a good balance between school and riding,” said Shannon, an eighth-grader at Aviara Oaks Middle School.

Whatever she’s doing is obviously working. Shannon is an “A” student, praised by her teachers for having excellent time-management skills.

“She takes on a very busy workload in school,” said Todd McGinnis, eighth-grade teacher at Aviara Oaks. “Shannon keeps a positive attitude and takes on many of her tasks with a smile.” McGinnis nominated the 14-year-old to be this week’s Carlsbad Patch Whiz Kid.

Shannon is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and just returned from a four-day competition in Las Vegas where she placed in the top 10 out of a class of 40.

“My horse Shorty is 18-years-old, but he doesn’t act his age. He’s really skilled!”

When she packs her suitcase, she also packs her backpack with prepared assignments from her teachers.

“Occasionally Shannon will turn something in with a little mud on it ... or something that looks like mud,” said Sue Rohring, Shannon’s mother.

“The teachers get a good laugh and are very understanding!”

Shannon calls her time with Shorty a “giant stress reliever.”

“I’ve loved learning about horses, and whenever I have a bad day, riding makes me happy again,” she said.

Her key to awesomeness?

“Organization … I have to be organized. I sit down with other riders at competitions and we all do homework together. We support each other!”