Young Rider September/October 2017

Have you been dreaming of a horse of your own? If so, you’ve probably read every horse book you can (and of course, Young Rider mag). You’ve been taking lessons and learning how to ride and take care of a horse. When you’re finally able to make your horse dream come true, it’s important to find a good match. I found my first horse right at my own lesson barn. My riding instructor paired me with Teddy, and I loved him from the first time I rode him! I leased him first, and eventually he became mine. Teddy was my best friend, and he was the perfect first horse for me. I was lucky that I didn’t have to look far to find Teddy. If you are starting your search…

I didn’t get my own horse until I was 20, and I didn’t lease a pony until I was 17. Before that, I worked at farms giving pony rides, mucking stalls, feeding horses, and doing just about anything. This gave me the chance to ride so many different kinds of horses. It helped me learn what I was looking for in a horse and prepared me for when I could have one of my own. I finally got to lease Drum Roll Please, or “Dusty Pony,” who taught me tons about riding and horse care. Leasing gave me the benefits of having a pony without the full responsibility. WRITE US! YOUNG RIDER EDITORS 470 Conway Court, Suite B-6 Lexington, KY 40511 Email: yreditor@luminamedia.com…

Trail Riding Anna: I was recently trained to be a trail guide assistant where I ride. The secret to preventing your horse from running back to the barn is to never, ever, ever run back! We are careful to not even trot when we get close to the barn. Paige: Before you go out on the trails, plan ahead for you and your horse. Is your horse skittish or easily spooked? Introduce him beforehand to things he might see on the trail, like water crossing and fallen logs. How well do you know the trails? Bring a map of the local trails in case you get lost, a water bottle and a cell phone in case of an emergency. Riding with a friend will make it more fun and safer,…

Andie is a lot like you. She loves riding and is working hard toward reaching her goals. However, one thing makes Andie a little different: She is deaf. With the help of a cochlear implant, she has been able to overcome her disability and thrive in the horse world, not letting her hearing impairment hold her back from her dreams. Andie began riding three years ago after years of begging her parents for lessons. Now, she rides six days a week! “Being deaf is my reality, so I don’t know any other way,” says Andie. She adds that thanks to the cochlear implants, she can now hear pretty well. A cochlear implant is different than a hearing aid, which only makes sound louder. Instead, a cochlear implant, which is an…

Samantha has been leasing Chick , a 19-year-old chestnut mare, for three years. Chick is a double registered American Quarter Horse and Quarter Pony. They show at 4-H events, breed shows, and the All-American Youth Horse Show (with two top-10 placings this year!). You name it, Chick does it: western, English, contesting, jumping, trail, and freestyle reining. Chick takes good care of Samantha, with the occasional disapproving “Chick side-eye.” Samantha and her family love Chick so much that they bought Chick’s daughter, Peep, for Sam’s next show pony. Sam’s younger sister, Waverly, will be leasing Chick next season. Sammy rode Gretta, a bay Welsh Pony, for four weeks at Touchstone Farm sleepaway camp. When she first arrived, Sammy was feeling a little nervous wondering which pony she would be assigned.…

These two pictures appear very similar, but are your eyes sharp enough to spot the differences? Write down your finds on a piece of paper and send it in to Young Rider for your chance to WIN a pair of Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots , worth $69.88! Sizes: Small, Medium, Large Colors: Black, Purple, Royal Blue HINT: There are 8 differences. Send your answers and your address to: YR Spot the Difference 470 Conway Court Suite B-6 Lexington, KY 40511 FOUR TO win! Deadline : October 2, 2017 Compare your findings on page 46 How to Enter Mail your entry to YR Spot the Difference, 470 Conway Court, Suite B-6, Lexington, KY 40511. You will need your parent’s permission to enter. Be sure to include your mailing address,…