HANG IN THERE, HORSE-CRAZY KIDS!

I love YR! Your magazines are so interesting.

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My mom got me a subscription for Christmas last year, and I loved it instantly. I started riding at age 4 at a not-so-great barn, but then I started at the best barn ever. Now I ride a pony named Ozzie and I love him. I ride short stirrup. I really love the parts of the mags where you interview people about themselves.

I am obsessed with horses, and sometimes my friends make jokes about it. Sometimes they're funny, but sometimes they hurt my feelings. I don't think they realize it, but I feel like an outsider in my friend group.

I recently did a show and I got two 4ths and two 3rds. My family and friends say that I did fine, but I don't believe them. Could you tell me what to do? I would also love an article about how judges judge shows. Thanks for the BEST mag ever!

Liv, 10, Pennsylvania

My favorite thing to do is ride my Modern Shetland Pony named Casper. But just about six weeks ago, he had a problem in his stifles, so I couldn't ride him till a certain time. The certain time is now, but I still have to take it easy on him. No loping or galloping, which are my favorite things to do.

During the time that Casper was hurt, we bought a palomino Quarter Horse gelding named Wind. He is the sweetest thing around, except he is totally fearful of me riding him! I only rode him once since we got him, so we decided to get a trainer out. She doesn’t have any openings for a few weeks, so I’m trying to become his best friend. I love trying different braids on him, taking him for trail walks, and started doing some trick training which you had in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue. Keep on making awesome magazines, they taught me a lot!

Carolyn, 14, Pennsylvania