Pleasure of a Good Ride
He wasn’t a fancy-looking horse, but he helped preserve this reader’s confidence.
Your Stories
Be inspired by these reader-submitted short stories that involve the special horses that’ve come into our readers’ lives.
Learning to Dance in the Rain
Horses opened up a new world for her. Now she hopes to give back to her community.
A Gelding, a Mare, a Lesson
Does a mare or gelding make a better riding horse? This reader found the right answer.
The Wisdom (and Challenges) of Age
A horse trainer and riding instructor reflects on the changes that come with growing older.
Thinking About Johnny
There’s a certain kind of heartache only another horse lover can understand.
What Price for a Plain Pony?
He was a homely little guy with kind eyes, a huge heart, and plenty of “kid miles” left in him.
My Most Amazing 24 Hours
From Wisconsin to North Carolina to show a horse—and back again nearly the same day. Could she possibly do it?
Horsemanship, 60 & Over
Learning to ride in your 60s poses unique challenges, but nothing you can’t overcome—with the right attitude.
That Unreal, Fabulous Feeling
A teenager describes what it’s like to win big at a National Reined Cow Horse Association event in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Magical ‘Madigan Squeeze’
This newborn foal wouldn’t nurse. Then an odd new method worked exactly as described.
A Frightening Thought
When her horse reared, this reader was scared in a way she hadn’t experienced before.
A Horse of Many Talents
He’s a rare breed of horse in more ways than one. Meet the remarkable Thor of Hopehaven.
An Insight Into Softness
The boy couldn’t understand what steering his bike had to do with riding his horse. Then he finally figured it out.
The Key to De-Spooking Shadow
Desensitizing had failed. Could a new approach help this gelding—on camera, no less?
Memories Inside the Box
What could be inside this old cardboard carton, she wondered. Then it all came back.
When Everything Goes Wrong
It was one bad thing after another. Then, for this horse lover, it got even worse.
Get a Handle—Finally—on Your Fear
Fear ruled her riding life for eight years, then she beat it. Now she’s sharing her method.
Memories of a Show Horse
It’s hard to total up the many blessings of a good first horse…and harder still to say goodbye.
Big Clyde Gets a Second Chance
Could an abused Percheron make a police horse? The odds were stacked against it.
Many Miles Make a Rider
Always up for a new adventure and a fresh challenge, a versatile young horsewoman keeps proving she’s got what it takes.
Front-Row Seat to Miracles
A reader explains why she thinks of equine-assisted therapy as ‘heroes riding heroes.’