Innholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2025 i Young Rider

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS, INC. You are done riding your pony and he’s breathing hard and sweating, but you’re in a hurry to go somewhere with your friends. No problem, right? You figure you’ll just untack fast and put him back out in the pasture, where he will roll and enjoy being back with his pasture buddies. WRONG! Please don’t do this after a ride. If your horse is sweating and breathing hard, you must take the time to gradually cool him out before he can safely be put back in his stall or in the pasture. Without a proper cooldown, horses can get chills, muscle cramps, or even colic (a painful and serious bellyache). In very warm or very cold weather, the…

There’s nothing quite like going to a horse show: the fun and excitement, the thrill of competing, the chance to show off your hard work, and possibly winning ribbons! But going to horse shows requires some big commitments when it comes to time and money, not to mention the travel that’s sometimes required. And if you live in an area that doesn’t have many horse shows, it isn’t always easy to get out and compete. The good news is that many breed associations now offer programs that allow you to keep track of the hours you’ve ridden or the activities you’ve completed with your horse, regardless of whether you’ve been able to go to a show. It’s a great way for you to gain recognition for your efforts and a…

HOW TO ENTER Your parents can email a photo to editor@youngrider.com (subject line “Me & My Horse”), or mail your entry to Young Rider M&MH, P.O. Box 3945, Laguna Hills, CA 92654. Please be sure to include your name and age, the horse’s name, your mailing address, and parental contact information (email & phone number). Model prizes vary each month; approximate retail value $45. Deadline for entries is Sept. 1, 2025. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or District of Columbia, ages 7-16. You must get permission from your parents to enter. Email entries must be received between 12:00:01 AM PT on 8/8/25 and 11:59:59 PM PT on 11/1/25. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by 11/1/25 and received…

Let me begin by saying that I LOVE your magazine! My favorite parts are the DIY articles, Entrepreneurs, and This Esme. I have ridden for almost a year, and I hope to do dressage one day. I have a suggestion. I have autism, and my riding instructor is autistic, too. I have noticed that there are a lot of neurodivergent riders in the equestrian community, but we often are not noticed. I have a special request—could you all please consider interviewing some neurodivergent kids from the riding community and doing an article about autism (and maybe the types of neurodiversity like ADHD and dyslexia) and how it affects their life and riding? Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Please consider my plea. Amelie, 13, Georgia I…

Although college might be many years off, it’s never too early to start thinking about your goals. When the time comes, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible so you get accepted into the college of your dreams! Whether you’re aiming for a professional riding career, a future in equine science, or just want to keep horses in your life while earning a degree, the perfect college can make all the difference. Some schools are known for their competitive riding teams, others for equestrian academic programs, and a few have both. Here are 10 of the most reputable and well-rounded equestrian college programs to consider as you plan your future. 1. AUBURN UNIVERSITY AUBURN, ALA. A Division I powerhouse in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), Auburn has won…

If you’ve ever been to a horse show and watched the action unfold—beautifully groomed horses, perfectly timed jumps, and smooth-running schedules—it might seem like everything just magically falls into place. But behind every successful event, there is a team of hardworking individuals making it happen. One of those people is Shelley Page, equestrian operations assistant at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla. Since the facility opened in 2021, Shelley has been a key player in organizing some of the biggest equestrian events in the country. NO TYPICAL DAY So, what does a typical day look like for someone in Shelley’s role? The answer: It changes all the time—and that’s exactly what she loves about it. “My role varies depending on the season and the events we have on property,”…

Hunter jumping began in 15th century England, evolving from fox and hare hunting traditions where horses and riders followed hounds to chase animals. The horses had to jump fences between properties to continue the chase. Over time, this style of chase-hunting developed into a show-ring discipline we now call hunter jumping. Riders went from training over rough terrain—jumping fences, gates, logs, bushes, hedges and ditches—to being in a show arena to compete in flat classes and courses that feature the natural wood, flowers, and greenery seen around fields and gardens. While show jumping emphasizes speed and the technical aspects of jumping, hunter jumping consists of graceful movements with cadence and balance and is judged based on the horse’s relaxed rhythm and calm athleticism. HORSE HABITS If this sounds intriguing to…

Featured artists win a grooming product from Mane ‘n Tail! HOW TO ENTER Your parents can email a scan or photo of your artwork to editor@youngrider.com with the subject line “Art Gallery,” or mail your entry to Young Rider Art Gallery, P.O. Box 3945, Laguna Hills, CA 92654. You will need your parents’ permission to enter. Please be sure to include artist’s name, age, and mailing address, plus parental contact information (name, email and phone number). Prize varies each month. Deadline for entries is Nov. 1, 2025. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or District of Columbia, ages 7-16. You must get permission from your parents to enter. Email entries must be received between 12:00:01 AM PT on…

Not every horse person is a girl or woman—at the Van de Vens, it’s the men who ride. Jim was an H-A in Pony Club when he was young, and his son, Ben, now 14, got his first pony when he was 2. Deb, Ben’s mom, had never been around horses before she met Jim. Now the three of them have their horses at home, where they all have duties caring for their animals and everything that goes along with having a small horse farm. FINDING THE HUNT Ben’s riding passion started on a lead line in the western saddle that Jim had when he was Ben’s age. Once Ben was comfortable with steering, he followed behind Jim on trail rides, both on and off the property. At the age…

Being part of a team-based riding organization can be an amazing way for young riders who don’t own a horse to jump into the world of equestrian competition. Members of organizations such as the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and its western-only counterpart, YEDA (Youth Equestrian Development Association), don’t ride horses they own at the team’s shows. Instead, they’re paired at random with a mount suitable for their experience level from a group of horses provided for use by the show. Climbing on a horse you’ve never ridden right before you walk through the in-gate may sound a little scary. However, riding these “draw horses” can help you become a more confident rider who knows how to calmly work through anything that a horse throws your way. WATCH THE WARMUP At…

Every horse needs regular care from an equine veterinarian and a horseshoer—also known as a farrier. But what can you do to help these equine professionals when they see your horse? We talked to two experts to give you advice on how to be the best horse helper possible. THE FARRIER Farrier Rusty Van Soelen says a farrier maintains your horse’s hoofcare needs. This includes trimming and shoeing his hooves, as well as checking for any issues that could contribute to lameness. “Farriers keep horses’ feet in good shape so they can maintain soundness,” Rusty says. PAY ATTENTION The number one thing you can do as a horse owner while your farrier is working on your horse is to pay attention. “Be observant to any situations that could unfold while…