22 minute read
Summer Writing Contest Winners
Children 6-16 in three different age groups entered our Summer Writing Contest for a chance to win a monetary gift card to use at a location of their choice.
The staff at Saddle Up! Magazine chose three winners from each age group; 6-8, 9-12, and 13-16. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place stories are published here within the pages of the September 2021 edition of Saddle Up! Magazine.
All entrants wrote their story titled: “My Favorite Breed Of Horse”
AGE GROUP: 6-8 YEARS OLD
1ST PLACE
SIMONE W., 7 YEARS OLD, LOWELL, MI
My favorite breed of horse is an Appaloosa. It’s my favorite breed because I’m proud that they are America’s oldest breed. Native Americans bred and rode them. Appaloosas have beautiful coats. I have a horse friend named Aqeala and she has faded gray spots with a black mane and tail. I really enjoy riding them. They are kind and gentle. They are good listeners because when I ride Aqeala she stops and goes whenever I want her to. I like that Appaloosas are good natured. I will always love Appaloosas, a strong and beautiful breed. And that is why I like Appaloosas. Simone has won $30.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
2ND PLACE
SAWYER G., 7 YEARS OLD, UNION MILLS, IN
My favorite breed of horse is the Belgian Draft Horse. It’s my favorite breed because they are tall and so big! I saw the Belgian’s at my local fair and watched my cousin drive a team of them with a wagon. I want to do that next year when I get in regular 4H. They are so strong and can pull heavy wagons and carts. I call the Belgian’s “blondies” because they have white blonde hair, just like me! Their halters and reins are usually very fancy. I like when we go for wagon rides at Christmas time and they have sleigh bells on! Sawyer has won $20.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
My favorite breed of horse is the Connemara Pony. It is my favorite breed of horse because the breed is a good starting horse and they come in different colors. They do well shows and their size is perfect. It’s not too big or too small. They are not too fluffy when they shed off their winter coat and grow their summer coat. My favorite color of a Connemara is bay and my favorite marking is a star. My favorite parts is that they have really cool markings and all have pretty colors.3RD PLACE
ANNIKAL., 7 YEARS OLD, OAK PARK, MI
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HONORABLE MENTION: VIVIAN D., 7 YEARS OLD, SOUTH LYON, MI
AGE GROUP: 9-12 YEARS OLD
NATALIE H., 12 YEARS OLD, VASSAR, MI
My Favorite Horse Breed: It was very hard for me to pick a favorite horse breed. I love them all. Finally, after many hours, I narrowed it down to two: the Akhal Teke and the Appendix. Both breeds are fascinating. I decided on the Appendix because it is not a very well-known breed, and I own one. All that said, my favorite horse breed is an Appendix for many reasons. One of these is the two breeds combine to make up the breed. Most Appendixes are 50% Quarter Horse and 50% Thoroughbred. I show competitive dressage, so I like athletic breeds. This combination results in a very athletic horse. Another reason this is my 1ST PLACE favorite breed is that it seems like Quarter Horses and Appendixes have two different personalities. I am judging this off of my horse. When she is in the pasture, she is calm like most quarter horses. The moment something exciting happens, like me coming to ride her, she acts like a hyped thoroughbred about to race. Athird reason I love them is their conformation versus their personality, which can be very different. It is funny to me that some appendixes look like a typical thoroughbred, but act calm like a quarter horse. It can also be the other way around; a horse can have the body of a Quarter Horse and act like a Thoroughbred with their typical excited nature. Going back to the Appendixes' athleticism, this is another part of them I admire. This breed is so versatile that they can do about anything from dressage to western pleasure, speed, jumping, or cross country. I'm sure they could also race because the two breeds that make up the Appendix are the world's leading breeds for racehorses. The AraAppaloosa’s physical appearance is beautiful. They have gorgeous coats; their coats are often spotted. They have spotted coats because they are half Appaloosa, which generally have spots. They also have a refined head. The AraAppaloosa can grow to be fifteen to sixteen hands tall. I really love all horse breeds. They are all so beautiful and amazing. I love horses so much. The walls of my room are covered in horse pictures and drawings. My bed has a pile of horse stuffed animals on it. I own a lot of books about horses. I also collect horse models. I keep a horse journal; in it I write facts and notes about horses. I have wanted a horse since I was three years old.
My horse, Coco, who is a registered Appendix, displays many traits of both the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred. For instance, she has the conformation if a Quarter Horse. She has a wider chest than most Thoroughbreds. She is also a lot like a Thoroughbred. She moves like a Thoroughbred with their long, powerful stride. She also acts like a Thoroughbred: excitable and hot. Although, it was hard to choose, the Appendix is my favorite horse. They are my favorite breed because they are athletic, full of personality, and not well known. Natalie has won $50.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
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GENESIS R., 12 YEARS OLD, EATON RAPIDS, MI
My favorite breed of horse is the AraAppaloosa. It is my favorite breed because they are good riding horses and are beautiful. The AraAppaloosa is a cross between an Arabian horse and an Appaloosa horse. They make good riding horses because they have good stamina and are sure footed. The AraAppaloosa is an intelligent and elegant breed. This breed is suitable for endurance riding, shows, and ranch work. The AraAppaloosa breed originated in the United States. The AraAppaloosa is also known as the Araloosa.
2ND PLACE
I would love to have an AraAppaloosa of my very own. I would certainly spoil my horse and I would ride my horse every single day. My dream AraAppaloosa would be sorrel colored, with a black mane and tail. It would have Appaloosa spots only on its rump. (continued on next page)
AGE GROUP: 9-12 YEARS OLD
GENESIS R., continued
It would also have ermine spots on its front hooves and also its back left hoof. I love horseback riding. I have ridden three times; the first time was the best of all. I got to ride a Paint horse named Feather. There is something about riding a horse that is so addictive and it cannot be explained. One of my favorite quotes regarding horses is by Winston Churchill – “There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” I think that there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a girl too. Genesis has won $30.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
OLIVIAD., 12 YEARS OLD, ZEELAND, MI
Out of them all, my favorite breed of horse is the American Paint Horse.
3RD PLACE
The Paint is my favorite breed because of its unique coat design. The color of white along with another color splashes across the equine’s coat which is tucked around its muscular body. The Paint Horse coats beat many of the other breeds’ patterns. The Paints with the popular Tobiano design are lucky to be prone to markings such as stars. The star is my favorite horse marking. To me, a large white star in the center of the forehead of a horse has a magical appearance. The Paint is my favorite breed also because they remind me of the wild west. In the original cartoon movie, “Spirit,” there is a beautiful wild horse named Spirit, whose mate, a wild Paint Horse by the name of Rain, is even more gorgeous than he is. Her white and reddish splotches match her cream mane and tail perfectly, overpowering Spirit’s tan body and black mane and tail by far. Though Rain is a cartoon, I can’t help but admire her as she canters across the ground in the movie, her strong body and friendly nature shining through the dust surrounding her as she speeds, kicking up the dirt. Rain’s muscular neck bobs back and forth as she canters as fast as she can, gliding through the air and zipping past the scenery. So beautiful. I eventually acted like I was sick of the movie after my brother replayed and replayed and replayed it, but secretly enjoyed the scenes including Rain. Other movies featuring Paints I have enjoyed as well, but Spirit overthrew them all, in my eyes. The artists in the movie captured the Paint attitude and posture just right for Rain. That’s what the admirable American Paint Horse means to me. Olivia has won $20.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
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HONORABLE MENTION: MACY L., 12 YEARS OLD, LAINGSBURG, MI
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One of my favorite time’s of year is being able to read and judge the entries in our Summer Writing Contest. The creativity and imagination of the children that enter always impresses me. If only everyone could win. Unfortunately there are too many entries for that to happen. Some of the stories are so well written, it seems that some may have a writing career in their future. I can also tell that many love horses just as much as I do! I would have loved to have been able to enter this contest when I was a horse crazy kid. Thank you to everyone that entered our 6th Annual Summer Writing Contest. My husband Bill, my mother Nancy, and I all enjoyed reading your stories very much. Be well and stay safe this fall and let’s all look forward to an awesome 2022!
Cindy Couturier, owner/editor, Saddle Up! Magazine (Don’t stop reading, more winners on the following pages!)
AGE GROUP: 13-16 YEARS OLD
LORELEI D., 14 YEARS OLD, HOWELL, MI
My favorite breed of horse is the classic, yet lovable thoroughbred. It is my favorite breed because of their complex and unique personalities. This particular breed of horse has proved itself time and time again throughout history as a noble, regal, and reliable sporthorse, as well as a loyal companion. They are most well-known for the iconic sport of horseback racing, as it quickly became one of America’s most popular sports. But it is certainly not their only talent. The common features we often attribute to the build of the thoroughbred make them and ideal breed for show jumping, cross country, steeplechase, and when bred a bit shorter, their speed makes them an exemplary polo horse. Sporting skills aside, the thoroughbred is a beautiful horse in its own right, we see 1ST PLACE the elegant face of its Arabian ancestry in their delicate ears, large face. The thoroughbred is truly an all-around exceptional breed of eyes and refined horse with many talents, beautiful features, and unique personalities. With all of their skills in many different disciplines, some would even go as far as calling them a real renaissance horse. Looking at a thoroughbred, it is hard not to admire its fine-featured face, deep chest, and lean muscles. Over the years thoroughbreds have been bred with the ideal components for endurance, speed, and stamina, as needed for their most well-known sport; racing. Physically, these horses have been given a deep chest to accommodate for a robust pair of lungs and a powerful heart. Along with a long muscular back to account for their massive gallop strides, and not to forget their signature conformation. Agreat deal of the thoroughbred’s success in racing comes from the fact that the distance from their withers to nose is typically longer than the distance between their withers and their tail. This gives them the ability to stretch out their neck and lean their weight on the front half leaving the back half to power through with amazing speed. Though it is the most common, my favorite color is the bay. A well-groomed, shiny-coated red bay with dark accents, a caramel-tipped black mane and tail, four socks, and a white blaze is a sight to be reckoned with. On the topic of appearances, the contrast of their strong build and powerful muscles, with their elegant face and classy appearance is a stunning and ingenious design. As I mentioned earlier, thoroughbreds have some Arabian blood, though its not hard to guess. If you take a good look at them you can begin to see it in the gentle curve of their nose, the flare of their nostrils, and the bend of their ears. However, it is not just their stunning features that makes them so wonderful, but their complex and lovable personalities that lies behind their elegant features. There is a common belief that thoroughbreds – particularly off the track thoroughbreds – are pushy, headstrong, and bad family horses, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, they often become some of the best family horses, because they have heart, a lot of it. It is one of their best qualities and one of the many reasons they are my favorite. They are spirited and feisty, but have a kind, loving nature. Traditionally, they are loyal and attach to their rider or handler, which makes them fun and reliable horses. Overall thorough-breds have one of the best personalities, in my opinion. That is, if you can handle a little fire. In the past, I leased a bay thoroughbred named Nicodemus (Nico). Nico is a nineteen-year-old red-bay former racehorse, with two white socks, a star, and snip. Nico is by far the best horse I have ever known. In fact, you might say that he “paved the path into the world of horses for me.” He is sweet, goofy, lovable, and curious. It’s no secret that he is the main reason why thoroughbreds are my favorite breed. Before him, my own opinions of thoroughbreds were that of many rumors and stereotypes like, “stay away from thorough-breds, they’re too headstrong” or “thoroughbreds can’t be trusted to train into anything other than racing.” It wasn’t until I started working and riding Nico, that I began to realize the truth about thoroughbreds, that they really can be sweet and loyal horses. Not only that but also, I noticed their beautiful design and how that it’s suited for Polo, Three-day Eventing, and show Jumping. Like Nico was trained for after racing. Nico is truly an exceptional horse who I am lucky to have in my life because he broke down all of my previous opinions and has made thoroughbreds my favorite breed. Thoroughbreds truly are an amazing breed with a complex and loyal personality, elegant and regal features, and a strong and robust build. I encourage anyone who is scared of or dislikes thoroughbreds to spend a little time with the breed, maybe, like I, they will learn to love them for the beautiful and noble breed that they are and not what you thought they were. I hope that everyone gets the chance to interact with an animal so amazing that it opens your eyes to see a world full of possibilities that you never would have thought of before. After all, that's what Nico did for me, and that's why thoroughbreds are my favorite breed of horse. Lorelei has won $75.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
AGE GROUP: 13-16 YEARS OLD
LYDIAW., 14 YEARS OLD, OAKWOOD, OH
My favorite breed of horse is the American Quarter Horse. It’s my favorite breed because of its many qualities. However, as I have been interested in horses since I was little, I consider a lot of breeds my favorite, including all of them! What stood out to me about the Quarter Horse was that classic “western build” that this breed has. Although the breed originated in colonial America, I 2ND PLACE know from watching a lot of western movies that they were used by the cowboys in ranch work, and in cattle drives as cutting horses. I also know that they are still used today on real ranches down south in Texas and throughout the United States (by real cowboys I am sure). But that is not the only capability of this versatile breed. I have heard of Quarter Horses in jumping, racing and even dressage. You can train a horse to do anything, depending on the horse. But if you want one that has been known to do it all, this one can be a fiery barrel racer, or on the other hand, a calm trail horse. Even though this strong, fast, quality filled breed has so much to offer physically, I still love the look most. Those powerful hindquarters, the muscled build, and strong legs make this breed just look strong! Another thing I love about the look is the head shape. Some breeds have a distinct look to them like the “dished” face of the Arabian, or the “stocky” face of the Paint horse. But the Quarter Horse has a nice face too, which is difficult to explain in writing, except that is has a “horsey” face, and not a “mule” face that other breeds have. Don’t get me wrong, I like “mule” faced horses too! It is a pleasure to the eye to see a well groomed Quarter Horse, either standing in a stall or being ridden in a race. The build of this horse does remind me of a “western style” conformation. Perhaps it’s because I watch too many western movies! This is a horse that is built for work. This is a horse that is built for speed. Because you can tell just by looking at this horse that there is power under all that fur! The American Quarter Horse is a very capable breed, the use and the ability far exceeds what it was originally bred for. They were bred for racing quarter miles, and that is how it got its name. This horse ranges in size from 14-15 hands high with some individuals reaching 16 hands. I like the height of this breed too! I like tall horses because it is an amazement when you realize just how big that horse is standing beside them, or in the case of the Belgian, below them! These horses weigh around 1,100-1,300 pounds, so watch your feet! If you have ever been stepped on by a 1,000 pound animal while you are wearing Croc shoes like I have, you know what I mean! Quarter Horses could be most colors I’m sure, but I feel that chestnut is more common. Sort of like my older brother had when I was little. I still remember watching him in his stall, seeing his huge head sticking out of the stall door window. His name was Cocoa, and my brother had raised him from a colt. I also remember that he could unlock the door by himself if it wasn’t latched correctly! So I know first hand that these horses are smart. I know one other thing about Quarter Horses. I am not the only one that likes this breed, as it is a very popular and widespread horse. The American Quarter Horse Association is one of the world’s largest breed registry with millions of Quarter Horses registered. For me it’s exciting to watch a Quarter Horse being ridden. The lightning fast turns, the heart pounding bursts of speed, and the breathtaking views of everything I love about this horse. This has to be one of the best breeds out there. I just have to say that I think these horses are “outstanding in their field.” Get it? This breed is a favorite of mine for many reasons, but the notable qualities really stand out first. The speed, the stamina, the agility and the temperament. Spirited enough to be a reining horse, and gentle enough to lay down so that a child can climb on its back. Between all the breeds there is different traits, different qualities, and different looks. But within this single breed, this horse has so much to offer. And finally, if I had to say what my favorite part about this breed is, I would say that it is everything about it! The build, size, and the overall qualities of many interests is what brings me to the American Quarter Horse as my favorite breed of horse. Lydia has won $50.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
AGE GROUP: 13-16 YEARS OLD
CHARLOTTE B., 13 YEARS OLD, SOUTH LYON, MI
My favorite horse breed is the Arabian. One of the reasons why I love this breed enough to call it my favorite is because of their personality traits. They’re loyal, kind and intelligent. Their intelligence allows them to learn extremely quickly. Although, if they’re not in the right hands, they can develop some bad habits. Their loyalty and kindness makes for a great ride and a great companion. If you treat them well, they’ll give you all they’ve got. They’ll act out if they’re being treated poorly or when being trained by someone who lacks experience. The Arabian is also great with children and people living with disabilities. Another reason why I chose the Arabian as my favorite 3RD PLACE horse breed is Arabian is kno because of their athletic prowess. wn for being an endurance hors The e. I personally don’t own or lease a horse, but out of all the horses I’ve ridden I’ve had the most fun riding on faster horses. All I would want out of a horse is to be able to ride for long distances and for them to love taking me to wherever my heart desires and the Arabian certainly fulfills this wish. History of the Arabian: These horses were first seen in the art of the Egyptians more than 3,500 years ago, making them one of the oldest equine breeds in the world. The question of where this horse breed’s exact origins are still, yet, to be uncovered. The Arabian breed we all know and love today wasn’t developed by the Egyptians, but by the nomadic people who called the Arabian Desert their home. These people were known as the Bedouin, the ones who inhabited the dry wasteland. The Arabian breed was originally used as a warhorse. Since horses were faster and easier to transport, they’d be able to lead people into battle without being spotted. Now, more about how their traits came to be. The modern Arabian of today is a very affectionate and friendly breed. These two lovely traits come from the way they were treated way back when, more than 3,500 years ago. To the Benduin, the Arabian was their most prized possession. Because of this, they were kept in tents alongside the families. Arabians have such a long, rich, and interesting history. Cost of an Arabian: The cost of an average Arabian is between $5,000-$20,000. And one of the thoughts that might be going through your head right now is; Why are they so expensive? Well, this beautiful breed doesn’t just have the looks and the athleticism, but they also have the beautiful personality. Intelligence, loyalty, kindness, and endurance are very prized traits. If you thought this was expensive, you should see how much it costs to actually keep an Arabian. The average monthly cost to have an Arabian is $300-$800. Now let’s dive into why this monthly price is so high. The average yearly cost to feed an Arabian can cost between $250-$4,000. The yearly price of a specific Arabian depends on how much they eat, as well as what feed and other special add-ins that they consume. Then there’s the average monthly price of housing your horse, which can range from $820-$2,545. But, of course, it depends on where you’re keeping your Arabian and if you’re boarding them, are they going to groom, take care of, etcetera. Next off is grooming. The cost of this really depends if you’re paying someone else to do it or doing it yourself. Then there’s the medical bills. Dental care, on average, costs about $50-$100 per visit. Then, adding on to this, there’s the cost of vaccines and deworming, which costs, on average $250-$350 yearly. Finally, there’s the cost of training. The average training costs around $40-$100 per day. Whether it be training for racing or for shows. These amounts all depend on age, health problems, etcetera. Real Life Arabian Experience: Marjorie Deerr, a western and English rider for 47 years from Gregory Michigan and Arabian owner shared her opinion on Arabians. Marjorie has owned 6 Arabians, 3 pure bred and 3 half bred. I like Arabians because they’re endurance horses and they have such a pleasant personality.What made her choose to get an Arabian, what physical personality traits made the Arabian stand out from the crowd? She replied “I liked a breed that is smart, loyal, agile, athletic and beautiful. One that can go many miles, through obstacles. And that I would have fun with and feel safe on.” I also asked; What made her choose to get an Arabian? she replied “They are smaller, more fine boned have Ancient bloodlines, and is one of the oldest breeds of horse. The Arabian certainly is an awesome breed that can fit into a variety of disciplines. Their personality and their love to run are all-around great traits. The Arabian might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly the breed for me. Charlotte has won $25.00 and a one year subscription to Saddle Up! Magazine.
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