Annette, 12 Years Old

Spring in Colorado can be a really cold time of year, and we get big storms. Our pastures and arenas can be slick with ice or mud. But there is a bright side to riding in the spring. Even with crazy weather, most days are sunny, so I can ride in just a shirt and summer tights and my normal riding boots. I really like riding down the road, because the birds start singing, and I hear frogs. I have a very hairy pony (he’s an Icelandic with a double coat), so we enjoy the wind in the spring to keep him cool. And, the show season starts!

Most of my friends aren’t equestrians and haven’t even ridden a horse, so sometimes it’s hard to connect with them about horses. Since horses are my life, that’s a problem. When I’m hanging out with those friends, I tend to talk a lot about horses so they can learn about what I enjoy. Also, when I have sleepovers or have them over to my house, they see my horses and like to pet them and say hi. A lot of my non-horsey relatives come to my shows, as well.

I live in Seattle where it rains all winter long. What’s great about spring is that it finally dries out and isn’t so muddy. It feels like heaven when I get to ride more often. My horse sweats less in the spring, because he loses his winter coat. That also makes him way easier to brush. I also love that I can wash my horse, whether it’s just for rinsing off sweat or getting sparkling clean for a show.

I share my love of horses with non-horsey friends by letting them visit our horses, pet them and give them treats. I also sometimes give them pony rides as long as it’s OK with their parents.