The Ultimate Friendship Handbook
Be the best BFF you can be with these rules — and some help from your favorite Spirit Riding Free characters!
BE THEIR NUMBER ONE FAN.
When your friend’s trying something new or nervous about a big game, they should be able to look to you for support. Your job is to be their cheerleader, telling them just how amazing they are even when they doubt it. That’s something Lucky and Abigail do for Pru when she gets nervous before her dressage competition.
BE A GOOD LISTENER.
The PALS always make sure to give each other their undivided attention when they’re hanging out! It sounds simple, right? But it’s so important to really listen when your friend is talking to you — whether they’re venting about something that’s bumming them out or sharing something amazing that happened to them. It helps them see you value their friendship.
BE YOURSELVES.
When you’re growing up, it can be hard to be yourself. You get so wrapped up in what other people think about what you’re doing, how you’re dressing and so much more. When you’re hanging with your BFFS, you shouldn’t feel any of that. They should accept you for who you are, and you should do the same in return.
HAVE YOUR PAL’S BACK.
When a friend is in need, it’s your job to be there for them. Maybe they’re dealing with a bully who’s saying mean things about them or perhaps their family is going through a tough time — that’s when they need you the most. Lucky, Pru and Abigail are always there to stand up for each other or offer their friends a shoulder to cry on if that’s what they need.
TRY NEW THINGS TOGETHER.
This is one of the best things you can do to build a strong friendship! You’ll bond as you learn a new skill or go on a new adventure, like the PALS did when they left Miradero to head to Palomino Bluffs Riding Academy. Being out of their comfort zones together made them even closer than ever!
APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE.
We all mess up sometimes. It stinks when your friend hurts your feelings or you hurt theirs, but true friends can work through the hard times. Be understanding if your bud is going through something that causes them to lash out. Accept their heartfelt apologies, and be prepared to give your own apologies when you make a mistake.
TELL THE TRUTH.
Honesty is always the best policy, right? Yup, especially when you’re with your best friends! You should never be afraid to speak your mind or share your feelings with each other. If you have bad news or something unpleasant to say, just make sure you do it sensitively. Your bud will appreciate you being upfront as long as you consider their feelings.
KEEP THEIR SECRETS AND SHARE YOUR OWN.
Trust is a big part of friendship. You put your faith in your buds to be loyal and stay true to their word, and they expect the same from you. You should both be able to share secrets, confessing things you wouldn’t tell just anybody! And you should do so knowing the other person would never break your trust.
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR BUD.
On Spirit Riding Free, Lucky, Pru and Abigail all have different interests. Lucky likes to go racing with Spirit, Pru practices dressage and Abigail wants to spend time learning from the vet. But even though they have a lot going on, they still spend a ton of time together because they’ve made their friendship a priority. You should follow their lead in your own friendships!
HAVE FUN TOGETHER.
Lucky, Pru and Abigail would agree that this is one of the most important ones! When you think back on your favorite memories with your buds, it’s always the good times — the birthday parties, the silly video chats and the inside jokes. You and your pals should spend most of your time together smiling and laughing because you’re having a blast!