Youth Essay Contest Winners!

NWHS congratulates the winners of this year's youth essay contest for their excellent essays on the theme "Wild Ride!"

Youth Category Winner

Elizabeth Thomas, age 16

Higher Victory

The gold ribbon braided into his mane brilliantly reflects the sun as he tosses his head. Anxiously he pounds a heavily clad hoof, impatient to be on the move. The distant clamor of the crowd focuses me on the competition ahead and flusters my nerves. Mounted high atop the two-wheeled cart, I clench the reins in anticipation of my grandstand arena debut. 

The gates fling open. I am first in line. I urge my fine steed along, his massive form gracing the ring with vigor. I’m startled by his exhibition of might, my small frame struggles to restrain his swift gait. Sensing resistance, he snorts in defiance and bolts about the stadium. He challenges human direction as I venture to subdue the inherent zest of equines. 

Frustrated, I gently ease up on the rein, granting the Percheron’s desired freedom of movement. He immediately relaxes and heeds my guidance, the two of us accepting and benefiting from our separate aptitudes. We are transformed into a picture of sheer magnificence. His stride elongates, his neck proudly arches, and my face wildly beams. A beautiful sight we become, one of superior elegance, quiet strength, triumphant harmony. 

Undoubtedly we were showered with praise and ribbons, but what does that matter to us? For a higher victory had been won. I’d discovered that when we embrace our different abilities and together aspire to a common goal, we become radiant. With our strengths united we become wild, untamed in focus, in zeal, and in victory.

* * *

Child Category Winner

Micah Peters, age 10

Wild Ride! 

"Wake up, sis," said Alex, Dufflyn Breyers' older sister.

Dufflyn was going on a ride to take pictures of a band of wild horses near her small ranch house. She had already packed everything she needed.

She put on her jeans, shirt, vest, boots, and hat.  She grabbed her saddle bag and ran down the stairs and through the door. She ran to the barn, gave her horse a quick groom, and tacked him up.

Then off she went!

After a few minutes she spotted them. They were grazing and grooming each other. She took a picture of them. The little ones were so cute! She took a few more, and then all of a sudden the beautiful band stallion appeared.

Then he reared on his hind legs, actually challenging her horse, Prince! Prince was a stallion, too.  The band stallion thought Prince was going to steal the herd!

As quick as she could, Dufflyn turned Prince away from the stallion and urged him at a gallop.  Then the chase was on!

The stallion ran after them for a few minutes until he was sure he had scared them off. Dufflyn took a picture of him proudly galloping away.

That was one wild ride she would never forget!

Honorable Mentions:

Kaitlyn DeBoer

Sarah Gregory