Find the results of our first-ever fiction contest, held in collaboration with Trafalgar Square Books, below.
For the last few years, one theme has emerged from the “Dear YR” letters: You wanted a writing contest. In our January/February 2024 issue, the moment finally arrived!
You worked hard and met the April 1 deadline—hundreds of you, in fact! We were overwhelmed by the amount of talent and hard work that you poured into this contest.
Please enjoy reading the winning entries, as well as the runner-up stories — all linked below. It was also cool to see ages all the way from 8 to 16 represented in the top choices.
All submissions have been lightly edited for spelling and grammar.
Young Rider Fiction Contest Winners
Click the link to each story below to read them.
7-11 Age Division:
◆ 1st: “Adventures of King Pharaoh” by Paige Goyke, age 11
◆ 2nd: “Willow and Breeze” by Aura Czuba, age 10
◆ 3rd: “Sunset Surprise” by Lilly Belle Kalinauskas, age 8
12-16 Age Division:
◆ 1st: “The Chicken Won’t Eat You” by Natalie Mertz, age 12
◆ 2nd: “Gallop Work” by Emmary Vale McCall, age 16
◆ 3rd: “Unexpected Twists” by Evelyn Wagner, age 13
Judging
Each division was judged by publishing professionals with experience in writing, editing, and book and/or magazine production.
Prizes
The winners will receive the following awards:
1st Place
A one-year subscription (or subscription extension) to Young Rider magazine; a large, curated selection of horse-related Trafalgar Square books; publication of the story in the print edition of Young Rider magazine; and publication on YR and TSB’s websites.
2nd Place
A one-year subscription (or subscription extension) to Young Rider magazine; a small, curated selection of horse-related TSB books; recognition in the print edition of Young Rider magazine; and publication on YR and TSB’s websites.
3rd Place
A one-year subscription (or subscription extension) to Young Rider magazine; recognition in the print edition of Young Rider magazine; and publication on YR and TSB’s websites.
View the winning stories on TSB’s website here.
