My name is Kassidy Garland. I am twelve years old turning thirteen in May. I am in the seventh grade and live in Incline Village, Nevada.

I love the horses more than I love anything else. Horses are my life and without them I would be a very lonely person. My horse’s name is BF Nicasio, but I just call him Nicki. We are best friends and it would take an ocean to keep us apart. I am one of those horse crazy girls. Nicki and I love competing in hunter pleasure and we have already won two reserve championships!

Recently, I have acquired two step-brothers. They are a bundle of fun. Their names are Austin and Haiden. Austin is ten and Haiden is five. They have not been around the horses much, but already, I think Austin is falling in love. With them comes an amazing man, a man who has so quickly become so close, Chris Sneed. Chris is a unique person and is not afraid to tell the truth; to show his true self. So, when he tells me that he will be there for me whenever I need him, whenever I need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, I know that that is no lie.

My grandpa’s name is Jerry Garcia, but he has always been Grandpa to me. He first got me involved with a horse named Trevs Jewell. She was a young filly when I first met her and the second I saw her I knew she would become a big part of my life soon. Through her and my grandpa’s quickly expanding barn I became the horse crazy girl I am today. So, for that I would love to thank Grandpa, for all the things he does for me, making it so that I can have such a wonderful relationship with the Arabian horse.

Through my grandma, grandpa, and Midwest I got to go and see Argentina. That was an experience of a lifetime I will never forget.

My grandma is an amazing lady. I think that she should be a world famous photographer. She takes astonishing pictures of the horses. She tells me that she does it for fun, yet I don’t see the reason to not pursue something you love and that you are good at. Though, I suppose it would be a shame to leave her dental hygienist job that she has worked so hard for behind.

Riy and Cardo (Riyan and Ricardo Rivero) are very special people to me. Without them I would not be the rider I am. Riy and Cardo became way closer to me then I thought they would. When I was going to a new barn I thought things would never be the same. Then, I met them and through the bad and good they became as close to me as family. I best not forget Kylie, Michael, and Cole for also being family, for making all the shows more fun. I miss Riy and Cardo, yet I know that they had to go.

Mom… Last, but for sure not least. My mom is the one who puts in so much effort. Her and I are more than just mother and daughter, we are friends; we think alike and when she is hurting I hurt, when I hurt she hurts. She is always there for me. Every time I perform, every time I show, every time I take a turn for the worst, she is there for it all; helping me to grow and become a strong woman. I would be honored to thank my mom for being who she is, for being the one that keeps me standing.

When I become older I know I must keep my closest friends that pushed me through the rough times in my life and enjoyed the good times with me, I must keep close with the Arabian horse. When I grow up I think might want to be a pilot. Being a pilot would combine the best of all worlds: doing mathematics, flying, seeing the world from a different point of view, traveling all over, and meeting knew friends.

Earnestly,
Kassidy A. Garland