Riding On

Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

Girl meets horse. Horse meets girl.

Cover art captures the trusting, tender relationship between one young equestrian and a gelding. Hicks uses the term Horse Girl to describe a youngster enamored with horses. Evidently the affection between this pair is reciprocal.

Twelve-year-old Victoria is new to Edgewood Stables. She may be unfamiliar with this equestrian facility, but she is obviously not a novice. Her horsemanship catches the eye of Edgewood staff. She shows potential as a trainer.

However this is more than a horse story. It is a story about relationships. When Victoria's best friend gets her own horse, the dynamic between the two changes. Victoria wonders: is riding at Waverly Stables the only thing the two have in common?

Stung by this falling out, Victoria is hesitant to connect with a trio of Edgewood's regulars. What will it take to overcome the past and make new friends? These kids have their own problems and they may need Victoria just as much as she needs them.
​Trust is recurring theme.  In a climactic scene, trust plays a pivotal role.

In addition to horses, Victoria and her newfound friends share a fascination with the sci fi series Beyond the Galaxy These nerdy fans look forward to the release of new episodes and concoct an elaborate scheme to celebrate their favorite show.

Hicks is particularly skilled at revealing undercurrents that simmer beneath the surface. Misunderstandings, first impressions, and frustrations are often discernible by a facial expression, simple gesture, or a figure's placement within a panel.

This is a story filled with heart. One does not need to be a horse person to appreciate Victoria's world.
It is obvious that Hicks has more than a passing interest in horses. Her love for all things equestrian shine on every panel, every page. She knows what it means to develop a close relationship with a horse. This is more than a hobby and far exceeds athletic prowess.

The phrase Ride On has multiple meanings. Victoria not only finds a new stable, but a group of friends with shared interests. After a few disappointments, our girl is ready to move on. Ride On Victoria, Ride On.

Back matter includes the author’s history as a Horse Girl, which served as the inspiration for this stand alone comic. The inclusion of a personal photograph and childhood drawings of horses are a bonus.

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Hicks gets it. She gets growing up. She understands disappointment. She knows that friends can make all the difference. She gets it.

"With RIDE ON, I wanted to show that it's okay to evolve and change.
Even when it feels like it's the end of the world and you've lost friendships, there are other communities out there who might be more supportive of the person you want to be."

Electronic copy accessed via Net Galley.

Pub date: August 16, 2022  Publisher: First Second ISBN: 978-1250772824