A MIGHTY MULE

Though it wasn't part of the original plan, a mule named Tina became Maysie's favorite mount.

- MAYSIE BURROUGHS

My name is Maysie Burroughs. I live in the small town of Denair, Calif. I am 13 years old, and I have been riding horses ever since I was a baby.

My parents have helped fuel my passion for horses and have supported me growing and learning as a rider. Together as a family, my mom, my dad, my twin brother, Logan, and I have done multiple competitions and gone on several horse pack trips in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as numerous trail rides in the beautiful scenery of California.

I have also competed in 4-H horse shows and extreme trail and cattle pennings and sortings. I love riding in events run by our local arena with my friends. I have won High Point in western pleasure, ranch riding and gymkhanas. A few times I also won extreme trail classes at our county shows. I'm most proud of winning the Ranch Horse Division at the California Classic State 4-H Horse Show this year.

BUDDY AND TINA

My first horse was a Shetland Pony/ Haflinger cross named Buddy. He's the best pony a kid could ask for, and the closest thing to bombproof. He was around 16 years old when we first got him; as of today, he's going on 30 and still kicking.

I've brought Buddy to several public education events and 4-H demonstrations. He is a favorite to many, and gentle as a kitten. He has touched so many lives, and if it weren't for him, I would not be the rider I am today.