Todays thought: As an educator one of my concerns is having adequate teaching materials over and above the horse and saddle etc. Most kids are lucky if they get one lesson a week and if the weather prevents riding for awhile a coach needs some way of refreshing the basics. Even if the riding is on a regular schedule constant review is needed to put theory into practice. Most texts are geared towards adults with Sophie McLean's book "Horses Don't Like Surprise Parties," filling the gap for teens. But what about the younger kids who are just starting out and need some principles to guide their development and values in working with horses? Thanks to Kathy Jackson an ESI instructor in Duncan BC and illustrator Erica Sutfin that gap has been filled with the book, "Mom I Want To Ride, A Story About Equitation Science." Narrative, that is story telling is one of the most effective ways to teach and Kathy's writing uses that method very effectively. The story revolves around a young boy Tom and his mom and both love horses. Kathy's technique to instruct is to have Tom explain how he views each of the ten ESI principles as his mom asks in conversation what they mean. This is an excellent way to present these ideas because it comes from a young reader's peer, the young rider Tom so it becomes relevant to the young reader as well. Peer teaching is a very effective means of instruction. Kathy has also done an excellent job of synthesizing the principles into language a young reader can understand because it is spoken by a young rider. I highly recommend this book for coaches and parents as it is readable for younger riders and provides an opportunity for modelling when parents read to their kids. In the end Tom gets a great reward for his diligence in learning all he can about horses beyond just riding them. I suggest you contact Kathy through Facebook and get a copy for your young rider. It is very reasonably priced. I have to admit that I enjoyed the story as well, well done Kathy and Erica.