We returned to our #HorseGirl roots and read Margarite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague” and the legacy of horses in young adult fiction for the July episode of Folk Cited. Kaitlyn, Caroline, and our guest Gin Seigel, all former and current Horse Girls, celebrated their younger awkward years together, inviting the audience in to the experience of pre-teen Horse Girl life and culture.
The first half of this episode features a lengthy discussion of what and who is a “Horse Girl,” a deep dive into the text, and an expansion on the lore of Misty of Chincoteague herself. There is no hard definition of what makes a person a “horse girl”. But, this group comes together to highlight the multifaceted nature of this particular stereotype from utilizing their experiences, observations, and (of course) our girl Misty as a lens.
The second half includes a collaborative tier list, ranking the canon, must read Horse Girls books of young adult fiction, and a slide show of family photos from our three hosts taken during their peak Horse Girl years. This episode offers a compelling discussion of the Horse Girl folk group, children’s folklore, social stigma, and feminism.
You can watch this Folk Cited Episode in two parts: Parts 1 & 2 are available to $5+ patrons on our Patreon. Give us a like and a shoutout if you found the content entertaining and would like us to continue making Folk Cited episodes like this one!
Daisy, Kaitlyn, Caroline, & Gin
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
The 4-H Pledge
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Text Recommendations from this Episode’s Tier List:
- Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
- The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
- National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
- My Friend, Flicka by Mary O’Hara
- Pony Pals series by Jeanne Betancourt
- Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant
- Pine Hollow series by Bonnie Bryant
- Heartland series by Linda Chapman
- Thoroughbreds series by Joanna Campbell, Jennifer Chu
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