I was so excited to pick up an upcoming graphic novel by one of favourite graphic novel creators. I was sceptical about the theme as I don’t support horse racing at all. This was interesting to read from the perspective as a rider and ultimately focused on the positive aspects of riding/racing.
The artwork was gorgeous, I loved the friendship and the character growth between everyone. And the nerdy aspects of the sci-fi TV Show. But ultimately I don’t feel comfortable giving it a higher rating due to the subject.
Definitely keen to read future Faith Erin Hicks works.

Ride On is great for middle grade readers who love graphic novels. The characters are funny and relatable. The art is lovely. It's a good book for people who want a charming story about the intersections between friendships and hobbies.

Review copy courtesy of First Second through NetGalley

Not just for “horse girls,” this realistic graphic novel can share a shelf with Raina Telgemeier and other stories. Victoria is a new rider at a stable and unwilling to make new friends because of a feud with her former BFF, but she reluctantly makes friends through a connection with an old scifi show. A great buy for middle and upper elementary libraries.

Absolutely bang on! This book made me cry in a good way. I'm a horse girl too - but one who lost my love of the ride through a fall, not over-competitiveness. Yet I found so many beautiful and heartbreaking parallels in this story. Faith Erin Hicks never fails to get to me, and this book is no exception. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go do some breathing exercises and try to remember my love of horses again <3

I love that Hicks is tackling graphic novels about a girl's love for horses. I find these books very approachable and a great read. I love her artwork and can't wait to read more.

I'm so excited to put this lovely middle grade graphic novel into the hands of Horse Girls & non-HGs. As someone who works with young adults, I'm often dismayed by the importance of competition & being "the best" in all aspects of life. I see how much stress this places on youth and how much fun it sucks from their lives.

I love graphic novels like Ride On, because they celebrate loving things for the sake of loving things. Victoria wants to ride and care for horses, because she enjoys it, which puts her at odds with other Horse Girls, who don't understand her passion absent of competition. After Victoria starts at a new stable, she learns there are riders like her including ones who love nerdy sci-fi shows. Ride On celebrates passion, friendship, and self-awareness.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title.

I enjoyed this book! I know it will be popular at the middle school library where I work. Whether you are a horse person or not, the story of friendship and navigating change will resonate. There is also a cute fandom storyline.

Victoria loves horses but is more interested in the joy of riding them and caring for them than being ultra competitive like her friend Taylor. Taylor cannot understand Victoria’s decisions (or her financial situation), and this causes a rift. Victoria decides it would be easier to just give up on the idea of friends and keep to herself. Will the group of kids at her new riding stable be able to change her mind? I highly recommend this delightful book!

As someone who grew up around horses and longed for that horsey best friend to ride with, this book hit the spot with a group of fun friends who like both horses and scifi.

In the horse world, there is a difference between high level competing and just riding for fun and sometimes it is very easy to lose your passion if you don't enjoy what you're doing. In this book the writer managed to convey that balance perfectly.

I am looking forward to the second one already!

This is a very sweet graphic novel about horses and friendship. I know I would have adored this book when I was younger and horse-obsessed. The plot was pretty simple, but I really loved the characters. They were full of personality and made me laugh. The drawing style was lovely, too, and I was especially impressed by the beautiful horses that came to life on the (digital) pages. Overall, it's a lovely story that I can see young readers really enjoying!

Ride on is the story of Victoria who joins a new horse stable after a falling out with her friend. She is hesitant in making new friends when she is there; she just wants to ride. After she makes a bad first impression with one of the girls, it makes it hard to connect with everyone there. Eventually, they bond over a sci-fi show that they all have in common. This book fell a little flat to me. The horses and the sci-fi show didn't quite mesh for me. Some of the actions of the characters were a bit childish as well. I do feel like this story would be a hit for some readers - just not me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel is mainly talks about girls who are so interests in equestrian. Of course, as most teenagers do, they have problems with the relationships with friends. I like the artwork in this book. The story seems common, thought the characters are well developed.

Victoria loves horses, but not the stress, time and especially the money it takes to compete in horse shows. When she has a falling out with her best friend over not wanting to join her at competitions, she leaves her beloved stable for another. Burned on friendship, she initially spurns the welcome of the riders at the new barn, preferring the company of a new horse she gets the opportunity to train. Soon a joint love of a campy science fiction tv show set in space allows her to forge new connections and - despite her better judgement - she makes a new group of friends who encourage her to be herself and find her place. As a former horse girl and a Star Trek fan myself, the nostalgia factor in this middle grade graphic novel immediately attracted me. With Faith Erin Hick's trademark art, readers will be rewarded with quirky characters and sweet friendships. Economic inequality and gender stereotypes are mentioned but not heavily discussed. Instead the focus on friendships and finding people who accept you carry the story. Perfect for middle grade graphic novels fans, including those who enjoy Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson and anything by Raina Telgemeier; also give to readers who love horses.

After a falling out with a long time best friend, Victoria has starting riding horses at a different stable. However, she has decided that she doesn't want to make any "horse friends" or compete in any events. She just wants to ride. Unfortunately, she makes a bad first impression with one of the regular riders, but eventually manages to make friends over a sci-fi television show. When Victoria and her new friends are asked to a horse show hosted by her former stable, she must decide if she's ready to see her former friend again.

I’m so glad to read an equestrian themed graphic novel! Great storyline and wonderful diverse characters. Terrific artwork. Absolutely love this book!