And the winner of the story contest is …

Children's book author Christine Linneweever selected not one, but three winners from among the wonderful stories submitted for the story contest. Thank you to everyone who submitted a story. We really enjoyed all of your wonderful stories.

Winner of the Story Contest

The Night the Shy Foal Became a Hero

By Suzy van Eijs (40), along with her daughters Eydie (9) and Lois (6) Pinkaarts

Christine Linneweever: “A lovely story about a shy foal who, when the moment calls for it, feels the courage of her wild ancestors coursing through her body. She cleverly escapes a group of horse thieves and, thanks to her good memory, finds her way back to the stable. The story is well-crafted and begins—just as I often do—with a flashback. Then the tension builds until you think things won’t turn out all right. The resolution is beautiful and well-thought-out. I really enjoyed your story. Congratulations! You are the winners.”

Two more winners

“There were two stories that came close,” says Christine Linneweever. “I also wrote a short report on these stories.”

Sunshine in the Spotlight

By Bram van Raaij (age 15)

Christine Linneweever: “A really fun story about a pony that performs very well at shows for her owner, Annabel. Unfortunately, Annabel gets a boyfriend and has less time for her two ponies. She decides to sell Sunshine. It’s funny that the pony is sold to Henk, who in my books is the owner of the stable where many of the ponies and horses end up. He buys Sunshine for his granddaughter Bella. At first, Sunshine isn’t too happy, but she soon realizes she’s in good hands with Bella and ends up enjoying her new family after all. Another special part of this story is that Bella and Sunshine go out together to take some fun photos.”

Fairy's Choice

By Annette Akkerman (age 58)

Christine Linneweever: “An exciting story about a pony who truly chooses his owner, Sandra, and would do anything for her. Sandra, in turn, is 100 percent committed to Fairy. She tells her pony everything, including about her parents” divorce and her mother’s plans to move. At the show, Fairy does great, but the downside is that someone shows up who really wants to buy her. Sandra’s mom is interested, but Sandra is sad. Fairy knows what she has to do. And she succeeds! A beautifully rounded story with a well-paced plot and a spectacular ending.”

All three are books

Christine Linneweever is offering each of the three winners listed above a book from Kluitman's Gouden Paarden Series. We will contact these winners regarding this.