Rimfire: The Barrel Racing Morgan Horse    by Ellen F. Feld & Jeanne Mellin Order:  USA  Can Willow Bend, 2009 (2009) Paperback     Reviewed by Deb Kincaid When Heather Richardson's family visits friends in Oklahoma, she is introduced to barrel racing by her new friend, Katie. When she returns home to New England, she soon discovers a barrel racing Morgan horse is for sale. She talks her friend Nicholas into getting the horse (named Rimfire), so that both of them can ride it in competition. When Heather uses bad judgment and makes a decision that leads to Rimfire becoming injured, her friendship with Nicholas appears to be over. Will they find a way to restore the closeness they once had? For horse lovers demanding authenticity, author Ellen F. Feld provides it. Descriptions of horses and their tack, barn and competition etiquette, and procedures and rules for training and competition are right on. The qualities of trustworthiness, forgiveness, and compassion are examined here, too. The horses of Rimfire have distinct personalities, and are more well drawn than the humans are - but that's likely expected in a horse-lovers' read. On the other hand, readers looking for sizzling conflict or looming obstacles challenging the characters won't find it in this book. Most of the writing is flat, akin to reading mundane diary entries; however, it does pick up near the end. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews