My Golden Horse by Caroline Akervik

 

My Golden Horse by Caroline Akervik is a wonderful novel for horse lovers. Most horse people have one horse that is near and dear to their heart. Although this is a fictional story, the horse Tandy was a real horse that the author knew and loved.

Ellen is a teenager with a famous equestrian mother but both are living another life after her mom's tragic accident. Ellen meets Tandy, a beautiful Palomino who has issues after too many horse shows. Ellen feels a connection - that they both need each other. With the help of a friend, the two learn about each other and teach each other along the way.

The Brave by Nicholas Evans

 

The Brave by Nicholas Evans: you may recognize the author's name. He wrote The Horse Whisperer. This novel isn't about horses but rather about a cowboy loving kid.

Tommy loved his sister Diane almost as much as his cowboy TV shows, his escape from his difficult life. When she showed up at his boarding school with her new boyfriend, Flint McCullough, he was amazed. That was his cowboy hero! And when they moved him to California to live with them, he was living his dream. 

Until he found out about the family secret.

This is a complex novel with intriguing characters, interesting background and setting, and a deep theme. The viewpoint changes from Tommy as a teen, a younger child and as an adult. So the astounding ending is hinted at but not revealed until the bitter end.

Unbreakable by Richard Askwith

Unbreakable by Richard Askwith is an amazing true story all horse lovers will enjoy. There's excitement, mystery, drama, a lovable main character and details about the races and horses that it seems as if you were there. And the history and culture of Prague and the surrounding area that most people never knew are explained

Lata is courageous and determined in her goal to ride in and win the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase in 1937 when the Nazis have sent elite SS officers to compete. This brutal race was a yearly event that drew immense crowds to watch competitors from all over Europe challenge their horse to unimaginable obstacles. 

The photos enrich the story even more!

 

 

Believing in Horses Out West by Valerie Ormond

 

This third book in Valerie Ormand's Believing in Horses series continues with Sadie and her deep love of horses. This time, one of the horses she rescued is taken in by a ranch in Montana. Her family, in Maryland, decide to take a vacation to the ranch resort to check on the sweet mare. Little did Sadie know that there were criminal elements at the ranch despite the well meaning owners. With the help of understanding parents, a resourceful brother, a feisty grandmother and new friends, Sadie saves the mare and other horses from training abuse.

An exciting and educational book for horse lovers of all ages!

The False Favorite by Josh Boldt

 

What horse lover doesn't love a good mystery set at the Kentucky Derby?

Cal is hired by the owner of the favorite horse after her husband dies under a suspicious suicide. He mingles with the ultra wealthy and elicits help to find out who would have motive.

The author obviously knows the Churchill Downs area and details of the derby. Exciting plot and great characters!

We had a great tour their in 2018!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a wonderful story for any age -toddlers through grandparents! 

Inspirational and thought provoking, this book follows the adventures of a boy and his new friends. And it's funny - my grandkids loved the mole! And the artwork is unique and stunning. This would make an excellent gift for animal lovers, children and graduates.

Follow Charlie on Facebook to see more!

https://www.facebook.com/Charliemackesyart

The Unicorn's Baby Brother by Sarah Brown

The Unicorn's Baby Brother by Sarah Brown is a delightful story for toddler siblings. 

I read it to my granddaughter Etta and her little brother Wesley while on vacation. It was a big hit with them and I had to read it several times! Etta can relate to Sky being pesky to Jewel! Lovely artwork.

Reboot Ranch by Eileen Watkins

In Reboot Ranch, the author, Eileen Watkins, does a wonderful job writing about the plight of unwanted horses. The story shares a teenage girl's Point of View as she volunteers to help her aunt at an equine rescue stable. The aunt's view is also shared but written so the reader easily understands who is doing the thinking. Relationships are explored as well as the horse show scene. A wonderful read for any horse lover, teen and up!

Racing Hearts by Beth Smart

Racing Hearts by Beth Smart is a rollercoaster ride for horse racing fans! There are family secrets, promising young horses and a father's death that the main character, a young horse trainer named Emma, must deal with to carry on her dad's legacy. And throw in a ruthless owner who puts obstacles in her way. But a handsome jockey/stable hand will assist her in her goals.

Selah's Stolen Dream

Recently released, Selah's Stolen Dream by Susan Count, involves two points of views by two young horse lovers.

While at a horse show, Selah's beloved mare, Dream, is stolen along with other horses. Her attempt to finding the horse by using online social media sends her down a dangerous path.

Emma finally  convinces her parents to let her own a horse despite her disability. At a horse auction she falls in love with a black mare.

When the two girls meet, a life lesson is learned by both of them.

A realistic portrayal of equine life, the good and the bad.

Travels of Quinn by Sasscer Hill

This is a different type of horse story, more a mystery with Gypsy Vanner Horses as part of the setting.

Quinn and her family are Irish American Travellers, or gypsies. Based in South Carolina, they travel to unsuspecting homeowners and pull scams and steal from them. When Quinn is caught, and framed for stealing a valuable ring, she is placed on a horse farm to work off restitution.

But who is framing her? And who murdered her father while she was in jail?

More importantly, who can she trust?

With interesting characters and setting, this novel will appeal to mystery and horse lovers alike.

Selah's Painted Dream by Susan Count

Selah's Painted Dream by Susan Count is book 3 in the Dream Horse Adventures.

Selah, now 13 years old, is devastated when her parents tell her they are moving three hours away to Austin. Three hours away from her grandpa and her horse Dream. She hatches a scheme to convince her grandpa to let her live with him.

Her relationships with her friends, and her grandpa's new girlfriend, complicate her life along with searching for a long lost horse, missing ewes and a bolt of lightening.

Horse lovers will enjoy the realistic scenes and the amazing horse, Dream.

See more information about this series and other books by Susan Count at
http://www.susancount.com 

Tabby's Big Year

This story continues with Tabby and the Sweetbriar Stable. Her equine adventures include riding Bliss now that his leg has healed, saving a horse from slaughter and entering a horse show. Plus there are family scenes where Tabby learns some life lessons.

Great book for horse loving girls!

There's a Unicorn in the Garden! by Katy Brown

"There's a Unicorn in the Garden!" by Katy Brown is complete with adorable artwork, characters and action. The story has a fun and unpredictable ending! My grandkids who have a garden and love horses, will surely enjoy this book.

Poppy's Diary by Amanda Wills

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Poppy's Diary by Amanda Wills is a short novel written in diary form by a young rider trying to overcome her fear of jumping a show course. Set in England, this educational story featuring Poppy and her horse Cloud will surely delight middle-grade horse lovers.

For more information on the author and her many horse books, visit
https://www.amandawills.co.uk

The Adventures of Pedro by I Lancaster

The Adventures of Pedro by I Lancaster is about a clever donkey who is determined to have a better life on a tourist filled island. When he learns how to untie knots and open barn latches, he decides to run away after a confrontation with a mean tourist. His Mum urges him to go and he soon meets up with a sweet girl who is visiting her grandfather. His adventures are amazing and the characters - both human and equine - are unforgettable! The setting is unique and written with lots of details. Middle grade horse lovers will love this story!

I received a copy for an honest review.

At my stable many years ago, I had a couple of equine escape artists so I know this is a believable story! Although my ponies didn't escaped to avoid cruelty; they just wanted the greener grass on the other side of the fence!

Mary's Song by Susan Count

Mary's Song by Susan Count is an inspirational horse story with appealing characters, a historical setting of the 1950's and a wonderful ending. Mary, a crippled 12 year old, and her new friend, Laura, are determined to save a foal destined to be put down due to her lameness.

Although the ending was predictable, the creative ways the girls found to save the foal showed the reader that dreams can come true if one never gives up.

Motherhood: Lost & Found by Ann Campanella

 Motherhood: Lost & Found by Ann Campanella is a memoir about a woman who courageously and optimistically moves forward in her life despite many obstacles: miscarriage after miscarriage; declining health of her parents; an absentee husband; and lack of time for her equine lifestyle. It is her horse that keeps her grounded and focused on the future, and provides the unconditional love she yearns for.


This is a sad book but worth reading to the inspirational ending.

Sweetbriars, Leaving The City by Hollie Marsh

Sweetbriars, Leaving The City by Hollie Marsh is a delightful story about a young horse lover in England. 

Cate and her family move their horses to the country where Cate has to make new friends at a new school, be taught by a new instructor and join a new Pony Club. Although overwhelming at first, she learns to adapt and progress in her riding. A coming-of-age story with lovely equine details.

Learn more about the author and her book at her website: https://www.sweetbriarsfarm.com/

Flying Change by GG Collins

Flying Change by GG Collins is a young adult novel about a teenage girl named Molly that has a passion for horses. Her father is reluctant about her riding, and later she finds out why. She's determined and willing to work at the stable for her lessons. Molly has more obstacles than her aching body after the hard work of mucking stalls etc, including a jealous rider and a sister in trouble. In the end, she learns life lessons as well as how to stay on the horse while it jumps.

Well written and a lovely ending.