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Recommended Books Our Readers PicksReader's picks of recommended books. *****************************************************************
Horse Crazy Kids*****************************************************************
by Pam Kaster This is a simply marvelous book for anyone who can appreciate really good writing, excellent and authentic photo illustrations, and has an appreciation for a true story well told. A perfect birthday, Christmas or just "I love you" gift. The story line is simple enough for young minds to grasp. A pony becomes a victim of notorious hurricane Katrina. Rescued but in poor physical condition, she is taken and nursed back to health by a very sympathetic lady. Attacked by a dog, one fore leg is badly injured, requiring amputation. A prosthesis is fitted and the pony learns not only to use it, but to even ask for it!
A great feature of the book is to define, in just a few simple words, difficult or likely unfamiliar words.
As a father of two I wish this book had been available to read to them. I would have had tears of joy with them. This book has been added to the library of bedtime stories for my great grandchildren. As a past writer and photographer, I am envious of Pam Kaster’s talent.
John, Arkansas
Silver Snaffles One of my all time favorite children's horse books is Silver Snaffles by Primrose Cumming, illustrated by Stanley Lloyd. Originally published in 1937, the book was out of print for many years and difficult to find. It can now be purchased via the web, published by Fidra Books (www.fidrabooks.com). Silver Snaffles is well written and includes a fine mix of suspense, fantasy, fun, and emotion. The book shares some valuable lessons about horsemanship and children's understanding of horse welfare. It is age appropriate for about ages 9 and up, but I'd highly recommend it to any adult who wants to escape back to the days when they first fell in love with ponies. Valerie Ormond
Doodlebug by Irene Brady I loved this book as a child and recommend it as a mom. A great book for horse crazy kids. Heather. Colorado
_________________________________________________________________ The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley Really good books. I think they would have been better if Alec had been Alicia instead. Everyone knows girls like horses more then boys. I don’t have a horse yet, but I do take riding lessons.
Riding School Rivals By Susan Saunders “The story of a majestic Lipizzan horse and the girls who fight for the right to ride him.” A good story, but I really like that at the end of the book they have Facts About The Breed. I want to learn about horses as well as read for fun. Sky, Horse Crazy Washington
FlutterBy Fly by Stephen Cossgrove **This book is about a horse who hears gossip and gets to the bottom of it. My favorite part was when it talked about when the butterflies first came to Wing-song. Natalie, Arkansas
"Honey, A Pony's Story"!!! It was amazing! I sure do hope you will write another story! (Maybe the next one could be "Sir Galahad, a Horse's Story.") I'm going to let my frined next door read it too. You are such a talented writer. Loved your book, Anna age 11
Fantasy***************************************************************** Green Rider, First Rider's Call and High King's Tomb. a Trilogy by Kristen Britain. These books are fantastic and I only wish there were more! The first, Green Rider, is chock full of horsiness and is well written. Very good fantasy world created. Love these books! http://www.kristenbritain.com/ Shiny Poriadie Slovakia
Adult***************************************************************** My Favorite Mistake (Romance)
My Favorite Mistake is a more than just a book about horses; it involves conflict and romance that is consistent in many adult contemporary reads. Co-authors Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka set fire with the A-list fix that in the second in their new series, “The A Circuit.” The A Circuit is a group of elite equestrian riders that make up the forewoman of the book; Zara, Kate and Tommi. They each have their own love interests and struggles to come by, from training a young stubborn horse named "Legs" to dealing with the working student blues. The terminology can be a "bit" difficult for someone who is unfamiliar with the equestrian world, but My Favorite Mistake is an entertaining read for horse and drama lovers alike.
For those who get sidetracked or bored easily while reading, this book is perfect because it is fast paced and switches in and out of each of the three character's lives. This book is hard to put down and when it’s finished makes you anticipate the next to be published in the series. _________________________________________________________________ The Long Ride by Lucian Spataro, Jr., PhD. It seems to me that it is only natural that the people who see the majesty of spirit and beauty of form of the horse appreciate the majestic mountains and beauty of free flowing streams. The life of a horseman is a natural life. Horses are a prey animal and so are in constant awareness of their surroundings. Who hasn't been riding when their own thoughts are stilled by the pivoting ears of their mounts? My horse's ears have mainly pointed out deer not the wolf pack Lucian's horse Willy saw. Some of my best days have been experienced from the back of my horse. Summer sun beating down on us, bees buzzing about as my horse walks through a carpet of wildflowers. The thrill of a fresh snow undisturbed by anyone, man or creature. A brand new world laid at my feet. We horsemen understand the balance of nature can easily be disturbed and irreversible damage be done, often through ignorance not malice.The Long Ride is Lucian's ride across America to raise awareness of this delicate balance. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book is being contributed to various environmental restoration efforts. Sharon
The First Horse I See by Sally M. Keehn As an author myself, I try to heed the advice of other writers who recommend reading as much as possible. Fortunately that advice led me to read The First Horse I See. As an adult, I enjoyed this as much as I would have had I read it as a young adult, the intended audience. The story is engaging; the characters believable; and the writing superb. Keehn's literary background shines through in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways, from interwoven themes in the plot to the immersion of poetry and famous quotes as natural parts of the text. It is a beautiful book that leaves one thinking about far more than horses. The main character, Willowjean, is promised a horse before her mother dies, and Willowjean's grandfather and dad follow through with the deal. Against her grandfather's wishes, Willojean falls for the first horse she sees, an underweight, spirited, abused ex-racehorse. Willowjean's journey with the untrusting mare are reflective of many first horse ownership situations, but are magnified by the events occuring in the rest of the girl's life. An absentee alcoholic father, a mother still greatly in her thoughts, a neighbor boy of the right age, and pressure to succeed with her horse of choice all add great texture to this moving novel. This book was published by Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Putnam, obviously not a small publisher. However, I wanted to comment on it for Horse-Books-Pony-Stories.com because I felt it was such an excellent example of a very well written novel -- that just happened to be about a horse. Valeire Ormond _________________________________________________________________ Horse Racing: Dick Francis; John Francome; Lyndon Stacey; Bill Shoemaker; Kit Ehrman; Jody Jaffe Horse Vet: Laura Crum Horse owner/trainer: Michelle Scott; Carolyn Banks; Gothic: Airs Above The Ground by Mary Stewart; Foxhunting: Rita Mae Brown; Not Mysteries: The Lady by Anne McCaffrey; Horseplay: A Novel by Judy Reene Singer LeeAnne, Oregon
I love A Portion for Foxes, By Jane McIlvaine, McLary. set in Virginia Hunt country during the civil rights movement of the 1960's. It's an older book, copywrighted in 1972, but an excellent read. Rebecca, Missouri
Six To One Against by Lyndon Stacey Lyndon Stacey website An entertaining read. For those of us who enjoy Dick Francis, this lady is running a close 2nd! Lyndon Stacey grabbed my interest on the very first sentence and held it until the end. It's fast paced, enjoyable and also has some education thrown in for good measure. The central character, Gideon Blake, is a combination horse/dog whisperer, private-eye, and good-ole-boy friend. I didn't want to put the book down and heartedly urged Gideon on to the breath-held conclusion. Paula Harrington, AR
Riders by Jilly Cooper; Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley; Flying Changes by Sara Gruen; Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen; Seabiscut by Laura Hillenbrand; All of these are great reads!! Carrie Oxford, Michigan
For anyone who wants the love of horses, horse racing, mystery, competition, romance, and just thoroughly intense storytelling that also twists and turn when you least expect it I recommend "Bred to Win" by William Kinsolving. one of the absolute best books i have ever read. Chantal Ohio
Anything by C.W. Anderson, Sam Savvitt , Wesley Dennis, Paul Brown!!! Horse books w/ Excellent illustrations Patti VA
Healed By Horses by Carole Fletcher with L. Scanlon This is a heart-warming, awe-inspiring book about a brave, determined woman who, literally, rose from the ashes of a potentially life-altering accident. Read the book - it says so much about the healing power of those majestic creatures - horses. This is an inspiring non-fiction horse book." Paula AR
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