Neva’s Favorite Horse Stories
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Misty of Chincoteague
by Marguerite Henry As compelling as when I first read it in the 1970s. Henry has the advantage of an unusual setting and background legend. She does a superb job of conveying the feeling Paul and Maureen have for the wild ponies and the longing for a pony of their own. |
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The
Race by Lauraine Snelling Tricia Evanston loves exercising the Thoroughbreds on her father’s horse ranch and looks forward to the day she can actually compete in a race. Tricia’s relationship with her mother is strained because her mother worries about her school work and the chances of her getting hurt. When Tricia’s father becomes seriously ill, the responsibilities of the ranch fall to her and her older brother, David, and Tricia’s school work suffers. Finally, Tricia’s big opportunity comes and she feels she must win the race for her father. |
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Lauraine Snelling’s Golden Filly
Series books 1 through 5 Lauraine was my mentor in a workshop on Fiction for Kids. It was interesting to see her demonstrate the techniques she taught us. I especially enjoyed the way she portrayed Tricia’s interaction with the horses. The Race is an interesting, well written story for readers twelve and up. You’ll want to read all 10 of the books in the Golden Filly Series. Golden Filly Series books 1 through 5 |
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The
Island Stallion Races
by Walter Farley A compelling story of a boy and a wild stallion. Great example of fantasy invading the real world as two aliens from outer space become involved with an earth boy. At the end Farley had me saying, "No, you can’t do that," as he made it seem like the involvement with the aliens and racing Flame in the International Race was a dream. Then he throws in an epilogue with Pitch reading a newspaper headline about Flame in the race, bringing it all back to an actual happening. Farley is a master at suspense. I didn’t want to put the book down. I had been concerned about being a little too far out in The Secret of Tabby Mountain having Punky ride Little Rascal in the round pen without bridle, halter, or even a rope. Farley has Steve riding Flame, a wild stallion, all over Blue Valley without anything!
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The Capture of the Golden Stallion by Rutherford G. Montgomery
The Golden Stallion to the Rescue by Rutherford G. Montgomery
With my love of horses and ranch life, I found the Golden Stallion books fun
reading.
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My Friend Flicka
by Mary O'Hara A classic example of a child’s love for a horse. |