PalmerHiggs Books have provided another horsey tale for me to review, an autobiography by Clare Balding and illustrated by Gill Heeley.
Now this is an incredibly unique, interesting and amusing non fiction tale. Author Clare Balding is an animal enthusiast. This story of the first twenty or so years of her life is depicted in chapters dedicated to the different personalities who have had a presence in and made her life all the richer. Generally, these personalities are dogs and horses.
What makes this story so rich is her unique outlook on life – unique to her family’s conservative views.
Clare grew up in a household where it wasn’t uncommon to receive a visit from the Queen, inquiring after the horses that Clare’s father trained for her royal highness. In fact, Clare and her younger brother Andrew received their first pony – Valkyrie – as a gift from the Queen.
Outspoken and inclined to do so before thinking, it wasn’t unusual for the young girl or woman to find herself in a spot of bother regularly. This in itself makes for an interesting read as the author invites you into a world where everyone is expected to have a sense of humour.
Clare explores drag hunting on horse back, pony club and competing, riding from a young age and pursuing amateur national hunt or point to point race riding. Perhaps this makes it no surprise that now this author is a common known name and face for sporting events – particularly racing – in the UK. Well worth the read!
Author: Clare Balding
http://www.clarebalding.co.uk/
Non Fiction – Biography
In my library? Yup! A unique and rather amusing read.
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
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