In the series created by Joanna Campbell, the reader gets to learn about Ashleigh Griffen’s life before her parents lost their farm and started working at Townsend Acres. In book six in this series titled A Dangerous Ride, Ashleigh is suddenly introduced to the world of showing and jumping.
Alongside her best friend Mona, Ashleigh tries her hand at jumping on her mare, Stardust. Although it’s fun and she knows she is improving, Ashleigh would still rather be galloping. In time though, she starts competing and the thrill of winning a ribbon is contagious. Ashleigh gets caught up in the joy of competing alongside Mona.
Whilst this is going on, one of her favourite horses – racing stallion Aladdin – is being prepared for a big race. In an incredible twist of luck, he ends up at Edgardale, Ashleigh’s parents’ property as there is a mix up regarding stabling at the racetrack. Ashleigh is thrilled to have him at her parents’ home. She imagines spending lots of time with the horse – maybe even astride. And of course it’s appealing to catch up with his thirteen year old owner and exercise rider, Peter.
But Ashleigh’s older sister seems to be monopolising Peter’s time. And whenever Ashleigh plans to do something relating to Aladdin there are other commitments, other rides to take part in. Competition life demands a lot of her time and it seems that it may even rob her of the chance to see Aladdin in his biggest race yet. In a world that is full of horses, Ashleigh finds she has to make a choice about which road she wants to take while she’s too young to pursue her desire of being a jockey. Competing or race going? The question seems harder than it should be and Ashleigh battles to find time for both. A Dangerous Ride is an interesting read and gives a great insight into the dynamics of Ashleigh’s family life and horse commitments.
Author – Mary Newhall Anderson, series created by Joanna Campbell
Fiction – pre-teen
In my library – that it is!
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