In the first of the Jill books, young Jill is an only child living with her sole parent, her mother. Money is tight and although Jill dreams of having and riding a pony of her own, she feels it is just that – a dream. And the idea of taking part in a gymkhana is her ultimate dream – Jill’s gymkhana. The young girl’s mother is a writer and when she receives some unexpected royalties, Jill is rapt to find that her mother gifts some of this money to her.
Coincidentally, there is a beautiful piebald pony up the road and the owner is keen to sell him. Jill is disheartened at the idea of having twenty five pounds to purchase him. That is, until her mother’s royalties are received. Suddenly having a pony of her own isn’t so far out of reach.
But of course there is the cost of his health care and food. And riding a pony requires a saddle and bridle. Jill soon finds that although she acquires riding gear from the pony’s previous owner, it doesn’t make her a capable rider. So Jill fumbles about on the pony Black Boy, finding it nowhere near as exciting as she imagined it. In fact, it’s hard work and just plain confusing.
With the local gymkhana on, Jill attends, eager to glean any information she can that may help her. A chance meeting with a gentleman in a wheelchair finds Jill with a new confidant. Martin is a horseman through and through. With his guidance and knowledge, Jill finds herself going on an incredible learning journey.
Jill’s Gymkhana looks at the things that first time horse owners must learn. She is given no short cuts and has to work hard and consistently to learn things the correct way. Martin is a no nonsense teacher and in a couple of years turns the pre teen into a quite capable young horsewoman. The first in the Jill books, this one is bound to entertain young horse fans and teach them many things.
Author – Ruby Ferguson
Fiction – children’s
In my library – that it is!
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