Jenifer Morrissey’s the Partnered Pony: What’s Possible, Practical and Powerful with Small Equines is an incredibly interesting read. As someone who’s been blessed by the ponies in her life, Jenifer shows how it is possible to partner with them in many ways. Perhaps this is by using them in your work or enjoying a ride with them. Jenifer shows that even by doing other day-to-day jobs, ponies can be included and utilised with a bit of creativity.

With a particular focus on working ponies, Jenifer divides this non fiction work into many short chapters that are each a story in themselves. She mainly details her own experiences working with her ponies.  Many of these are Fell ponies. In these experiences she explores the concept of partnering with a pony, and dealing with health issues such as hoof care and laminitis.  She also touches on colic as well as riding and working with the ponies.

Other chapters detail gems of advice she has learned from horse owners, trainers and other well known horse figures. As I read through many of the chapters, I found myself highlighting terms or names.  I would then go and do a search online. The result has been half a dozen or so ideas for posts in Equus Education! I love horse books that open your eyes to more possibilities with horses. The Partnered Pony has definitely done that for me.

For those who enjoy an educational read, I encourage you to get  the Partnered Pony: What’s Possible, Practical and Powerful with Small Equines.  It is a book that explores various possibilities whilst working with ponies (or horses!). The short chapters make it an easy read to do little by little, or in a bulk sitting.

Author – Jenifer Morrissey
Non-Fiction – adult
In my library – as an electronic copy, it is!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

This is the first book in the Riders series that I’ve read. That said, Against the Clock is an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are explained prior to the story, so that you can learn how everyone fits in. In Against the Clock, 15 year old Alexandra Johnson is getting motivated about the idea winning Burghley, a major three-day-event.  This is after having attended as a spectator.

Her eventing boyfriend Ash points out the sheer incredulity of her to aim for something so high. Shortly after their excursion to the great horse event, Alex is rapt to hear from Ash that Sid Shakleton, a well known dressage judge, is swinging by the stables.  These are the same stables where Ash works and rides and where Alex keeps her pony, Barney. Alex is dreaming of riding glory when she hears why Sid is coming – to check out her horse.

What starts as a dream of being discovered turns into a nightmare when Sid identifies her pony as one that belongs to someone else. Alex finds herself in a battle to prove ownership of her promising mount.  If she loses Barney, she is convinced her riding career is over. As Alex delves deeper into the scenario, Ash gets involved alongside her and finds his riding career on the line.

Against the Clock is a horse filled, educational read with a little mystery thrown in. The novel is entertaining and fast paced. Each of the characters add to the story and a glossary of terms is provided at the end to help educate readers. Worth the read.

Author – Samantha Alexander
Fiction – teen
In my library – Currently the only one I have in this series!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

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