I’d only vaguely heard of this race, and so was curious to read how Marguerite Henry portrayed it in this novel. A nice surprise was that it was so factually based on one Georgio Terni and his desire to race in the renowned battle of ten horses and riders.

Georgio grows up in a poor family in the Maremma, an area that is recognised as harsh. It is also recognised that animals brought up in this tough area possess that same quality. Although times are tough for the Terni family, Georgio grows up in an environment of love and encouragement.

A visit by the adored Umbrella Man affords Georgio the chance to ask the vast traveller about the Palio in Siena. This short conversation implants in Georgio the desire to be the best horse rider the world has seen; to be asked by a Contrada to ride as their Fantino in the best race the world has seen.

In Palio, Henry provides an incredible account of a young boy with a dream that cannot be achieved without determination, hard work and a belief in one’s ability. This novel provides a gripping story of one boy’s journey to see his dream come true.

The race is well described and events leading up to it as well as afterward. The soul of the Sienese and their pride in the Palio is tangible as you read and learn of this unique part of the Italian culture. Palio is an informative, incredible read well worth anyone’s time. Highly recommended!

Author – Marguerite Henry
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10652.Marguerite_Henry
Fiction
In my library? – It definitely is!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“The love of horses is like a disease! It can go into remission but you can never get rid of the obsession!” – Paraphrase of Tommy Smith

I was lucky enough to be a winner of one of Kim Ablon Whitney’s novels recently and chose the Perfect Distance as my prize. I wasn’t disappointed!

Francie Martinez is one of the lucky students of renowned trainer Rob Renaud. The only difference is, she’s the hired help and works in return for the lessons others pay a packet for. Francie is hard working and determined – her dream is to go professional on the equestrian circuit. This is often overshadowed by another of Rob’s riders, Tara.

Although talented, Francie struggles to find the perfect distance whilst jumping, at times moving ahead of her horse before she should be preparing to jump. A lack of confidence in her riding abilities often leads to this fault occurring in a jump round.

Whitney’s story of a young woman’s determination to make something of herself in a world that seems to be driven by the rich is realistic, entertaining and avoids common clichés where the underdog rises to the top. The characters are believable and the end result for Francie and her friends is realistic and likeable. Well worth the read.

Author – Kim Ablon Whitney
http://www.kimablonwhitney.com/
Fiction
In my library? – as an eBook, yes!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“It’s just counting strides, finding your distance, swapping leads, and looking good doing it. Relax, what could be easier?” – Author unknown

As a young child I used to enjoy watching the Ship to Shore series. This novel written by Stephen Measday is set on Circe Island where the Ship to Shore children live and learn.

Young Gavin has a love of horses and finds himself quickly involved in protecting a famous racehorse. Someone has been trying to drug the horse so that she won’t race in the Melbourne Cup. Gavin has been included in the small group of people who are trying to hide and protect the mare.

The secret becomes bigger as an interesting plot unfolds and more of the Circe Island children find out about the horse. As more people become aware of ‘Jackie’ on the island, the kids question how they will keep this secret from getting out.

The story is questionable with regards to how Jackie is kept fit for such a big horse race, and how she qualifies for the Cup.  In spite of this, the Fang Mystery holds some amusing moments as a group of 12 year olds manage to outwit the local security guard; work out how to make a profit from manure that needs to be disposed of quickly and attempt to get their band known for its musical prowess.

Author – Stephen Measday
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/892422.Stephen_Measday
Fiction – children
In my library – It is; perhaps the only Ship to Shore story that is horse related.

“A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time.” – Author unknown