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

K.M. Peyton’s tale Pony in the Dark tells of a young boy named Tom who lives in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Isles, raising ponies with his family as a means of income. The family struggles to just get by and although colts that are bred on the farm are often sold, Tom is devastated to find that his favourite young colt will be sold when he’s old enough.

At a young age Tom travels with the colt he’s named Storm, to see where his future will be once sold. His concern for the young colt is heightened as it appears that Storm will be used as a pit pony, working down in the mines, never to see daylight again.

Once Tom has reached his teens, he will need to make a choice about what he will do as work: fishing in harsh conditions at home, or in the mines in harsh conditions away from home. Torn between two unappealing choices, young Tom decides he might as well learn about the mines and see where Storm could be working.

The mining environment leaves Tom with a feeling of despair for his favourite equine friend. He questions how Storm could lead such a life when Tom himself shudders in fear at the thought of a life of working in a dark, hot and confined area.

Pony in the Dark depicts well the story of a young boy and horse that don’t appear to have much choice about their future. When all seems lost, Tom accepts what appears to be a bleak future. The young teen finds that things don’t always have to stay as they appear and is able to welcome the idea of a promising future he’d never considered – for himself and for Storm.

Author – K.M. Peyton
http://kmpeyton.co.uk/
Fiction – children
In my library – Indeed, the first of many I have to read of hers!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“I pray gentle hands may guide my feet; I ask for kind commands from voices sweet; at night a stable warm with scented hay, where, safe from every harm, I’ll sleep till day.” – Pony’s prayer