Those who have read the Girl and Her Pony, will already be familiar with Princess Sophia and perhaps even her perfectly behaved, grey pony. In the Runaway Pony, Sophia is amazed to find herself astride her grey pony Sky, in another world.

Sick of the lack of privacy and restrictions placed on her as a part of the royal family, Sophia longs to escape it all. She finds she has this in common with Sky and the two decide to escape the rules even if only for a little while. Little did they realise that their adventure would last longer than a quick gallop away from the king’s guards.

Finding themselves in the land of Faerie, Sophia and Sky question what is most important to them. This comes to mind as the question is raised by an unusual talking snake in the land of Faerie. As horse and rider try to work out this upside down land they’ve ventured into, they soon find themselves in trouble.  And they are unsure how to get out of it.

Their adventure consequently turns into trying to find a way home and solving the snake’s riddle.  And along the way, ultimately they learn about true friendship.

The Runaway Pony is a delightful tale for young readers with a great moral. The fact that one of the main characters is a pony adds to its appeal. This is yet another great read by Angharad Thompson Rees. If you’re looking for some horse themed books for your youngster, be sure to check out the Magical Adventures and Pony Tales.  It contains all 6 horsey adventures in one!

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

Running Free finds young Mory desperate to prove the worth of her pony Midnight Dancer.  After some unexpected jumping opportunities arise, Mory is adamant that her pony is a brilliant jumper.  Mean girl at school Caroline Spencer wants Mory to prove it by entering the local show jumping competition.

Although Mory knows her beautiful mare is brilliant, she isn’t so sure about her own jumping skills – she is still learning to ride effectively.  Whilst Mory is out riding on the hills, she discovers a dog running free.  In time, a dead sheep is found and Mory’s uncle Glyn is furious.  He is adamant he will shoot any dogs on sight if they’re near his sheep.

Mory is fearful for Ben, a new dog that her friend Lionel has acquired.  Although Mory doesn’t believe Ben killed the sheep, she knows that he was in the area at one point.  Uncle Glyn is certain it is either Lionel’s young dog or a local woman’s dog.  Mory is unsure how she can prove it was neither!

In time Mory is goaded into entering the show jumping competition at Penyworlod.  Most of her energies go into training her pony and learning to sit well on Dancer.  Alongside this she suddenly has to deal with another dead sheep – this time a young lamb.  Lionel has also run away and Caroline is suddenly going out riding with Mory’s cousin Cara.

Running Free focuses on a great mystery that young Mory has to work to solve before an innocent dog is killed.  It is also a perfect story for young horse enthusiasts.  The horse information rings true, is educational and the story is an entertaining read.  This third book in the Midnight Dancer series I am sure would be a hit with pre-teen horse enthusiasts.

Author – Elizabeth Lindsay
Fiction – children
In my library – along with a few others in the series!
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.