Whilst taking part in the Summer Reading Program with my kids, I was made aware of a few horse books free on Kindle. Lucy’s Chance by Brittney Joy was one of those free downloads. I was pleased to download a copy on kindle to read and review.

Lucy Rose is a sixteen-year-old in this novel and the main character. We are first introduced to her in an amusing scene that shows she has little experience with cattle! But she does know horses, and that’s why she’s at the ranch.

Spending her first summer away from home, she is determined to make a good impression. And this seems possible with her hard working attitude and eagerness to show it. But when an unusual trail ride results in a wild horse turning up on the ranch, Lucy soon finds she’s pushing boundaries for a horse she doesn’t know and possibly can’t trust.

Her desperation to see the black horse settled and trusting of humans, is very clear. Her determination to help the horse learn to trust humans is also obvious as the story progresses.

Lucy’s Chance is a lovely horse focused story to read. It features a good looking cowboy, a big focus on horses and a sweet romance. The story builds really nicely and is bound to capture the attention of teens who love horses. Highly recommended.

Author: Brittney Joy
Fiction – young adult
In My Library? Yes, on my Kindle library it is.

Getting a copy to read and review, I’m rapt to be able to offer a review of this New Adult horse story, The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon. I love being provided with copies to read and review! You never know what new horse author you may discover.

Gemcie is a talented and determined rider who has a great sponsor, an exceptional horse and a supportive husband at the young age of 19. It seems she is destined for great things in the equestrian world.

A freak accident and a battle to get back on the horse are enough hurdles to overcome, but these aren’t the only nasty surprises in store for Gemcie and her horse Marshal.

As her world falls down around her, she questions what’s true in life and what she really wants.

Finding some unexpected truths from her trainer, Gemcie embarks on an adventure to find herself and regain her strength. Her vision clear, she finds further obstacles to overcome in her path, but is determined to stay true to herself and Marshal. A great read – why not get yourself a copy?

Author: Linda Ballou
Fiction – new adult
In My Library? As an ebook it is!

“A horse is like a best friend. They`re always there to nuzzle you and make your life a better place.” – Author unknown

Recently I was able to get a copy of Cowgirl Lessons by Rae Rankin. This was available for free to download on Kindle. Rae informed those taking part in the Kids Summer Reading Program about the freebie! This program is run by horse book authors from June 1 – September 1 this year.

It’s always a pleasure to discover new horse books and authors! Cowgirl Lessons is a delightful read for young people and horse fans in particular.

It would be especially beneficial for those who are just getting established in reading books. There are beautiful illustrations to match the words, which are quick and engaging. It also flows well and has rhyming sentences on each page.

Each page contains a paragraph or so of rhyming text that outlines what is important for a cowgirl. This makes the pages quick and easy to read for young horse fans.

The pages cover:

• getting ready and dressed appropriately for riding lessons,
• sourcing both riding boots
• getting down to the barn or the riding school where the horses are,
• getting your helmet and taking part in getting the horse ready including grooming it and taking it up
• having a ride, listening to your instructor – “straight back, heels down, hands calm on the reins,” and afterwards,
• cooling down and cleaning up, before heading home to also clean up!

Cowgirl Lessons is a short sweet read. It is one that will easily engage young horse fans. The text isn’t too challenging and it has the added bonus of rhyming at the end of sentences.

My two children aged seven and nearly nine enjoyed it and found it to be an easy read. And they also quite enjoyed the illustrations that went with the book.

Author: Rae Rankin
Fiction – children’s
In My Library? Yes, on my Kindle library it is.

Recently my eight-year-old brought home The Silver Pony by Holly Webb. The lovely cover caught my attention. And of course, being a horse book, I thought I’d best try and read it for review before she had to return it the following week!

The Silver Pony follows the tale of young Daisy. She lives where the New Forest ponies roam free, but are owned by locals. Daisy discovers a beautiful white pony – although she admits her horsey friend would insist the pony was ‘grey’!

At a time where Daisy is missing her best friend terribly – she is unwell in hospital – Daisy finds her only sense of comfort and happiness comes from this wild pony. But in time, Daisy learns that the pony has an owner. And boy is she not happy about who that owner is!

The Silver Pony by Holly Webb

Daisy is at first intimidated by the ponies that graze close to home. But as she continues to see the ‘silver’ pony, she gives her a name and finds comfort in her presence.

And at a time when she’s not able to see her best friend due to her being in hospital, Daisy likes to think that the two of them are drawn together by this pony. It is something they can talk about over the phone and Daisy can share photos of the silver pony with her closest friend, too.

The Silver Pony is a delightful read that no doubt will engage young readers. The illustrations throughout the story are lovely and it teaches a bit about the New Forest ponies throughout the novel. Recommended reading for middle grade horse fans.

Author: Holly Webb
Fiction – children’s
In My Library? No, this one was borrowed from the library.