The Wild One is the first in the Phantom Stallion series by Terri Farley.  It is the story of 13-year-old Samantha Forster and her lost half mustang. Blackie was two years old when Sam was learning to gentle the horse.

The then 11-year-old had gained his trust and just started riding astride the young colt when she was in a riding accident and kicked in the head. Blackie was so spooked by the episode; he ran away and ended up loose on the Nevada range where Sam lived.

Her distraught father sent her away to be looked after by an aunt in the city. Now after two years have passed, Sam has returned. Glad to be back on the ranch with her father, her grandmother and her friend Jake, Sam questions if she’ll be ok getting back in the saddle. She also questions what has become of her beloved Blackie.

Stories of a wild grey stallion named Phantom are not unknown to Sam. He has become a local legend. Sam knows that over time black horses can turn grey, almost white. As she encounters the Phantom on more than one occasion, she starts to question if this powerful stallion could be Blackie, the colt she lost.

The Wild One is the tale of Sam’s struggle to overcome a horse riding accident, keep the beautiful grey stallion safe and act as a responsible teen. Dealing with her father’s and her friend’s fear for her safety is an added worry for the teen as she works to keep the Phantom safe from a pretentious ranch owner named Slocum. The Wild One is an interesting read and a great start to the series.

Author: Terri Farley
http://www.terrifarley.com/
Fiction – children / teen
In My Library? Indeed, along with others in the series.
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

Susan is so young to be finding life a struggle. After the loss of her parents, she now lives with her grandparents and only slightly older aunt and uncle. The pre-teen is angry at the world and upset that her birthday was forgotten by the family.

When she finds this to be untrue, she is devastated to discover they have purchased her a pony. Not just any pony, but a pony named Butterfly. Butterfly is beautiful – just ask him! Susan despises the pretty and smug pony.

As she is forced to care for him, she finds exercising him to be a chore.  Plus, he’s always playing tricks on her.  Being thrown off or nudged into water are just a few of the things he does to cause irritation.

Susan soon devises a plan to sell Butterfly. The plan seems foolproof, but Butterfly is soon returned. Over time Susan finds different opportunities to part with her pony and gift him to someone else. Each one fails and eventually the young girl is forced to decide if she wants him gone from her life forever, or if she’ll choose to love something again.

A Horse Called Butterfly is a great tale of a young girl’s struggle with the loss of her close family. A bad attitude, issues at school and seemingly unsympathetic family are all things Susan must battle with.

As Susan gets to know her aunt and uncle better, she realises they aren’t all bad.  Like her, they are struggling with things in life and trying to do what is best for everyone.  Susan knows that her grandparents love her and have her best interests at heart, but she struggles to see it at times. In A Horse Called Butterfly, Susan learns to love again – a pretty palomino pony and her family members.

Author: Thurley Fowler
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/400447.Thurley_Fowler
Fiction – children
In My Library? One of the first I put in my collection!

The second book in the Tagger Herd series, Wade Tagger focuses on soon to be 10-year-old Wade. Wade is keen horse rider and handler who loves doing things around the ranch with his father.  Unfortunately he finds himself suddenly restricted by a badly broken arm.

Being in pain and not being able to ride is bad enough. Dealing with the secret of how he broke his arm adds another layer to his misery.

As Wade finds himself able to do less and more often dozing, he becomes privy to some conversations he shouldn’t. Wade questions what is going on with his parents and why they are always fighting. What will the outcome be? Will they choose to not stay together?

As he battles this idea, he also wrestles with the thought that his father will never forgive him if he finds out how he broke his arm. Add to this concern for his favourite recently rescued horse Rooster and he is wrestling with a lot for a 9-year-old boy.

Rooster has bone issues and is consistently in pain. The Tagger family are eager to have him operated on to relieve this pain. Unfortunately, the operation isn’t guaranteed to be a success and if not, euthanasia is the most humane second option.

Because he is officially Wade’s horse, it is up to the young boy to decide if he wants the operation done or not.  Such an event that could heal his horse or result in his death is a big choice for Wade.

The second book in the series, Wade Tagger’s story is a heavy one for a 9-year-old. It focuses on family issues, keeping secrets and the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected horses. An interesting read and although it features a child as the main character, perhaps a bit heavy for the younger reader.

Author: Gini Roberge
http://www.amazon.com/Gini-Roberge/e/B00MIBZT8C
Fiction – any
In My Library? As an eBook, yes!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

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I received a copy of Touch of Gold to review recently and really enjoyed this story aimed at teens!

Thirteen-year-old Jamie has discovered a palomino mare in a field within riding distance of her new home. The mare appears hungry and lonely. Jamie quickly concludes she needs a friend as much as the shy thirteen-year-old does.

As Jamie visits the mare, feeds her snacks and grooms her, she starts to build a rapport with the golden equine. She decides to call her Peach. As she voices this thought out loud, an older gentleman informs her that Peach is a perfect name for her.

Startled, Jamie soon comes to know the gentleman as the owner of ‘Peach’. A sad, lonely widow, Sam tells Jamie about Peach, or Goldie as she is known. Jamie develops a friendship with Sam and makes an effort to visit the palomino mare as much as she can outside of school.

Over time Jamie becomes attached to the mare that is wasting away from loneliness. Sam’s decision to move her to a better home where she’ll be well looked after is met by a devastated thirteen-year-old.

It is only as Goldie moves to Tamarack Stables that Jamie learns to overcome her shyness. As she discovers others who love horses – including the amusing owner’s son, Nick, she finds people who can teach her about horse care and riding. Her desire to be a top rider seems ridiculous initially with her lack of experience. In time however, Jamie learns to be assertive with her riding – and in life – and she develops into a capable rider.

Touch of Gold is a great coming of age story where horses feature heavily. Jamie seems a typically shy teenager who breaks the rules at times but learns to be responsible for her actions and the care of horses. An interesting and entertaining read.

Author: Vivien Gorham
https://viviengorham.com/
Fiction – teen
In My Library? As an eBook, yes!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.