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

The first book in the Unicorns of Balinor series didn’t take me long to devour. Based around thirteen year old Arianna, Ari awakes from an accident that she can’t remember, to find that her most recent memory isn’t the only thing missing. Not familiar with the people who claim to be her foster parents and not remembering any of her past, the young teen has no idea that she is royalty from another world, not a resident of earth.

Although not much makes sense, Ari recognises her close bond with her horse Chase. A desperate attempt to save the stallion from the hands of others could result in the loss of Ari and Chase’s future happiness in their true home.

Mary Stanford has written the start to this series very well. The characters and environment in which they live are well described and the reader finds they are eager to know what will happen next, hoping things will work out for the confused young Arianna.

Just as the story is building to a hopefully happy resolution, book number one comes to an end! I’ll have to secure the second in the series as I’m dying to know what will happen to Arianna, Chase and the characters she’s come to be involved with.

Author – Mary Stanton
http://www.marystanton.com/
Fiction – children, adventure
In my library – Yes!  I have a few in this series but must track down book two!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Happiness is… believing in unicorns.” – Author unknown

Tails of Sweetbrier by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is an incredible true story of a young girl who overcame many, many obstacles. With the support of a loving family, the incredible joy of riding horses and some awe inspiring determination, Deanie tells her tale.

Do you have a dream that feels too big to achieve? The important message Deanie puts across in this story of her life is that even when others say things are impossible, if you just keep persisting, you can achieve so much.

A specialist gave the opinion that Deanie would never be able to walk after she was still crawling at three years of age. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed.

Unconvinced, Deanie’s father determined to teach her to horse ride to strengthen her legs. This wasn’t without its setbacks and showing true determination, even at a young age Deanie would get back on every time she fell off.

Tails of Sweetbrier is a delightful read made that much more special because it is true. Anyone who reads it will be inspired to keep persisting with that dream, even when others say it’s impossible. A truly motivational read.

Author – Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
http://childrensbookswithlifelessons.com/
Non-fiction – motivational, biography, children’s
In my library – as an eBook, yes!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“The horse symbolises the primeval forces of chaos, intense desire, swiftness and determination.” – Author unknown

Now I love a horse story that will teach you at the same time as entertain. This one is teaching about horse conformation on the first page – big plus in my book!

Jake Miller is a 24 year old Amish man working an apprenticeship as a farrier. He has big dreams to set up his own smithing shop in the future, whilst also working to help people with problem horses.

The Amish Blacksmith has a great mix of characters, reference to the Christian faith and of course, horses. If you’re into Christian romances, I’d highly recommend this one. The people are honest and flawed, but also humble, which is refreshing.

The two main horsey characters Jake and Priscilla have incredibly different outlooks on how a horse views the world, and yet both want the best for each equine they come into contact with. Both have valid reasons for why they interact with horses as they do and it’s interesting to see how the pair often disagree, and yet their knowledge complements each other’s.

Jake has a way with horses and this is obvious to many, but it’s Priscilla’s insights that often help him to find a solution to curing a horse of it’s fear. The Amish Blacksmith is an interesting read and provides factual and realistic information alongside a great plot for a romance. Highly recommended.

Authors – Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19501621-the-amish-blacksmith
Fiction – Christian romance
In my library – Unfortunately not!  This was an electronic copy on short term loan from NetGalley.
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization we will find the hoof print of the horse beside it.” – John Trotwood Moore