Horse stories Horse storiesW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

We all know the situation. The odds are well and truly (and unfairly) stacked against you and your one-in-a-million horse. As the competition edges further ahead, all is lost, and your hopes and dreams are fading away with the sunset. But just when you think your beloved steed is spent, it’s mighty heart pumps up a gear and it surges forward, unflinching and undaunted.

Horse stories National velvet

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Enid Bagnold F BAG

The most famous and loved racing story of all time. National Velvet is a classic tale of dreams, ambition and one girl's belief in a horse. 'Velvet'll sit on a horse like a shadow and breathe her soul into it... I never seen such a creature on a horse.' Velvet is mad about horses. When she wins a horse in a raffle, she knows he's something special. His heart is as big as the five-foot fences he jumps, and he'll do anything for Velvet. Soon, she and her friend Mi have their sights set on the biggest race in England. But can a girl win the Grand National?

Horse stories The girl who rode the windW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Stacy Gregg F GRE

When Lola's grandmother Loretta takes her to Siena, Italy, for the summer, Lola learns of her family's history of heartbreak and adventure, stretching back to the Second World War. In 1945, Loretta's nickname was `The Daredevil' due to her fearless competing in the town's famous Palio horse races - until war broke out and led to sadness and loss for Loretta. Lola jumps at the chance to enter the modern-day Palio on a beautiful horse called Nico - can she win, in honour of her beloved grandmother?

Horse stories Mystic and the midnight ride

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Stacy Gregg F GRE

Issie loves horses more than anything! And she especially loves her pony Mystic at Chevalier Point Pony Club. So, when the unthinkable happens, Issie is devastated.

When her instructor asks her to care for Blaze, an abandoned pony, Issie's riding skills are really put to the test. Will she tame the spirited new horse Blaze? And can Mystic somehow return to help her...

First book in thePony Club secrets

series.

Horse stories My friend FlickaW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Mary O’Hara F OHA

Ken was entranced to watch Flicka - the speed of her, the power, the wildness - she led the band. Ken loves riding on the ranch in Wyoming. All he wants is a colt of his very own. Horses are the family's livelihood, and Dad can't afford to waste a valuable animal on a dreamer like Ken. Will Ken ever get to own the horse of his dreams?

First book in theFlicka series.

Horse stories The black stallion

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Walter Farley F FAR

The sole survivors of a devastating shipwreck, Alec Ramsay and the Black Stallion must learn to rely on each other to survive. As a strong bond develops between them, Alec gains the trust of the magnificent beast and eventually the Black allows Alec to ride. Finally, they are rescued, but will Alec and the Black be allowed to stay together?

First book in Theblack stallion series.

Horse stories War horseW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Michael Morpurgo F MOR

In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope.

But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

First book in theWar horse series.

Horse stories Black Beauty

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Anna Sewell F SEW

Black Beauty is the prettiest young horse in the meadows and spends many happy days under the apple trees with his friends Ginger and Merrylegs. But this easy life comes to an end when Beauty is sold and goes from farm to inn to cabhorse in London, enduring rough treatment from foolish and careless masters. Beauty remains faithful, hardworking and full of spirit despite his trials, and through him we learn that all horses and humans alike deserve to be treated with kindness.

Horse stories I am the great horseW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Katherine Roberts F ROB

From the moment the battle-scarred horse Bucephalas, allows a prince and a runaway girl to sit on his back, he is bound to them for ever. The prince is the young Alexander, who he proudly carries into battle, blazing a trail to the very edge of the world in his master's search for glory and adventure. The girl, Charm, is a lowly stable girl, who brushes away the ghosts Bucephalas sees and forgives his arrogant ways. But unlike the golden Alexander, Charm has darker reasons to stay by his side.

Horse stories The quicksand pony

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Alison Lester F LES

'Biddy, I'm sorry, we're going to have to leave her.'

'What?' Biddy struggled out of the quicksand. 'You can't leave her! The tide's coming in. She'll drown!'

But the pony is trapped, and Biddy is forced to go on without her. Next day the only signs of Bella are hoofprints in the sand with small footprints and the paw marks of a dog. Who could be so small and be alone on this remote beach?

Horse stories The silver brumbyW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Elyne Mitchell F MIT

A silver brumby is special but he will be hunted by man and horse alike, and must be stronger than both...

Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, is king of the brumbies. He will defend his herd from the mighty horse, The Brolga, in the most savage of struggles. But The Brolga is not the only danger - Thowra needs all his speed and cunning to save the herd from capture by man. In a desperate chase through the mountains, it seems there is no longer anywhere for him to run to...

First book in Thesilver brumby series.

Horse stories Loyal creatures

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Morris Gleitzman F GLE

Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank is keen to join up and do his bit. Especially as a chest full of medals might impress the parents of his childhood sweetheart. So, Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad.

In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.

Horse stories Fire ponyW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Rodman Philbrick F PHI

Everybody is welcome at the Bar None ranch, and to Roy and his big brother Joe, it seems like the ideal place to escape their past. Joe has a special way with horses and it soon becomes obvious that Roy takes after his brother when he breaks in the wild pony Lady Luck. But Joe also has a way with fire, a secret passion that Roy fears, because if Joe can't keep control, it could send their new life up in smoke.

Horse stories Charlotte and the starlet

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Dave Warner F WAR

Charlotte is a natural horseperson, and has the chance to try out for the Junior Olympic Equestrian Squad! But the academy head already disapproves of her, and Charlotte's roommates aren't above playing dirty tricks to get ahead. Then Charlotte meets the horse she'll be riding in the try-outs... Leila is a movie star horse with a diva attitude. But Leila gets the shock of her life when she's kidnapped and ends up at a girls' riding academy in Australia. Her only way back to Hollywood is to reveal her big secret to her rider - yes, Leila can talk.

First book in theCharlotte and the

starlet series.

Horse stories Nobody's horseW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Jane Smiley F SMI

Abby has always been more at ease with horses than with people. Her father insists they call all the mares "Jewel" and all the geldings "George" and warns Abby not to get attached: the horses are there to be sold. But with all the stress at school and home, Abby seeks refuge with the Georges and the Jewels. But there's one gelding on that gives her no end of trouble: the horse who won't meet her gaze, the horse who bucks her right off every chance he gets, the horse her father makes her ride and train, every day. She calls him the Ornery George.

First book in theAbby and her horses

series.

Horse stories Flambards

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By K.M. Peyton F PEY

When Christina is sent to live in the grand country house, Flambards, she doesn't know what to expect. Once there, she meets two young men, Mark and Will, trying to cope with their bad-tempered father. She also discovers a passion for horse-riding and a love for life in the country. As time goes by Christina begins to embrace her new life and all the social engagements that it involves, but with both brothers vying for her attention Christina knows it's just a matter of time before she has to choose…

First book in theFlambards series.

Horse stories The swallow taleW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By K.M. Peyton F PEY

Rowan is desperate for a horse of her own - so when her father narrowly misses colliding with a dark, beautiful stray, she feels he was always supposed to be hers.

First book in theHigh horse series.

Horse stories Minna's quest

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By K.M. Peyton F PEY

Strong-willed Minna is just a blacksmith's daughter, yet she raises a sickly abandoned foal to become the pride of the Roman cavalry.

When her fort is threatened by bloodthirsty pirates, the fate of her people depends on Minna and her beloved horse, as they set out on an impossible journey to fetch help.

First book in theRoman pony series.

Horse stories The snow ponyW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Alison Lester F LES

Three years of drought have reduced the Rileys’ farm to a dirt patch and strained the family to the breaking point. Dusty’s only consolation is her wild and beautiful horse, the Snow Pony. Together they seem unstoppable. But when sudden violence erupts during a trip up to the mountains, Dusty and her horse find themselves tested as never before.

Horse stories I rode a horse of milk white jade

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Diane Wilson F WIL

When Oyuna was a baby, a horse accidentally crushed her foot, cursing her family with bad luck.

Oyuna vows to restore good fortune to her family - but how?

Horse stories The horse who bit a bushranger

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Jackie French F FRE

Billy Marks, a pickpocket, transported to the penal colony of New South Wales, chooses to become a bushranger. When he buys a brumby stallion, covered with scars but refusing to bend to any man's will, he knows he made the right choice. Billy's daughter Mattie Jane thinks her father can ride any horse who ever lived ... and so can she! But when tragedy strikes, the Marks clan, including Mattie and her beloved horse, Rebel Yell, will need all the courage they can find to keep the family together.

Horse stories Mrs Whitlam

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Bruce Pascoe F PAS

Marnie can ride but she doesn’t have a horse. She is gifted Mrs Margaret ‘Maggie’ Whitlam, a beautiful, big Clydesdale – bold, fearless and able to jump anything. From the very first ride, Marnie and Maggie get more adventure than they bargained for. Soon Marnie is learning to negotiate newfound friendships, pony club and how to stand up for what she believes in. Will her friendship with George, another outsider, make being accepted harder? Or will being true to yourself be the hardest decision Marnie makes?

Horse stories Diamond spiritW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Karen Wood F WOO

At the start of the summer holidays, the unthinkable happens when Jess's beloved pony Diamond has a terrible accident. Why won't Shara, Jess's closest friend, tell her what happened down on the river flats that day? Jess suspects the worst, and feels as though she's lost not just one best friend, but two. But new friends and new horses come into Jess's life, along with the chance to compete in the Longwood campdraft. And there's one little filly who needs her help... Can Walkabout heal Jess's broken heart in return?

First book in theDiamond Spirit series.

Horse stories The horse road

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Troon Harrison F HAR

Kallisto loves her horses. She is an excellent horsewoman, as she has been taught all her equestrian skills by her nomad mother. One day she is returning from racing her horses when she sees from a mountain pass that the Chinese army is approaching her city - clearly planning to steal their horses! She races back home to find a deserted city and her favourite horse, Swan, taken by the Chinese, along with all the other horses. Kallisto is determined to get the horses back for her city, including her beloved Swan.

Horse stories For sale or swapW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Alyssa Brugman F BRU

For sale or swap. Eye-catching brown pony. Fully educated. Royal quality. Consider swap for beginner's mount. Shelby is convinced her reliable but ugly pony, Blue, is holding her back at Pony Club. If only she had a beautiful horse, everyone would see what a great rider she is. But how can Shelby buy a new horse when her parents can't even afford to pay her Pony Club fees? When she sees an ad for an eye-catching brown pony for sale or swap, Shelby thinks she's found the answer to all her problems.

First book in theFor sale or swap

series.

Horse stories A horse called Hero

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Sam Angus F ANG

It is 1940. As the war escalates and London becomes a target for German bombs, Dodo and her little brother Wolfie are evacuated to the country, away from everything they know. After weeks of homesick loneliness, they come across an orphaned foal. They name him Hero for surviving against the odds and together they raise him, train him, and learn to ride. Their days are suddenly full of life and excitement again, but the shadow of war looms over their peaceful existence, and soon Hero must live up to his name..

Horse stories A horse for AngelW

ildfe

ll re

adin

g gu

ides

- N

ina

Cron

e Li

brar

y

By Sarah Lean F LEA

Sometimes when things are broken you can't fix them on your own – no matter how hard you try.

When Nell is sent to stay with distant family, she packs a suitcase full of secrets. A chance encounter with a wild horse draws Nell to Angel – a mysterious, troubled girl who is hiding secrets of her own. Both girls must learn to trust each other, if they are to save a hundred horses…

Horse stories The Phar Lap mystery

Wild

fell

read

ing

guid

es -

Nin

a Cr

one

Libr

ary

By Sophie Masson F MYA

Phar Lap is not only a winner, he is a real star. Millions of Australians love him. But that's not enough for Mr Davis. He wants to make Big Red into a world star. Sally's dad is a private detective, and he's just been offered the case of a lifetime-investigating who tried to shoot Phar Lap before the 1930 Melbourne Cup.Helping her dad investigate, Sally begins to feel a sense of mounting dread as Phar Lap goes from victory to victory-and collects not only millions of friends, but also some dangerous enemies.