Best Horse Book Reads
Three years ago, I committed to reading more books in the equestrian genre. To date, I have read over 153 books – including 75 in the middle grade reader category! When I added them all up this morning, I was pleasantly surprised. In honor of May 10th, Buy a Horse Book Day, I wanted to share a few of my favorite reads over the past three years.
Jody Jaffe
The praise from David Handler, says it best: “Think Mr. Ed meets Agatha Christie. ‘Commander Speaks’ is a funny who-done-it straight from the horse’s mouth.”
The truth is, while Commander Speaks is funny and a mystery, it is also a hard book to read, especially in light of some heavy topics it tackles, such as illegally drugging horses and a trainer who preys on young girls. These are important topics that need to be addressed and not shoved under the rug.
Recommended Reading Age – 18+
Jay Ann Foley
Georgie Wright is frustrated in her career as a jockey – while her boyfriend’s career is skyrocketing. When she’s accused of hurting one of the horses she rides, she slinks away to a horse farm tucked far away in a moor on the English countryside. She finds herself working with a horse, with the unlikely name of The Misfit, that could be ticket to her dreams.
Recommended Reading Age – 18+
Cressida Burton
This six-book series (with more to come) is a great series of stories that follows Paige Buchanan, who wins a scholarship to attend Ravensbay Boarding School and Equestrian Academy. Filled with dynamic characters and horses we all dream about, the Ravensbay series will delight readers, young and old – especially those of us who have always wanted to ride a blue roan Quarter Horse.
Recommended Reading Age – 8+
Even if it Breaks Your Heart
Erin Hahn
Some books have a way of staying with you long after you read them. It’s been over a year since I read this book and I still think about it. I wonder if I will ever write something as good as this one! If you enjoy books about horses, following your dreams, and true love pick this one up!
Nineteen-year-old Clay has been spinning out since the death of his best friend, and a list of things Walker leaves behind for Clay to do has him waking up to living again, and where dreams can lead so long as you have the courage to grab them and hold tight with both hands.
Recommended Reading Age – 15+
The Phantom Stallion – The Wild One (Book 1)
Terri Farley
I was introduced to this series after a chance meeting with the author Terri Farley. Not only is the story engaging and the characters well written, I love the chance to read a book that captures the essence of the west. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading about show jumping, hunter, but there is something about the essence of the west that Farley captures perfectly.
Thirteen-year-old Samantha returns to her family’s ranch in Nevada after being away for two years, recovering from a fall from her beloved Mustang, Blackie. She must decide if she’s ready to be a real cowgirl and save a beautiful wild stallion or not.
Recommended Reading Age: 8+
