Horse stories for girls ~ from a children's librarian & mother
Learning to ride and care for horses is a wonderful experience for so many children. A love for horses can be explored and enjoyed through stories when getting to the stable is not possible. Here are some suggestions for books about horses and their humans. First we will go through some classics then all the series I have come across as a librarian. The classics are read and enjoyed by both boys and girls but the series on this list were written mostly by women, for a female audience aged 8 - 16. Horse Diaries however would appeal to boys who enjoy historical fiction for children such as My Story, My Australian Story and Royal Diaries.
This is a simple list of cherished classics, for further details please check Common Sense Media, Booktopia, Amazon and any of the other wonderful lists of horse books that give summaries of the stories. Goodreads is not particularly good for reviews of classics or anything with religious characters.
Classics
- The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley
- Misty of Chinoteague & King of the Wind by Margueritte Henry
- National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
- Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
- The Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell
Series
The Saddle Club by Bonnie Bryant
Millennial mums need no introduction to Stevie, Lisa and Carole or their adventures at Pine Hollow. Aimed at girls aged 8 - 13 with mild themes such as friendship, family, horse health, thieves and accidents.
Pony Tails by Bonnie Bryant
For little sisters of The Saddle Club, Pony Tails is an early chapter book series following the Pony Club at Pine Hollow. Ages 6 - 8, very mild and highly entertaining.
Pony Pals by Jeanne Betancourt
The one and only Pony Pals. Lulu, Pam and Anna help care for the horses at Crandal Animal Clinic while growing in friendship and as equestrians. Ages 8 - 12.
Thoroughbred by Joanna Campbell
Ashleigh Griffen adjusts to her new life through helping a weak foal called Wonder. This series inspired a young Jessica Burkhart to write Canterwood Crest when she grew up.
Canterwood Crest by Jessica Burkhart
The first on our list to be set in a boarding school for talented riders. Canterwood Crest is best for middle grades, ages 12+ and blends boarding school, horses, female friendships and the challenges of growing up. "Mean girl" stereotypes do feature a little heavier than Veronica from Saddle Club, but at the middle school age exploring this through books can help girls process their own social circles. Set in the U.S.
Chestnut Hill by Lauren Brooke
A spin off of Heartland, Chestnut Hill is a boarding school in England for riders from around the world. Dylan Walsh navigates similar territory to Lauren at Canterwood Crest. Set in the U.K and written by a Welsh author (Both authors under the penname Lauren Brooke are from the UK), boys and dating feature from a younger age which does accurately reflect early secondary school life in the UK in the 2000s.
Heartland by Lauren Brooke
One of my favourites on this list. Heartland follows 15yr old Amy as she grows through immeasurable grief to develop her own skills as a horse healer and trainer at her mother's Heartland Ranch. Content warning; death of a single parent 3 chapters in to book one. It knocked the wind out of me. Fast paced and exciting series with a focus on animal rescue. Ages 12+. NSW Premier's Reading Challenge Yr7-9.
Horse Diaries by Catherine Hapka
16 book historical fiction series told from the horse's point of view. Much the same as Royal Diaries, Our Australian Girl and My Story historical fiction for children. Catherine Hapka has worked on other horse books as a ghost writer. Ages 8 - 12.
Series with Christian characters/mentions of God and grace
Dream Horse Adventures by Susan Count
Four book series. Book 1 follows 12yr old differently abled Mary who spends her time reading horse books and drawing the horses next door while dreaming of being a rider. Her dream starts to become a reality in an unexpected way upon rescuing a foal with a physical disability. Books 2-4 follow Selah then later hearing impaired Emma as they overcome family issues, moving, horse thieves and the strengths and limitations of their health.
Winnie the Horse Gentler by Dandi Daley Mackall
12yr old Winnie is similar to 15yr old Amy from Heartland. She is a natural horse trainer with her late mother's gift and is coming to terms with grief, family and growing up on her family's ranch.
Winnie makes a cameo via Pet Helpline emails in Starlight Animal Rescue.
Winnie the Early Years
For ages 6 - 8, Winnie is 8yrs old and is learning the art of horse gentling from her mother.
Starlight Animal Rescue by Dandi Daley Mackall
Four book series each focusing on a teen living at Starlight Animal Rescue. Through working with troubled animals, their foster parents' calm and patient love and a little faith, each child makes connections with animals that overcome their troubles and challenges.
Very light Christian content, I loved Book 1 about Dakota and would be happy handing this to a mature Year 6 up to a Year 9 reader.
Keystone Stables by Marsha Hubler
Similar to Starlight, Keystone is a ranch operating as a foster home only it is much more involved in the juvenile justice system. Keystone offers alternative pathways to teens facing charges and these books feature heavier content than Starlight.
Book 1 is a short 110 page story about a girl called Skye suitable for teens aged 13 - 17 with 20 pages of horse info and Bible verses for equestrians at the end.
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