THE FIVE: Best Horse Books
In real life, I've never ridden a horse. But in my imagination, spurred on by my obsession with horse books, I've trotted along a trail and galloped across the finish line ahead of my competition over and over again. So for those of you looking to lose yourself in some good horse books, here's five to check out:
5. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
This book is the autobiography of a horse throughout its lifetime — starting out on a farm in the country, moving on to pulling carriages in London (back before there were taxis for that), and finally retiring back to the country. Told from the horse's perspective, you see all the good and bad people who come into and out of this marvelous animal's life.
4. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Part of the Little House series, this book isn't strictly about horses. It's the story of Almanzo Wilder growing up on a farm in New York. But, Almanzo loves horses. And more than anything else, he wants a horse of his own to raise and train. All he needs to do is convince his father that he's ready for such a big responsibility.
3. The Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant
Some of you may recognize this name from the TV show on Discovery Kids, but The Saddle Club was a book series first. The Saddle Club is about three friends (Stevie, Lisa, and Carole) who take riding lessons at Pine Hollow Stables, and the books follow their horse-loving adventures.
2. Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan
The sole book on this list that features majestic wild horses, Paint the Wind tells the story of Maya. Maya lived an isolated life with her Grandmother (on her father's side) until she goes to live with her mother's family in Wyoming. Maya is overwhelmed by her family there and spends her time outside, forming a relationship with a wild horse named Artemisia. And if you like this book, make sure to check out our Q&A with author Pam Muñoz Ryan and her exclusive photos of wild horses.
1. Thoroughbred series by Joanna Cambell
The Thoroughbred series is all about racing and equestrianism at Townsend Acres farm, where they breed and race thoroughbred horses. There are several narrators throughout the course of the series, but the main three are Ashleigh Griffin, Samantha McLean, and Cindy McLean. All three of these girls fight for the horses they love as they train them and race them to championships.
Happy reading (and dream riding!)
— Carly H., STACKS Staffer
in real life i have riden a hourse and it scared the living daylights out of me i literly went uncontios
Comment #1 | Posted by: catlover225 on May 12, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Good choices! Read them all. Liked them all.
Comment #2 | Posted by: READ on May 13, 2009 at 09:05 PM
that is not so funny
Comment #3 | Posted by: uw23 on May 14, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Those are all REALLY awesome books!
Comment #4 | Posted by: Meggietwin on May 15, 2009 at 09:48 PM
so luv horses and these books r gr8 read them if u haven't already!!
Comment #5 | Posted by: fanan on May 21, 2009 at 12:57 PM
paint the wind is such a good book before I thought I would dread but I really like it:)
Comment #6 | Posted by: ava on March 13, 2010 at 06:50 AM
Paint the Wind really surprised me! It was amazing! Check out the Canterwood Crest Series it was really good!
Comment #7 | Posted by: Horselover on July 01, 2010 at 06:24 PM
Surely War Horse is missing from this list.
Comment #8 | Posted by: Niamh on January 21, 2012 at 02:00 PM
I loveeeeeeeeeeee Farmer Boy! Me and my bff were doing a project about it!
Comment #9 | Posted by: AmazingAthena69 on June 15, 2012 at 07:00 PM
black beauty is a really good book i enjoyed it ALOT
Comment #10 | Posted by: abby on April 17, 2013 at 06:02 PM