Some people don’t like to read. Luckily if you’re born with a passion for horses, you don’t mind it as long as someone’s saddling up. We all grew up with classics such as Marguerite Henry’s books, The Black Stallion, Pony Pals, The Saddle Club, Thoroughbred, Heartland and Canterwood Crest series. The list goes on. However I’ve looked through my bookshelf and compiled a short list of lesser-known horsey books you should all definitely have a look at.

No Small Thing by Natale Ghent

It’s a story about three siblings who discover an ad for a free pony in their local newspaper. Unfortunately things are tight at home so it’s up to them to figure out a way to keep the pony. Definitely a page turner that will tug your heart strings. It’s also one you can read to the kids at night.

Megiddo’s Shadow by Arthur Slade

After learning of his brother’s death, a sixteen year old boy named Edward enlists in the Canadian army and joins the mounted troops. The story follows his journey as he navigates the terrors of World War I with his horse by his side. Another great work of fiction written by a talented Canadian author.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

This is the second book by the author following the critical success of her first book, The Glass Castle (also highly recommended). It’s a true story about the author’s grandmother; depicting her life from breaking horses at the age of six to running a ranch with her husband later on in life; all while battling floods, tornadoes and the Great Depression.


Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley

A New York Times best seller and another page turner. Warning from now, a) you’ll need a map to keep track of all the characters and b) there are some risque parts. Nevertheless it’s a great story about several characters and their trials in surviving the horse racing world. You can even share it with your not-as-horsey friends since it’s a story about human perseverance everyone can understand and appreciate.