6 amazing horse adventures

When I was a child, I loved pony books. Although I was lucky enough to ride and see horses and ponies all around me, I used to love falling into the world of ponies through stories. Paddock Grove is my new equestrian boarding adventure series, and it’s really a dream come true being able to create these stories. I hope that every reader can see themselves in it and fall in love with the group of friends at Paddock Grove. It’s important that the world of horses is accessible to all, taking readers on fun, incredible journeys. Here’s a variety of horse books, and I hope there’s a choice for everyone. 

City of Horses by Frances Moloney 

Thirteen-year-old Misty’s world changes when her dad loses his job and they must relocate to a place where ponies roam free through the estate. I absolutely love Frances’ writing – she’s created such a wonderful heartfelt story, and she tackles big themes both beautifully and sensitively, with the perfect blend of the timeless magic of horses that can transform everything. 

Lauren St John is such a magical author, and she proves it with this brilliant story. It’s so fantastically written and full of adventure you feel like you’re actually there. I love how Lauren’s knowledge of horses shines through, and she grabs the reader’s heart, creating a brilliant character in our main girl, Roo. Mystery and horses, what’s not to love! 

I was lucky enough to read this before it was published, and I immediately fell in love with it. This is such a stunning novel and Maria has created something really special. The story takes us on an epic journey across New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape with twelve-year-old Folly, who’s grieving her mother and angry at her father. I love how Maria captures that special bond between girl and pony, and I’m sure anyone who reads this will fall in love with Tooth! This is a thrilling survival story, with a tender look at grief, loss and healing. 

The Grimmelings by Rachael King 

“The same evening Josh Underhill went missing, the black horse appeared on the hill above the house” – when I read that line, I knew I had to read the book! Rachael is such a gifted writer, and she weaves mystery, horses and magic into something absolutely electrifying. Rachael builds tension so well and builds a world that crackles with tension and draws the reader right in. 

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell 

No collection of horse books is complete without this timeless classic. More than just a story though, Black Beauty was totally revolutionary. Sewell’s powerful narrative from the horse’s perspective, written to open readers’ eyes to animal suffering, sparked debate and real change in how horses were treated back in the day. Incredible. The book follows Beauty through different homes, from kindness to cruelty, along with friendships and hope. A vital read of how life used to be and how Anna wrote this book, which was her first and only published work, helping horses in the UK. 

I couldn’t resist including my own tribute to Britain’s unsung heroes: the pit ponies. I’m so passionate about their stories being told and heard. Set in 1950s Yorkshire, Birdie follows a mixed-race girl sent to live with her great-aunt, where she befriends the village’s last remaining pit pony, Mr Duke. Through Birdie’s eyes, we see how horses can become unexpected allies when human friendships feel impossible. It’s my homage to those brave little ponies who worked underground. 

Each of these books offers something different, but they all share that wonderful bond between humans and horses. 

The Paddock Grove series by J.P. Rose is out now.