11 Books for the Horse-Obsessed

The Princess and the Pony, by Kate Beaton
This tale illustrates a spirit of adventure and overcoming differences. When Pinecone, a princess, wants a warrior horse for her birthday and winds up with a pony, she has to overcome her expectations and learn to make peace. An unexpected take on a princess story for your little princess or prince. Beware: farts are involved.

B is for Buckaroo, by Louise Doak Whitney
Now your little ones can learn the alphabet in a Wild West kind of way. Letters A through Z are presented to relate to a cowboy and ranch way of life. “A” is definitely not for “apple” in this book, and by the time your cowpoke gets to the last letter, they will be a certified ranch hand.

Robert the Rose Horse, by Joan Heilbroner
A classic tale about a city horse who is allergic to flowers, this 1960’s book will appeal to anyone who loves Dr. Seuss. Beautifully illustrated and filled with laughs from your little one, this book will leave your child saying, “Bless you!” and you saying, “Bless this book.”

Noni the Poni, by Alison Lester
This story uses simple rhymes and soft graphics to present the day-to-day life of a happy pony who is friends with a dog and a cat. It’s a great bedtime read, and perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners. Just released is the follow-up to this bestseller, Noni the Pony Goes to the Beach.

Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse, by Rebecca Janni
Little girls dreaming of their very own horse will love this tale of Nellie Sue, a “cowgirl from head to toe.” For her birthday, she prepares herself and her house for the arrival of a horse, but when the horse turns out to be a bicycle, Nellie Sue has to overcome her disappointment and use her imagination. A great tale for those urban-dwelling horse lovers out there.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, by Erica Silverman
The first of five in an easy reader series, this award-winning book is a great introduction to life with a feisty horse, through the eyes of cowgirl Kate. Bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books, the watercolor illustrations and short chapters also make this a good bedtime story for younger kids.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume One, by Kate DiCamillo
A spin off from the Mercy Watson books, this new series tells the tale of Leroy Ninker and his new horse, Maybelline. Saddling up is new to Leroy and he has to learn the ins and outs of taking care of a horse, and disaster ensues. First and second graders will love this story, especially if they are familiar with Deckawoo Drive.

The Black Stallion, by Anna Sewell
A literary classic sure to grace many reading lists this coming school year, this book is a moving tale of a horse’s life at the hands of many different owners. Suitable for middle grade readers, this book will appeal to all animal lovers, while also exposing your child to many different social and economic conditions.

Riding Freedom, by Pam Munoz Ryan
A fictionalized biography and a tale of strength, determination, and defying odds, Riding Freedom tells the inspiring story of famed rancher and stagecoach driver Charley Parkhurst (born Charlotte Parkhurst), who lived in the mid 1800’s. Suitable for middle grade readers, this is a historical book as well as a great story for horse devotees and kids interested in ranch life.

Keeping Secrets: Timber Ridge Riders (Book 1), by Maggie Dana
Older readers will appreciate the drama (and the horses) in this book. The first of a sizable equine series, Keeping Secrets tells the story of 14 year old Kate McGregor, who is haunted by a dark secret in her past, which has come between her and the horses she loves. Can she keep it from her new best friend Holly—or the local bully, who would use it against her? With memorable characters, fast-paced drama, and heaps of horses, riding, and competition, this is the perfect pick for your horse loving tweens and teens.

For Horse-Crazy Girls Only: Everything You Want to Know About Horses, by Christina Wilsdon
Much like the title suggests, this book is for the little girl in your life who simply cannot live without knowing everything about horses. Quizzes, lists, facts, and fun ideas will inspire your horse-crazy girl and have herbegging to muck stalls in the very near future. Horse obsession ensues within these pages!
What are your favorite books about horses?