Do you love horses and reading? So do we! That’s why we gathered up our top eight modern-day must-read horse books for young riders like you.
From mysteries to adventures, each novel is full of beautiful horses and dedicated riders. We also added a couple helpful non-fiction guides that encompass every equine topic, from behavior to breeds, to help you on your path to successful horsemanship.
Non-Fiction Horse Books
Horse Life: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Riding Horses for Kids by Robyn Smith
Whether or not you have your own horse or pony, Horse Life is the ultimate guide to get you started. It covers basic riding tips as well equine safety, behavior, health, tack, grooming, and breeds. Plus, you will learn all about what horses might be thinking and feeling, which will help you safely have fun and become a respectful rider. You won’t want to saddle up without this enjoyable, full-color book!
Available as paperback for $8.19 on amazon.com.
Listenology for Kids by Elaine Heney
No matter your age or experience level, Listenology is a great resource for all things equine body language, behavior, health, grooming, feeding, safety, tack, groundwork and riding! This book is based on the idea of listening to horses, being kind, and practicing good horsemanship—all important steps to becoming a respectful partner for any horse you might ride. Full of fun activities, helpful images, and easy-to-read chapters, you’ll love every page!
Available as paperback for $14.99 on amazon.com.
Modern Fiction Horse Books
Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan
A modern-day classic, Paint the Wind artfully weaves adventure, wild horses, and family together. You won’t be able to put this book down as you dream of the beautiful and rugged Wyoming landscape. The story begins as a Mustang mare, Artemisia, prepares to birth her foal, told from her perspective. Next, the narrative shifts to a young, sheltered girl named Maya, who moves from her grandmother’s house in California to Wyoming, where her mother’s family lives. Maya’s newly discovered family challenges her to confront the truth about herself. Meanwhile, the mysterious Artemisia holds the key to Maya’s freedom and true happiness.
Reading age 9-12 years (grade level 4-7). Available as paperback for $7.99 on amazon.com.
Liberty Biscuit by Melanie Sue Bowles
If you love animals more than anything, Liberty Biscuit is the perfect book for you. It features a young girl named Kip who finds a sweet, bedraggled donkey with one eye and a floppy ear. Even though her father doesn’t like animals, including horses, Kip convinces him to let the donkey stay. She ends up naming the donkey Liberty Biscuit (due to all the biscuits she lovingly feeds him). Kip soon adopts two more emaciated horses after finding out each of her new companions came from the same abusive owner. To save the animals Kip has grown so attached to, she must risk exposing a long-buried truth about her family and cause a hurt she has never known before.
Reading age 9-12 years (grade level 4-6). Available for $12.95 on horseandriderbooks.com.
The Island of Lost Horses by Stacy Gregg
Follow the epic story of two young girls living centuries apart yet connected by their love for horses. The Island of Lost Horses is full of adventure and real- life mystery on a remote Caribbean Island, where Beatriz stumbles across a wild mare with strange markings. Beatriz soon uncovers the incredible story of Felipa, who traveled from Spain to the New World to remain with her horse, Cara Blanca. The fates of Beatriz, Felipa, and their cherished horses become entwined as Beatriz realizes that the future of the world’s rarest horses rest on her shoulders.
Reading age 9-12 years (grade level 4-7). Available as paperback for $6.50 on amazon.com.
Crown Prince by Linda Snow McLoon
If you like an authentic and exciting story, you’ll enjoy the first book in the Brookmeade Young Riders series. Crown Prince follows a young rider named Sarah Wagner, who always dreamed of having her own horse. During her time at Brookmeade Farm, an eventing stable that specializes in off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), Sarah is eventually gifted a racetrack rogue, Crown Prince. Through her determination, Sarah must go against the odds and prove to her parents that this talented yet troublesome OTTB is the right match, all while preventing Crown Prince’s former owner from taking him back.
Reading age 12-14 years (grade level 6-9). Available for $9.95 on horseandriderbooks.com.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Embark on a spellbinding tale adapted from Celtic legend in The Scorpio Races. Perfect for adventure seekers, this unforgettable novel highlights a dangerous annual race where riders must attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to reach the finish line. Not every rider lives. “Puck” Connolly is the first girl to enter the competition, and she is determined to win. Sean Kendrick, a returning champion, shares Puck’s ambition, but there can only be one winner. Where will fate take them as they journey to where so few riders have gone before?
Reading age 13+ years (grade level 8-9). Available as paperback on $7.99 on amazon.com.
Red Rock Ranch: Lucy’s Chance by Brittney Joy
Looking for some mystery mixed with rodeos, ranch life, friendship, and wholesome romance? Red Rock Ranch: Lucy’s Chance is sure to take you on a remarkable ride! Lucy Rose is spending her first summer away from home. It doesn’t take long until she falls for both a troubled horse and a gentle cowboy named Casey. Although the local rodeo queen already has her spurs in him, Lucy has the opportunity to team up with Casey as they work together to save a mysterious wild black gelding. One problem: every step forward with the broken horse increases Lucy’s attachment to him and to Casey.
Reading age 13+ years (grade level 7-9). Available as paperback for $10.99 on amazon.com.
We know you can’t wait to add a new favorite book to your horse-filled collection on those winter days when the weather is too icy and snowy for a ride. Happy reading!
Note: Amazon pricing changes frequently; these prices were as of press time.
This article about must-read horse books appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
