31 books that pony-mad children of all ages will enjoy
Including some of our personal favourites
A young horse lover’s life is not complete without a selection of the best horse books for children on their bookshelf. The best horse books are great gifts for horsey children as they’ll be read again and again.
At Horse & Hound, we all have such fond memories of flicking through our favourite horsey books and they definitely played their part in fuelling our lifelong love of horses. If you’re looking for a book to gift a pony-mad child, here’s a selection of stories and fact books that are definitely worth a spot on their shelf.
To help you find the right book, we’ve split them into approximate age categories. Jump to…
Best horse books for children under five years old
That’s not my pony…
Author: Fiona Watt
Published: 2007
Reading age: 1–3 years
Meet five friendly ponies in this charming addition to the much-loved That’s not my… series. They have bold illustrations, patches to stroke, and a mouse to spot on every page – all designed to develop sensory and language awareness.
View now at amazon.co.uk
My First Shetland Pony
Author: Melanie Mitchell
Published: 2024
Reading age: 1–3 years
Dive into the colourful world of Rosie the Shetland pony with this uniquely shaped and sturdy board book. Young readers will delight in getting to know Rosie, who loves splashing, showjumping, and especially hugs and her friends! She’s not a fan, however, of loud noises or tangles in her mane.
Packed with bright, dynamic illustrations and engaging details, this book offers a fun reading experience for little ones.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Hairy Pony’s Christmas Party
Author: Emma Jane McCue
Published: 2021
Reading age: 3–12 years
A seasonal children’s story that follows a lonely pony who feels he doesn’t quite fit in. With some help and encouragement from kind friends big and small, others see the error of their ways, and so his wish to feel included comes true – right in time for Christmas!
H&H’s Sarah Jenkins says: “Perfect for an early Christmas gift to read on Christmas Eve, this book is one that will be chosen at bedtime year after year.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
A Horse Called Now
Author: Ruth Doyle
Published: 2024
Reading age: 3–6 years
A calm and reassuring story about overcoming worries and living in the present moment, with beautiful artwork from Alexandra Finkeldey.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Pebble The Pony
Author: Benedict Blathwayt
Published: 2024
Reading age: 4–7 years
Pebble lives on a wild and lonely moor. He loves the holidaymakers who come up from the town – especially when they bring picnics and feed him their leftovers! One day he goes to explore the town for himself; he is rescued by an old lady and led safely back to the moor – and they soon become friends.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Unicorn Who Came To Breakfast
Author: Emma Adams
Published: 2022
Reading age: 2–6 years
From bestselling author and illustrator duo, Emma Adams and Mike Byrne, comes this laugh-out-loud picture book about one especially excitable unicorn. When a unicorn comes to visit on a grey and rainy day, a little child and their dad cannot believe their eyes.
View now at amazon.co.uk
JoJo’s Jump
Author: Stephanie Mason
Published: 2021
The time has come for JoJo to put her best hoof forward and try her first jump. With the support of her friends, she is reminded to believe in herself.
H&H’s Jennifer Donald says: “This book is ideal for young children, conveys a powerful and inspiring message, and is written with a lovely lilt.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Best horse books for children aged five to 10 years old
Hello, Horse
Author: Vivian French
Published: 2018
Reading age: 5–7 years
From much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner comes a charming new story about horses. Hello, Horse gently introduces young children to a friendly bay mare, and offers encouragement to those unfamiliar with horses.
It is packed with practical tips, such as the right way to offer a carrot, and also covers their behaviour. This book creates a warm and witty introduction to horses… from the safety of the page.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Ned Gets Worried
Author: Suzi Lewis-Barned
Published: 2020
This charming story has a gentle message about children’s natural anxieties explored through the eyes of a pony and a horse.
H&H’s Jennifer Donald says: “My son enjoys the story tremendously on face value, but dig a bit deeper and it’s a great catalyst for discussing childhood fears and anxieties with little ones.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Harlow’s Ponies: Panda the Perfect Pony
Author: Janet Rising
Published: 2025
The fourth book in Harlow’s book series (following Popcorn The Golden Pony, Cloudy The Racing Shetland and Rolo The Show Pony). Harlow White is one of UK’s most successful young equestrian influencers. The story includes the highs and lows, successes and failures of how Panda fills Harlow’s life with fun, laughter and plenty of hard work.
If you’re shopping for a Harlow fan, check out our guide to Harlow White merch.
View now at amazon.co.uk
All Things Ponies & Horses For Kids
Author: Animal Reads
Published: 2022
Reading age: 6+years
This colourful book filled with pictures aims to combine fun with education to help young pony lovers learn all about horses.
View now at amazon.co.uk
War Horse Picture Book
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Published: 2020
Reading age: 4–8 years
This is an adaptation of the much-loved novel War Horse for a younger audience. It tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse and is a gateway to help children understand the history of the First World War.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Racehorse Who Learned To Dance
Author: Claire Balding
Published: 2020
Reading age: 7–9 years
This is the third instalment of Charlie Bass and her accidentally purchased racehorse (following The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop and The Racehorse Who Disappeared) and they are facing their greatest challenge yet.
Charlie’s friend Polly is recovering from an accident that left her almost paralysed but they are determined to find a way to make Polly’s equestrian dreams come true.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Pippa’s Pony Tales: Magic Spirit The Dream Horse
Author: Pippa Funnell
Published: 2023
Reading age: 8+ years
It’s the first in an 18-book series, written by three-time Olympic medallist and Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell, so there are plenty of adventures to read about, and new horses to meet.
Pippa hopes these stories will keep inspiring youngsters to follow their dreams and will give them a valuable insight into the responsibilities needed for looking after, riding and caring for our four legged friends. There are lots of practical tips throughout the story and real pony facts.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Snow Foal
Author: Susanna Bailey
Published: 2019
Reading age: 3–12 years
When 11-year-old Addie goes to stay with a foster family on a remote Exmoor farm in the midst of a very cold winter, she is full of hurt, anger and a deep mistrust of everyone around her. Until one day, when she rescues a tiny wild foal from the moorland snow and Addie discovers that perhaps she’s not so alone after all.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Atlas of Horses and Ponies
Author: Frances Evans
Published: 2025
Reading age: 6–8 years
Take a wild ride into the world of horses and ponies with this awesome atlas of more than 100 incredible breeds from across the continents. Packed full of illustrations, marvellous maps and fascinating facts. It’s a must read for budding equestrians.
View now at amazon.co.uk
A Foal Called Storm
Author: Helen Peters
Published: 2021
Reading age: 7–10 years
A perfect animal story for younger readers. Jasmine’s dad is a farmer and her mum is a vet so she gets to spend a lot of time caring for animals. Jasmine finds a lost foal who has hurt its legs. The race is on to reunite the foal with her mother.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Best horse books for children over 10
The Pony Whisperer
Author: Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill
Published: 2025
Reading age: 8–12 years
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
This is the fourth book in The Starlight Stables Gang (SSG) series (following The Starlight Stables Gang, Jessie and the Star Rider and Ellie and the Pony Camp Mystery), written by superstar equestrian influencer and YouTuber Esme Higgs in collaboration with award-winning author Jo Cotterill. Perfect for 8-12 year olds.
H&H’s Martha Terry has written a full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Pony Club’s Manual Of Horsemanship (14th ed.)
Author: The Pony Club
Published: 2012
First published in 1950, the current 14th edition is as relevant now as each and every one of its predecessors were.
H&H’s Georgia Guerin says: “This was my go-to when I was learning about horses. For young horse lovers looking for an all-round reference book, it’s still hard to beat.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Granny National
Author: Rachael Blackmore
Published: 2025
Reading age: 9–12 years
Written by the Grand National winning Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore. The story is about a granny, who dreams of being a jockey, and her four friends who hatch a plan to try to make it happen.
The gang must come together for “Operation Granny National”, but will they pull it off? And what happens when everyone finds out what they’ve done? There’s bound to be big trouble ahead! The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by Tom Snape, bringing the horses and Granny to life.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Jill & The Lost Ponies
Author: Jane Badger
Published: 2020
This book picks up from where the series left off in the 1950s. H&H’s Eleanor Jones says: “A great read for fans of the original series, but also for pony-loving children who are yet to discover Jill.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Finding Wonder
Author: Lauren St John
Published: 2023
Reading age: 9–12 years
A superbly told adventure story with a rich plot and engaging characters.
H&H’s Martha Terry says: “I found it completely enthralling. As in all great detective stories, you never quite know whom to trust, and how the mystery will unravel.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Pocket Eyewitness Horses: Facts at Your Fingertips
Author: DK
Published: 2018
Reading age: 9–12 years
Packed with amazing stats, helpful photographs and genius facts, this book will tell the reader everything they need to know about horses in a handy pocket-sized guide.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Christmas Tales From the Farm
Author: Amanda Owen
Published: 2025
Reading age: 7–11 years
Amanda Owen, also known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess, and her family welcome you to Ravenseat Farm at Christmas. This heartwarming collection of festive stories is inspired by all the countryside characters – both two-legged and four – you’ll find on and around the farm.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm
Author: Charlie Mackesy
Published: 2025
The hugely anticipated new book from Charlie Mackesy, revisiting the much-loved world of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. This book follows Charlie and his unlikely friends, wandering through the wilds again. The heart-warming story explores thoughts and feelings, and is full of wonderful artwork.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Complete Book of Horses
Author: Debby Sly, Sarah Muir and Judith Draper
Published: 2018
This book, in a new large format, is an invaluable guide to every aspect of horsemanship, with a fully illustrated directory of breeds of the world, step-by-step instructions on how to ride, and information about specialist equipment for both horse and rider.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Sunshine Stables: Poppy and the Perfect Pony
Author: Olivia Tuffin
Published: 2021
Reading age: 7–10 years
Written by the same author as the popular A Pony Called Secret and The Palamino Pony series, this series tells the stories of different girls and the ponies they are paired with during their stay at pony club.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Gallop! 100 Facts
Author: Kitson Jazynka
Published: 2018
Packed with weird-but-true facts and tons of horsey info, this book gallops right into the world of horses – from wild ponies and superstar racers to the shared history of humans and horses.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Globetrotter: Meriden Travels The World
Author: Claire Wilby
Published: 2021
Reading age: 6–14 years
This is the story of a globetrotting horse about friendship, travel and cultural insights – and of course, a fabulous horse! Based on the travels of a real horse, the book takes you on a journey with Meridien to foreign lands. You will meet the friends he makes along the way and share in his experiences of different cultures. Saddle up and enjoy the globe trot!
H&H’s Sarah Jenkins says: “This book will delight young horse and pony enthusiasts whether they are already competent readers themselves or enjoy a bedtime story.” Read her full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Horse Care, Riding and Training for Kids
Author: Elaine Heney
Published: 2022
Reading age: 6–11 years
Enjoy this ‘Listening to the Horse’ inspired children’s equestrian book, packed full of body language, behaviour, horse health, grooming, feeding, safety, tack, groundwork and riding tips for the young rider. Perfect for children who love horses and ponies and want to learn more.
View now at amazon.co.uk
The Horse Dreamer
Author: Holly SurplicePublished: 2025 Reading age: 9–12 years
The horse arrives in the storm, when Merryn needs him most, following the loss of her father. Sorrel is a dreamlike creature, seemingly made from the woods and the sea. Perhaps she wished him into existence.
View now at amazon.co.uk
You might also be interested in:
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.