10 books that pony-mad children will enjoy

A young horse lover’s life is not complete without a selection of the best horse books for children on their bookshelf. Books are great gifts for children as they’ll be read again and again – 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 stories and fact books that are definitely worth a spot on their shelf.

Best horse books for children

Jill and the Lost Ponies

Author: Jane Badger
Published: 2020
Available as paperback or Kindle edition

“A great read for fans of the original series by Ruby Ferguson, but also for pony-loving children who are yet to discover Jill.” – read the full review by Eleanor Jones.

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Racehorse Who Learned To Dance

Author: Clare Balding
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Published: 2020
Available as paperback, hard cover, Audiobook, Kindle edition or audio CD

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

JoJo’s Jump

Author: Stephanie Mason
Illustrations: Natalie Merheb
Published: 2022
Available as paperback

“It conveys a powerful and inspiring message, and it’s written with a lovely lilt that my son enjoyed listening to immensely. The beautiful illustrations that really bring this wonderful tale to life, with vivid animals and lovely detail on every page which my son took great pleasure in.” – read the full review by Jen Donald.

View now at amazon.co.uk

War Horse picture book

Author: Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Tom Clohosy Cole
Published: 2020
Available as hard cover

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 Pony Club’s Manual of Horsemanship

Author: The Pony Club
14th edition published: 2012
Available as paperback or Kindle edition

“The perfect gift for a young equestrian with their first pony or is starting riding lessons and wants to learn more.” – read the full review by Georgia Guerin.

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Hairy Pony’s Christmas Party

Author: Emma Jane McCue
Illustrator: Janine Drayson
Published: 2021
Available as paperback

View at emmamccueauthor.co.uk

Snow Foal

Author: Susanna Bailey
Published: 2019
Available as paperback, Audiobook or Kindle edition

When eleven-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. And as adventure and unexpected friendship blossom, Addie is determined that both of them will know what is to be home again soon.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Gallop!

Author: National Geographic
Published: 2018
Available as paperback or Kindle edition

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

Sunshine Stables: Poppy and the Perfect Pony

Author: Olivia Tuffin
Published: 2020
Available as paperback or Kindle edition

Written by the same author as 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

Globetrotter: Meridien Travels the World

Author: Claire Wilby
Published: 2021
Available as paperback or Kindle edition

“This book will delight young horse and pony enthusiasts whether they are already competent readers themselves or enjoy a bedtime story.” – read the full review by Sarah Jenkins.

You might also be interested in:

Great horse games, toys and craft sets for all ages

11 personalised gifts that are perfect for any equestrian

53 great gift ideas for pony-mad children

Give a gift that lasts all year with a Horse & Hound subscription this Christmas

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Georgia Guerin

H&H senior content editor: e-commerce and products

Georgia is Horse & Hound’s equestrian products expert and our favourite shopping guru as she knows about all the latest products, often before they hit the shelves. She is here to help you make the right purchases, whatever your budget. Georgia has a first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.