Hold your horses! This collection of children's books is perfect for pony-mad kids. From horsey adventures to classic pony stories, it's a brilliant selection for children who live and breathe ponies.

Do you have a child who dreams of owning a pony? Perhaps they're lucky enough to ride at a local stable or enjoy pony rides on holiday. Fuel their passion with exciting pony adventures, stories about enduring equine friendships, and plenty of practical advice on pony care, covering everything from avoiding kicks to cleaning tack.

Classic children's stories for horse lovers

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell published in 1877, is one of the greatest horse stories ever told, and one of the best-selling children's books of all time. It is a moving tale of a beautiful black colt with a distinct white star on his forehead, living an idyllic life in the country until his owners are forced to sell him into a working life of misery. The author, a champion of animal rights, wrote this, her only published book, to campaign for the better treatment of working horses. Michael Morpurgo has recently faithfully retold the story, with a contemporary prose, illustrated throughout in stunning artwork by Tom de Freston.

Another enduring classic of print (and screen) is National Velvet by Enid Bagnold published in 1935. Clare Balding, once a leading jockey now broadcaster and writer, has said of National Velvet "My childhood dreams were based on this book - it was the only place I'd ever seen them come true". It is a magical story about 14 year old Violet Brown and her horse, a piebald that she won in a raffle. Violet dreams of winning the Grand National, one of the most prestigious steeplechases in the world, and the story is an exhilarating ride about following your dreams, and believing in yourself. It also highlights the historical challenges female sportspeople experienced. Clare Balding has also written a number of pony stories for children including The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop.

Now sadly out of print, but are old favourites in the LR4Kids office, we also recommend My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara, the Jinny stories by Patricia Leitch, and Flambards by K M Peyton. 

Stories for Pony Mad Kids age 8-12

Lauren St John grew up surrounded by horses and wild animals on a farm and game reserve in Zimbabwe, and this has been the inspiration for many of her adventures including her thrilling The One Dollar Horse trilogy that follows Casey on her dream to ride a winner in the Badminton Horse trials (spoiler - she does!) and the subsequent trials and challenges of being a teenage champion rider.  

Annelise Gray's Circus Maximus is a thrilling journey back in time to Ancient Rome, with dramatic chariot racing and an impressive female charioteer in a wonderful mix of history, adventure and horses. The series has excellent activity downloads to accompany the books, to help your readers get the most of these stories. Our Kids Reader Review Panel loved the series. Robert Russin said "This heart-pounding, fast-paced, historical novel is a brilliant read, whose story is intertwined with family intrigue and thrilling chariot races. A unique book that is impossible to put down!" And Maria Kozel echoed this, adding "This is a thrilling chariot ride through the bloody and sweaty Circus Maximus. If you're interested in the Roman times, adventures and the special connection that could be formed between humans and horses, you've come to the right place." As said by our editorial expert, Andrea Reece - "Readers will gallop through this!"

The Starlight Stables Gang will absolutely delight young horse and pony lovers. The stories are co-written by Esme Higgs who is one of the biggest influencers in the equestrian world with more than one million followers, and she will be extremely well known to any young person with an interest in horses. The books are set in the Starlight Stables livery and feature a group of young people who like nothing better than being there with the horses and ponies. It’s full of horse care tips and details that will thrill young pony owners and would-be pony owners, but it’s just as good on the ups and downs of friendships and the challenges of growing up too.

Pippa's Pony Tales Series

Pippa Funnell’s stories about Tilly, the girl with a special bond with horses, have been re-issued for a new generation of pony-mad young readers. Tilly Redbrow doesn't just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too. This is a very special series for pony-mad 8+ year olds from three times Olympic Medallist and Grand Slam winner, champion rider Pippa Funnell. Pippa said "When I wrote my autobiography I never imagined that I would find myself writing children’s books just 3 years later. Much of my thinking about Tilly has been done out loud in front of family, friends and godchildren – thank you all for listening. But, more than anything I have to acknowledge my four-legged friends – my horses.  It is thanks to them, that I was able to create a girl, Tilly, who like me follows her passions." Each book is not just a great story, but also full of expert advice that readers will pick up along the way. Children who love ponies will adore Pippa's Pony Tales - and it might get them hooked on reading too.

Read on for our pick of the ultimate pony stories - and if we've missed your favourite do let us know in the comments below.