Another great entry in the Noel and Henry series (officially called the West Barsetshire Series). This one is based at Henry's home, and not in West Barsetshire at all. Henry is cast down at the poor quality of not just HIS riding, but of everyone local who competes. When he compares them to his Uncle George's students in West Barsetshire, he realizes none of the horses are even half-schooled, and none of the riders have good seats or the ability to perform dressage. He decides to start a riding club to improve everyone who wants to participate, and he invites Noel down for the holidays to participate in it.
To start with, the riders are put into two groups—the older riders, and what they refer to as “the second string”, which are the younger riders. Older riders include Eric, who wins a lot in pony showing and jumping classes, and refuses to believe that his horses are unschooled. Pauline, who is lazy and who doesn't want to try to improve. Jannice, who insists that she CAN jump but just doesn't want to because she suffers from nervousness. Younger riders include Alex, on his good-for-nothing pony Oscar, Juliet on Romeo the refuser, and Fanny, Graham, and Deborah who share the wise and stubborn mare Golly.
Lots of fun and funny scenes with riders and ponies, as they struggle to find someone to teach them, and hope to improve enough to enter a One Day Event nearby.
Pretty much anyone who loves horses or rides, or who collects pony books—this book is a must!!