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San Domingo: The Medicine Hat Stallion
Peter Lundy has two joys in life: the rugged western plains where he has grown up and San Domingo, a Medicine Hat Stallion. The Indians believe such a horse is sacred -- that neither bullet nor arrow can harm its rider. As they explore the prairie together, a bond forms between Peter and San Domingo that can never be broken. But Peter's father, Jethro Lundy, knows only one love: bargaining. He trades San Domingo for a thoroughbred. How can Peter ever forgive his father? His only choice is to leave home forever!
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
21 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Henry
124 books748 followersMarguerite Henry (April 13, 1902–November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 24, 2009
Most horse crazy people read Marguerite Henry at one point in thier lives. What constantly surprises me is how easy Henry is for an adult to read.
Like most horse crazy girls, I read Henry for years, but the one book I couldn't get my hands on was this one. When I got Breyer's new San Domingo model horse it came with this book (I love a company that encourages reading), so I finally read it.
This book is somewhat dated, and the PC police would no doubt be upset about the somewhat childlike way Henry protrays Native Americans. Henry has her Native Americans speak broken English. It should be noted, however, Native Americans are not the villians in the story. In fact, the true villian is a white man.
In a moving story about a boy and his horse, Henry includes a great deal about a boy coming to terms with his father, an emotionally scarred man. Henry keeps the focus on Peter, showcasing his growth into adulthood. There are wonderful touches of humor. Henry is a rare author in that she can deal with adult subject matter in a way that appeals to both children and adults.
Like most horse crazy girls, I read Henry for years, but the one book I couldn't get my hands on was this one. When I got Breyer's new San Domingo model horse it came with this book (I love a company that encourages reading), so I finally read it.
This book is somewhat dated, and the PC police would no doubt be upset about the somewhat childlike way Henry protrays Native Americans. Henry has her Native Americans speak broken English. It should be noted, however, Native Americans are not the villians in the story. In fact, the true villian is a white man.
In a moving story about a boy and his horse, Henry includes a great deal about a boy coming to terms with his father, an emotionally scarred man. Henry keeps the focus on Peter, showcasing his growth into adulthood. There are wonderful touches of humor. Henry is a rare author in that she can deal with adult subject matter in a way that appeals to both children and adults.
June 22, 2012
I can't believe there was still one Marguerite Henry book I hadn't read... I read all the rest, dozens of times, as a horse-crazy kid.
This last one - discovered via Elizabeth Foley (thank you!) - just might be my most favorite (or possibly a tie with King of the Wind).
First of all, it's set in Wyoming, my adopted state - or rather, Nebraska Territory as it was known in the 1850's during the years of the Oregon trail. So many of the places mentioned I was familiar with, and it was wonderful to see the history of the trail and the forts and the Pony Express brought to life with real characters.
Peter's father, Jethro Lundry, runs a trading post near the Platte River to resupply travelers along the Oregon Trail. I loved that Peter was in charge of healing the lame and sickly horses, mules and oxen that were worn out from the Oregon Trail. I've heard so many horror stories of the animals and people suffering along this trail. It was wonderful to hear that there might have been some respite for them along the way.
The book is full of neat things like Dice, the Dalmation that can hypnotize other animals, the way that Peter gentled Domingo in the "injun way" and wore his hair in Indian braids. As a lover of maps myself, I thrilled along with Peter when he sees his very first map, made by the Irish surveyor Brislawn/Breaslain, and his menagerie of animals.
Everyone needs a Brislawn in their life, and if you can have a pal like Dice or a courageous horse like San Domingo, you are the richest person in the world, even if you only get to have them for a while before you have to move on.
Brislawn's advice at the end captures it so well:
"Horse people, as they grow older, get to be more n' more like parents of big families. Y'see one amongst the younguns is bound to be the favorite. But does that stop the ma's an dpa's from loving the others? No siree! They build up love enough for all."
This last one - discovered via Elizabeth Foley (thank you!) - just might be my most favorite (or possibly a tie with King of the Wind).
First of all, it's set in Wyoming, my adopted state - or rather, Nebraska Territory as it was known in the 1850's during the years of the Oregon trail. So many of the places mentioned I was familiar with, and it was wonderful to see the history of the trail and the forts and the Pony Express brought to life with real characters.
Peter's father, Jethro Lundry, runs a trading post near the Platte River to resupply travelers along the Oregon Trail. I loved that Peter was in charge of healing the lame and sickly horses, mules and oxen that were worn out from the Oregon Trail. I've heard so many horror stories of the animals and people suffering along this trail. It was wonderful to hear that there might have been some respite for them along the way.
The book is full of neat things like Dice, the Dalmation that can hypnotize other animals, the way that Peter gentled Domingo in the "injun way" and wore his hair in Indian braids. As a lover of maps myself, I thrilled along with Peter when he sees his very first map, made by the Irish surveyor Brislawn/Breaslain, and his menagerie of animals.
Everyone needs a Brislawn in their life, and if you can have a pal like Dice or a courageous horse like San Domingo, you are the richest person in the world, even if you only get to have them for a while before you have to move on.
Brislawn's advice at the end captures it so well:
"Horse people, as they grow older, get to be more n' more like parents of big families. Y'see one amongst the younguns is bound to be the favorite. But does that stop the ma's an dpa's from loving the others? No siree! They build up love enough for all."
October 18, 2013
Peter needs to leave home. His father doesn’t love him. He makes that clear in every exchange. And Peter is prepared to run away. But then he makes a special trade for a colt named San Domingo. Domingo is special, a medicine hat sacred to the tribes of the southwest. For Domingo, Peter will risk everything.
San Domingo is a surprisingly mature story for a Marguerite Henry book. Peter grows up from age twelve to fifteen. His home life is genuinely difficult. The challenges he faces expand beyond his own family to encompass the greater conflicts between westward bound settlers and Native Americans, as well as the crises of the American Civil War. And likewise Peter’s relationship with Domingo is challenging, fraught with both love and sorrow. A good read.
San Domingo is a surprisingly mature story for a Marguerite Henry book. Peter grows up from age twelve to fifteen. His home life is genuinely difficult. The challenges he faces expand beyond his own family to encompass the greater conflicts between westward bound settlers and Native Americans, as well as the crises of the American Civil War. And likewise Peter’s relationship with Domingo is challenging, fraught with both love and sorrow. A good read.
February 10, 2015
Marguerite Henry writes wonderful horse stories. Although the story may revolve around a person, the horse is a major player. Each breed of horse is different from other breeds and their differences are noted in her books.
San Domingo is a mustang. A medicine hat mustang has a special coloring - a brown 'hat' over ears and crown - and is highly regarded by the Indians.
Peter is the son of homesteaders in Nebraska. His father runs a smithy and trading post. He has a hidden past that leaves him unfeeling and very critical of Peter.
Possible spoiler alert! The father's past is what tainted the book for me. It was straight out of the Robert Redford movie "Jeremiah Johnson". This was plagued by scandal when it came out as the grizzley was actually killed on the movie site for the film.
The pony express part was also very predictable for the most part.
The book itself is great for those like me who are still horse crazy. It has plenty of adventure, scenery, a wide variety of characters. It is a coming of age book for upper middle grades. It takes a softened but realistic look at growing up in Nebraska around the time of the Civil War.
If it was not for the one part, I would have rated the book higher. It is easy and interesting to read.
San Domingo is a mustang. A medicine hat mustang has a special coloring - a brown 'hat' over ears and crown - and is highly regarded by the Indians.
Peter is the son of homesteaders in Nebraska. His father runs a smithy and trading post. He has a hidden past that leaves him unfeeling and very critical of Peter.
Possible spoiler alert! The father's past is what tainted the book for me. It was straight out of the Robert Redford movie "Jeremiah Johnson". This was plagued by scandal when it came out as the grizzley was actually killed on the movie site for the film.
The pony express part was also very predictable for the most part.
The book itself is great for those like me who are still horse crazy. It has plenty of adventure, scenery, a wide variety of characters. It is a coming of age book for upper middle grades. It takes a softened but realistic look at growing up in Nebraska around the time of the Civil War.
If it was not for the one part, I would have rated the book higher. It is easy and interesting to read.
November 5, 2023
It's difficult to know what to say about this one, because it's not bad. Peter is probably one of the few protagonists in this niche "kid meets horse" genre that we get to know well. That deserves some credit. The climax may be sad, but I like the point Henry makes with it.
I suppose the main issue for me is the resolution, or lack thereof, with the parents. Jethro does not deserve to be forgiven, in my opinion. I can't imagine having PTSD (let alone at a time when there was no name for it, forget treatment), but it does not excuse emotional abuse. Nor does the ever popular excuse of "trying to toughen the kid up for the harshness of life." Period. The message that it might does not sit well with me.
As for Mrs. Lundy, it's difficult not to feel sorry for her given the last time we see her in the novel. Her storyline (if one can call it that; it's one of Henry's rare weak moments in that it seems to come out of nowhere, but could have been a saving grace had it only been tied up properly) feels unresolved, even pointless.
I suppose the main issue for me is the resolution, or lack thereof, with the parents. Jethro does not deserve to be forgiven, in my opinion. I can't imagine having PTSD (let alone at a time when there was no name for it, forget treatment), but it does not excuse emotional abuse. Nor does the ever popular excuse of "trying to toughen the kid up for the harshness of life." Period. The message that it might does not sit well with me.
As for Mrs. Lundy, it's difficult not to feel sorry for her given the last time we see her in the novel. Her storyline (if one can call it that; it's one of Henry's rare weak moments in that it seems to come out of nowhere, but could have been a saving grace had it only been tied up properly) feels unresolved, even pointless.
November 9, 2024
I forgot to mark this read, but I read it this summer (while driving across Nebraska and Wyoming—so incredibly fitting). It was my official favorite Marguerite Henry book as a kid (maybe tied with Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West, but I just had more access to reread that one, and the fact that it was a true story appealed to me a lot), and from the moment I sank back into the first lines, “His name is Peter Lundy and he has just turned twelve, and he thought the letter he’d found was meant for him. It began, Dear, dear Peter…” I was pretty sure it would stay my favorite. Which it did.
I don’t know why I haven’t read it in the intervening years. Maybe because, although full in some ways of joy and connection (human and animal), love of the land and love of beasts, excellent characters and historical detail, the presiding impression is for me one of heaviness. It was when I was a kid, and it is now. Not bad heaviness (I almost never say that, but it really isn’t bad), just…the heaviness of having a childhood like that and what nothing anyone can do stops it from taking from Peter.
But I love the real father figure he does get. (Brisley!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ) I love Domingo, and I love his relationship with the native Americans (which I remembered being more prominent than it was, but oh well), and I really love that it’s basically just a coming of age story but it’s a TRIUMPHANT coming of age story, about a kid becoming a man (the right kind of man) even after a very broken father tries to make him into the exact wrong kind of man.
This book (ostensibly a kids’ horse book—but man, I don’t think I read any other horse books as a kid that damaged me this much emotionally 😂) is basically the perfect Western novel in my opinion. I don’t know if I could explain exactly why, so I won’t try in this review anyway, but yeah. It did the thing good Westerns do too, where it leaves you very emptied out and satisfied (both) at the end, filled with the quiet of those vast western spaces, keenly aware both of your smallness and of your value.
(Idk, man. It’s just a good book.)
I don’t know why I haven’t read it in the intervening years. Maybe because, although full in some ways of joy and connection (human and animal), love of the land and love of beasts, excellent characters and historical detail, the presiding impression is for me one of heaviness. It was when I was a kid, and it is now. Not bad heaviness (I almost never say that, but it really isn’t bad), just…the heaviness of having a childhood like that and what nothing anyone can do stops it from taking from Peter.
But I love the real father figure he does get. (Brisley!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ) I love Domingo, and I love his relationship with the native Americans (which I remembered being more prominent than it was, but oh well), and I really love that it’s basically just a coming of age story but it’s a TRIUMPHANT coming of age story, about a kid becoming a man (the right kind of man) even after a very broken father tries to make him into the exact wrong kind of man.
This book (ostensibly a kids’ horse book—but man, I don’t think I read any other horse books as a kid that damaged me this much emotionally 😂) is basically the perfect Western novel in my opinion. I don’t know if I could explain exactly why, so I won’t try in this review anyway, but yeah. It did the thing good Westerns do too, where it leaves you very emptied out and satisfied (both) at the end, filled with the quiet of those vast western spaces, keenly aware both of your smallness and of your value.
(Idk, man. It’s just a good book.)
October 29, 2014
I love Marguerite Henry and I love the Breyer model horse San Domingo, but I could never finish this book. It's just too depressing. If you do buy it, splurge for the hardback edition with full-color illustrations. They add to the story.
November 9, 2021
Peter Lundy is a boy turning into a man at a trading post on the Oregon Trail where the pioneers come to resupply and trade in their stock for fresh animals that can get them the rest of the way to Oregon. Peter's terrible father lets Peter doctor the oxen and horses in exchange for opportunities to call Peter weak and womanly because he cares for things and helps his mother. Peter discovers that his father has an awful secret that made him evil inside, which turns out to be the same thing that happened to the guy in the book that Revenant was based on. Peter also acquires a baby horse from a horse thief, but the local Dakota chief whom the horse actually belongs to sees that Peter is an eager kid and horse enthusiast and kindly allows him keep the foal, even though he probably shouldn't because it's nowhere near being weaned, but that's not addressed here because then Peter wouldn't have a horse and we wouldn't have a Marguerite Henry book. This is the only interaction that Peter has with the Dakota but it is repeated over and over again that he is a friend to the Indians, and he also grows his hair into braids. The way Marguerite Henry talks about Indians rather reinforces other 1950s kids' books Native stereotypes: hey kids!, you can emulate all Native people by putting on a headband with feather in it, but the representation of the Dakota and the other plains tribes who are namechecked here isn't bad, just underdeveloped. San Domingo, the horse, is sacred to the Dakota because he has a bonnet marking, according to the horse thief and an Irishman. Then Peter's terrible father trades San Domingo and Peter's heart is broken. Finally, he gets old enough to get out of his father's house and join the Pony Express and he and San Domingo are reunited. This book was a little dry. It felt like the direct result of an elementary school teacher telling Marguerite Henry that she can't get the boys in her class to read. There are piles of brief adventures but Peter's home life is so bad that nothing fun can be sustained. This book is directly influenced by historical events, like the specific day when a big thunderstorm blew in and somebody's oxen were all struck dead in the yoke by a single lightning bolt. This book is okay, but it's also a sad horse book where the horse keeps disappearing and that makes it a slog.
March 21, 2012
As with all of Marguerite Henry's books, I loved it to no end! Being a horse crazy girl, I've read probably every single one of her books, and I must say that this is one of my alltime favorites from her. I even used some of the story line in this book for a poetry assignment in my language arts class.
The book is about a conflict between a teen boy, Peter Lundy, and his father. They have a very broken relationship. Peter is extremely hard working and expects nothing luxurious, with only two loves in life -- the open praire and his horse, San Domingo. But Peter's father, who owns a trading post in the middle of the prairie to trade with passing wagons, knows less about love than he does about bargaining. He trades off San Domingo for a fancy black thoroughbred, thinking he is buying a glorious gift for his son. But Peter is appalled and broken by the loss of his horse.
Later on in the book, he discovers that San Domingo is with a family that has children who love and care for him very well. Peter is at least glad that his horse is taken care of, but still misses him deeply.
One day, Peter walks into the trading post and sees a flier. "Wanted!" it began, and continues on to explain the requirements needed to join the Pony Express. Peter fits every one except for being a 'preferred' orphan. He decides to join the Express, both to earn much-needed money for his family and to impress his father.
In the months he rides in the Express, he experiences troubles with Indians, bandits, and nature's merciless force. Sometimes the stables are raided by passing travelers or Indians who are angered by the Express. During the Pony Express's last few months, a particular shortage of horses is discovered. But this shortage provides something wonderful -- San Domingo's owners send him in to work for the Express! Peter relishes his time with his horse, trying to live every ride like his last. Little did he know, however, that one particular ride would be Domingo's last.
I won't spoil the ending, for it's a marvelous book! I think it's one that both horse-lovers and non horse-lovers alike should definitely read! I would give it a 10 out of 5 if I could.
The book is about a conflict between a teen boy, Peter Lundy, and his father. They have a very broken relationship. Peter is extremely hard working and expects nothing luxurious, with only two loves in life -- the open praire and his horse, San Domingo. But Peter's father, who owns a trading post in the middle of the prairie to trade with passing wagons, knows less about love than he does about bargaining. He trades off San Domingo for a fancy black thoroughbred, thinking he is buying a glorious gift for his son. But Peter is appalled and broken by the loss of his horse.
Later on in the book, he discovers that San Domingo is with a family that has children who love and care for him very well. Peter is at least glad that his horse is taken care of, but still misses him deeply.
One day, Peter walks into the trading post and sees a flier. "Wanted!" it began, and continues on to explain the requirements needed to join the Pony Express. Peter fits every one except for being a 'preferred' orphan. He decides to join the Express, both to earn much-needed money for his family and to impress his father.
In the months he rides in the Express, he experiences troubles with Indians, bandits, and nature's merciless force. Sometimes the stables are raided by passing travelers or Indians who are angered by the Express. During the Pony Express's last few months, a particular shortage of horses is discovered. But this shortage provides something wonderful -- San Domingo's owners send him in to work for the Express! Peter relishes his time with his horse, trying to live every ride like his last. Little did he know, however, that one particular ride would be Domingo's last.
I won't spoil the ending, for it's a marvelous book! I think it's one that both horse-lovers and non horse-lovers alike should definitely read! I would give it a 10 out of 5 if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2012
Here it is:
Boy gets horse from Indians.
Boy raises and trains horse.
Boy loves horse, horse loves boy.
Father sells horse.
Horse dies.
The end.
I was really unhappy with the ending of this book as I am with most of Marguerite Henry's books. I quit reading her books a long time ago and wouldn't really remomend them to anyone. They aren't terrible, but it seems to be a recurring theme of her books to just kill the horses and end the book leaving you frustrated and wondering what the point was.
Boy gets horse from Indians.
Boy raises and trains horse.
Boy loves horse, horse loves boy.
Father sells horse.
Horse dies.
The end.
I was really unhappy with the ending of this book as I am with most of Marguerite Henry's books. I quit reading her books a long time ago and wouldn't really remomend them to anyone. They aren't terrible, but it seems to be a recurring theme of her books to just kill the horses and end the book leaving you frustrated and wondering what the point was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
A really great read for the young horse-lover. Unlike a lot of young adult horse books, this one relates more to young boys than to young girls. It is about a young boy who works for the Pony Express on his mustang San Domingo. Due to the horse's unusual coloring, legend says that no harm will come to the rider of the horse. This book goes through the young boy's adventures as he works along the Pony Express.
February 25, 2012
This book has been passed down in my family and I hope to pass it down to my own children someday. It's a great book for introducing children to the Western genre of literature. If your child is also interested in horses, the story is rich in the vocabulary equestrians use while telling a story full of valuable life lessons.
February 12, 2008
I love this authors horse books for children of all ages. This is a pleasant little fictional story, but she's also written about actual ponies. She will grab the attention of horse lovers near and far.
April 8, 2017
I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
January 13, 2016
Exciting wild west story
Marguerite Henry has a wonderful style of writing that's appealing to young readers and old alike. This was a wonderful story of a young boy and his Indian pony living in the wildest party of the old west. Filled with surprises and exciting adventures.
Marguerite Henry has a wonderful style of writing that's appealing to young readers and old alike. This was a wonderful story of a young boy and his Indian pony living in the wildest party of the old west. Filled with surprises and exciting adventures.
March 5, 2015
It was very dark compared to her other works. The language was not appropriate for children. The main character has some very good qualities, forgiveness being the most prominent. What does he do when he looses what he held most dear?
March 10, 2009
About the Pony Express.
April 8, 2011
I did not even get to read this book!! I started looking through the pages and the chapter title had language in it. Who created language, profanity, or bad words anyway?!?!
May 8, 2012
I remember sneaking this book from my sister's bookshelves to read every so often. LOL. I loved (still do) horse stories and couldn't get enough of them.
September 23, 2025
Marguerite Henry is well known for her delightful equine stories written for children but loved by adults,too. San Domingo the Medicine Hat Stallion is a
boy's coming of age tale set in the western territories back in the 1850's thru 1860's. This is no Pa from Little House books,but a grittier more complicated family holding on on the edge of the vast open West. Peter,the youth, lives in a sod house with his grandma,baby sister,and parents. His father has a trading post and swaps worn out oxen,mules,horses for others that have been revived by rest and doctoring. Into Peter's world comes a special Indian pony colored in the medicine hat coat. They form a unbreakable bond that is interrupted when a trade carries San Domingo off to another owner. This story touches on different Indian tribes in a simplistic although respectful way. Various characters pass through the story, black hearts, military men,pony express, mountain men, settlers,and Indians.Peter strives to mature and make peace with everything that being a man means in 1860.
boy's coming of age tale set in the western territories back in the 1850's thru 1860's. This is no Pa from Little House books,but a grittier more complicated family holding on on the edge of the vast open West. Peter,the youth, lives in a sod house with his grandma,baby sister,and parents. His father has a trading post and swaps worn out oxen,mules,horses for others that have been revived by rest and doctoring. Into Peter's world comes a special Indian pony colored in the medicine hat coat. They form a unbreakable bond that is interrupted when a trade carries San Domingo off to another owner. This story touches on different Indian tribes in a simplistic although respectful way. Various characters pass through the story, black hearts, military men,pony express, mountain men, settlers,and Indians.Peter strives to mature and make peace with everything that being a man means in 1860.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2017
This book is about a family that lives on a homestead and they run a smith shop and trading post. I have read quite a few of book s by Marguerite Henry and this was a really great one that I enjoyed a lot.
It centers around the middle child Peter who soon is given a horse that he loves very much and spends all the time he can with it. The bond that they have together is special and even the surrounding Indian tribes know that the boy got a very special kind of horse that they believe are to be invincible in battle.
The book starts out with the boy reading a letter he mistakes for his own, until it starts talking about his father and an experience that emotionally scarred him. It is not until later that he discover what happened that made his father have mood swings that some scare Peter even though he never hurts him, he just not like to see his father act so rash suddenly.
It centers around the middle child Peter who soon is given a horse that he loves very much and spends all the time he can with it. The bond that they have together is special and even the surrounding Indian tribes know that the boy got a very special kind of horse that they believe are to be invincible in battle.
The book starts out with the boy reading a letter he mistakes for his own, until it starts talking about his father and an experience that emotionally scarred him. It is not until later that he discover what happened that made his father have mood swings that some scare Peter even though he never hurts him, he just not like to see his father act so rash suddenly.
June 8, 2020
Read this one with my 11 year old son. He liked all parts about the spirited Medicine Hat Stallion San Domingo. He like the parts with Brislawn and the interactions Peter had with the Sioux. Peter’s father made him upset but once he heard Jethro’s story he was more empathetic. The themes are definitely universal and timeless.
I read the book when I was younger and remembered enjoying it; however reading it out loud this time I found it is not a pleasant book to read aloud. The prose is clunky and not very smooth. The storytelling meanders and is definitely dated. It assumes readers knows what is being talked about, using old words and descriptions. Yet still the story captures attention. And the ending still holds emotional power. My son gives it 4 stars, whereas I think it’s about a 3.
I read the book when I was younger and remembered enjoying it; however reading it out loud this time I found it is not a pleasant book to read aloud. The prose is clunky and not very smooth. The storytelling meanders and is definitely dated. It assumes readers knows what is being talked about, using old words and descriptions. Yet still the story captures attention. And the ending still holds emotional power. My son gives it 4 stars, whereas I think it’s about a 3.
October 13, 2024
I asked my brother if he could remember the name of a book from our childhood about a Mexican horse, and he explained it was called The Medicine Hat Stallion. Apparently I read it when I was too young to understand the difference between "Medicine" and "Mexican," or maybe I just couldn't read such big words. I was absolutely mad about horse books as a child, and then later disappointed or terrified by actual real-life horses. Anyway, my memory or comprehension of the book may be fuzzy, but I did love it.
April 18, 2022
This book is about a boy and his horse and their journey together, including being part of the Pony Express. I appreciated the part about the Pony Express. However, I'm very tired of the story of the boy with the silent/neglectful father. I just don't want to read about that and that is this story.
Also, this book does not age very well when talking about Indian/Native American history. There are just a lot of slurs and one-sided perspectives.
Also, this book does not age very well when talking about Indian/Native American history. There are just a lot of slurs and one-sided perspectives.
August 14, 2018
wonderful tale of a boy and his horse and the early days of the Pony Express.
February 20, 2020
My comfort book. :)
September 30, 2020
This is a coming of age story, with a horse in the background, instead of a horse story. Has a bit of history with the Pony Express. Could be a 4 star book.
April 10, 2022
The ending was completely disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars
September 7, 2024
enjoyed the middle the most, the end where Domingo dies is very sad made me cry. it was a great book, I bought it from a theft store for 50 cents, I loved horses too that's why I bought the book.
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