König der Pferde

Dancer #1

by Shelley Peterson, Martin Baresch (Translator)

Mousie und Schattentänzer sind unzertrennlich. Niemand hat geglaubt, dass der wilde Hengst überhaupt zu zähmen ist. Doch Mousie hat Schattentänzer mit viel Liebe und Geduld zu einem erfolgreichen Springpferd gemacht. Und nun haben die beiden sogar ein wichtiges Turnier gewonnen und werden nach England zu einem Schaureiten für die Queen eingeladen!Mousie ist im siebten Himmel. Wäre da nicht der skrupellose Gutsbesitzer Samuel Owens, der es auf Schattentänzer abgesehen hat. Denn der versucht mit allen Mitteln, das Pferd in seinen Besitz zu bringen …

Genres: Horses, Young Adult, Canada, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Teen

278 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1996

About the author

Shelley Peterson is the best-selling author of numerous young adult novels, including DANCER, ABBY MALONE, SUNDANCER, and MYSTERY AT SADDLE CREEK.

She was born in London, Ontario, and was trained in theatre arts at the Banff School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University, and the University of Western Ontario.

She works as a professional actress, and has more than 100 stage, film, and television credits to her name. Peterson has had a lifelong love of animals big and small, with particular interest in horses.

She divides her time between Toronto and Fox Ridge, a horse farm in the Caledon hills, which she shares with her husband, three children, and the family dog.

Reviews

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... I never expected this one to be a thriller but it sure was! Not only is it full of horse action but plenty of scary, dangerous thrills too ... The type that might kill you! The horse world in these pages is far more dangerous than one thinks! Otherwise the cover image gives you a very good idea what this story is about: competing in show jumping for trophies and how having the best horse matters. Unfortunately other people may want your horse.

The story involves a variety of different types of jumps under different conditions. Plus there is a ghost story too! I really enjoyed that part as it made the tale more interesting.

So I was very hooked on this one! The pages and the story just flew by. There were a few slow passages with social chitchat but then somehow that made the very intense moments that followed way more intense! There were a few times when I had thought things had been settled only for an even worse problem to emerge.

And the climax! Wow! What a real doozie! On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10 all right!

I also found it very easy to relate to Mousie (real name Hilary). We have a lot in common as she is one of those girls who doesn't fit in too well with other girls. Maybe because she is too busy with her horse. And Dancer is definitely one of those one-person-only horses. You know the kind. Wild and rearing around strangers but well behaved for his one human. Mousie has great instincts and is a natural at sensing things. That is probably why she has such a great relationship with her horse.

And Dancer really brought this story alive too. He is clever and often naughty! He definitely has a mind of his own. I can easily see a real horse acting this way and he truly is a gifted horse.

And the bad rich guy, Owens. Hated him! He is one of those special types of scum that can act all friendly & innocent while they try to rob you! And then say "It wasn't me!"

I certainly plan on reading the sequels to this too.

Beautiful story set in Canada by a Canadian author from the horse world.

[Leeanne G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately starts with the main character, Mousie and her horse Dancer riding in the Royal Winter Fair. There is never a dull moment from then on. We read the story from both Mousie and her mother Christine’s point of view. I liked getting to hear what it felt like for a mother to watch her daughter go through all the amazing experiences that a Mousie does.

The book covers Mousie’s life from ages 16 to 18. Lots of exciting and terrifying things happen during this time period. The antagonists are relentless in their schemes to steal Dancer.

The most exciting part of the story was the trip to England of course. I’m a big fan of the royal family, as are my mother and grandmother. So I was so excited when Mousie is invited to perform for Her Majesty. The setting of the story is mostly in Ontario, Canada though. This was very exciting for me as I am a proud Canadian and Ontarian.

And of course, how could I not talk about Dancer!? The relationship between Mousie and Dancer is beautiful. I love how they accept Dancer for who he is and don’t try to make him do anything he doesn’t want to. Dancer is a sweet, talented and very caring horse. He will do anything for his girl, Mousie. No wonder people wanted him for themselves as he is a incredible horse. But the lengths at which the people went to get him was horrifying.

I really enjoyed this and will be a firm favourite of mine for many years to come!

[Celise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read something from a local talent. I met Shelley at a book-signing here in Ontario, and her farm is just half and hour away from where I live.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best horse book ever! If you love horses read this book! The series is amazing!

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's nothing like a good Canadian horse story to warm the heart.

[Paula Bohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

extrem viele Klischees aber voller Spannung

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favourite book... No lie

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a kid and really enjoyed it. I wanted to be an Olympic rider and Mousie getting to ride in front of the Queen was just the coolest thing ever, I thought.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why in the world do I love this book so much? Maybe because of the casual references to British royalty. Maybe it's because it's Canadian. Nevertheless, I love this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite books growing up and I’ve read it many many times.