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The Dressage Chronicles #2
A Matter of Feel
As it is with people, so it is with horses. There is what you see on the surface, and then there is what is churning below. Lizzy's good work ethic, and a desire to learn, will take her only so far. To go beyond the books, beyond the riding lessons, she will need courage. Why? Wild Child. He is beauty coupled with power, but mean as a rattlesnake. He triggers reactions in everyone who sees him; envy; ambition; and fear. And he is her responsibility. But not her only challenge. Some rattlesnakes are two-legged. She will find some of her teachers in unlikely places she could never have imagined. She will develop that special quality known among horsemen as "feel." So the journey of The Dressage Chronicles continues. Put on your helmet.
468 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2013
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131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2022
Nov 7, 915pm ~~ Proper review asap, but I can say this before I jump into book #3 in the series: this one will be hard to beat!
9pm ~~ As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I had some concerns about the attitude of the characters towards their horses. I wondered if anyone felt more about them than just producing a good score on a test ride? Did anyone feel the magic between horse and human? Did anyone want to be near the horses simply to enjoy their horsiness? Or was it always business and nothing more?
In this book the sense of the invisible but very real connection between horse and human is more a part of the story. Lizzy has many more responsibilities at the home farm compared to the Florida show season barn. Can she handle herself and the horses?
New characters appear: a gentle love interest with a lovely name, a woman who cares for the young horses and broodmares with a true appreciation of Horse Mind, and an ambitious new rider named (a little too cutely) Ryder. Will this New Jersey farm turn into Lizzy's professional and personal home? A place where she can learn more about both horses and herself?
I had a hard time putting this one down. I very much appreciated the acknowledgment of that bond that happens with horses. Not merely from working with them, merely from being with them. We get to see foals born here, and luckily the author manages to show how impressive and magical that entire process is for everyone who is able to be there at the moment a brand new horse arrives in the world.
I was surprised at how many treats were given to the horses, though. Peppermint candies, sugar cubes, carrots, apples. Sometimes given as rewards, sometimes as bribes. I have never liked this habit. I would not want any horse I was around to be thinking so much about what tasty goody they might be getting soon that they do not focus on what I am trying to teach them. The ideal is that you and your horse do things together for the sheer joy of it, not for treats. This is entirely possible with patience and consistency. And of course there is much less chance of creating a mouthy beastie who demands treats from every human they see.
Honestly I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did, and I hope the author can keep her forward motion in the remaining titles!
9pm ~~ As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I had some concerns about the attitude of the characters towards their horses. I wondered if anyone felt more about them than just producing a good score on a test ride? Did anyone feel the magic between horse and human? Did anyone want to be near the horses simply to enjoy their horsiness? Or was it always business and nothing more?
In this book the sense of the invisible but very real connection between horse and human is more a part of the story. Lizzy has many more responsibilities at the home farm compared to the Florida show season barn. Can she handle herself and the horses?
New characters appear: a gentle love interest with a lovely name, a woman who cares for the young horses and broodmares with a true appreciation of Horse Mind, and an ambitious new rider named (a little too cutely) Ryder. Will this New Jersey farm turn into Lizzy's professional and personal home? A place where she can learn more about both horses and herself?
I had a hard time putting this one down. I very much appreciated the acknowledgment of that bond that happens with horses. Not merely from working with them, merely from being with them. We get to see foals born here, and luckily the author manages to show how impressive and magical that entire process is for everyone who is able to be there at the moment a brand new horse arrives in the world.
I was surprised at how many treats were given to the horses, though. Peppermint candies, sugar cubes, carrots, apples. Sometimes given as rewards, sometimes as bribes. I have never liked this habit. I would not want any horse I was around to be thinking so much about what tasty goody they might be getting soon that they do not focus on what I am trying to teach them. The ideal is that you and your horse do things together for the sheer joy of it, not for treats. This is entirely possible with patience and consistency. And of course there is much less chance of creating a mouthy beastie who demands treats from every human they see.
Honestly I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did, and I hope the author can keep her forward motion in the remaining titles!
June 2, 2013
3.5, really.
I do enjoy these books, but the dialogue does need help - no one speaks the way these characters speak! Well, Margot, maybe, but I picture her as Anky, so.. ;)
The author does know her horsey stuff and the story IS interesting. Just ignore the dialogue.
I do enjoy these books, but the dialogue does need help - no one speaks the way these characters speak! Well, Margot, maybe, but I picture her as Anky, so.. ;)
The author does know her horsey stuff and the story IS interesting. Just ignore the dialogue.
June 2, 2013
I enjoyed the first book a great deal. I recommended it highly to all my horse owning friends. It isn't often that a good horse story for grown-ups comes along, and to find a book that gets all the horse details exactly right is unusual. Most often we start reading and a character that is supposed to be an experienced horse person does something that no experienced horse person would do, which ruins the whole book and makes it impossible to continue to read.
These books get the horse stuff right. And that "realness" counts for so much that I am willing to overlook less than stellar writing. The dialogue is often very clunky (especially in the first book). But the horse stuff more than makes up for that.
So, why did I give this book only three stars? Because when a book's hook is it's authenticity, it stinks to have the story end in a way that is so very implausible. I can't accept the idea that an incident as serious as the this would be handled as it is in the book. No police involvement? A horse as expensive as this, a person as injured as badly as this person was and murder attempted and the police are not even involved? I find that so hard to believe. I feel like the ending cheats the characters and, by extension, the reader.
I also took exception to Lizzy deciding that it was a relief to acknowledge how having men around to carry the emotional burdens was a good thing. Deb and Margot supporting Lizzy in her grief (all the while grieving themselves) was nothing to Lizzy? It wasn't until Marco and Pali arrive on the scene and take over that Lizzy feels comforted and safe? What a way to diminish your own characters, not to mention cheat them out of strength that you (as the writer) gave them to begin with.
These books get the horse stuff right. And that "realness" counts for so much that I am willing to overlook less than stellar writing. The dialogue is often very clunky (especially in the first book). But the horse stuff more than makes up for that.
So, why did I give this book only three stars? Because when a book's hook is it's authenticity, it stinks to have the story end in a way that is so very implausible. I can't accept the idea that an incident as serious as the this would be handled as it is in the book. No police involvement? A horse as expensive as this, a person as injured as badly as this person was and murder attempted and the police are not even involved? I find that so hard to believe. I feel like the ending cheats the characters and, by extension, the reader.
I also took exception to Lizzy deciding that it was a relief to acknowledge how having men around to carry the emotional burdens was a good thing. Deb and Margot supporting Lizzy in her grief (all the while grieving themselves) was nothing to Lizzy? It wasn't until Marco and Pali arrive on the scene and take over that Lizzy feels comforted and safe? What a way to diminish your own characters, not to mention cheat them out of strength that you (as the writer) gave them to begin with.
February 22, 2022
As with the first book, I really enjoyed the dressage horse and sport elements of this book. As an AA rider myself it was fun to have that aspect done so well - and I feel like it let me visualize the riding and had some great training points built in!
But… the ending killed me. (Spoiler alert)
The fact that an animal abuser/murder attempt would just get an INTERNATIONAL competitor sent to another country and that supposedly makes it all better?! Sorry no. Unacceptable. If that had been resolved better this book would have been a solid 4.
But… the ending killed me. (Spoiler alert)
The fact that an animal abuser/murder attempt would just get an INTERNATIONAL competitor sent to another country and that supposedly makes it all better?! Sorry no. Unacceptable. If that had been resolved better this book would have been a solid 4.
June 11, 2024
Phenomenal!
I absolutely love love love the Dressage Chronicles series. I love dressage, I love horses, and I really do love all of the authors' books. I also appreciated the fact that the book kept everything clean. I wanted to read a book about horses that was knowledgeable and without the language and sex everyone puts in their books now. I get tired of that. This book delivered and then some. The love interest was sweet but not over the top, and I think at the very end, my favorite character, was Frank! He wasn't in this one very much, but what a great guy!
I absolutely love love love the Dressage Chronicles series. I love dressage, I love horses, and I really do love all of the authors' books. I also appreciated the fact that the book kept everything clean. I wanted to read a book about horses that was knowledgeable and without the language and sex everyone puts in their books now. I get tired of that. This book delivered and then some. The love interest was sweet but not over the top, and I think at the very end, my favorite character, was Frank! He wasn't in this one very much, but what a great guy!
September 6, 2019
Dressage and horses
I would recommend this book to anyone who is riding or thinking about riding dressage. There are tips inside the story. It’s fun and has plenty of reference to horses to just be s light read, or use as part of your teaching. There’s drama that I hope to never experience whilst riding dressage, but overall a good read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is riding or thinking about riding dressage. There are tips inside the story. It’s fun and has plenty of reference to horses to just be s light read, or use as part of your teaching. There’s drama that I hope to never experience whilst riding dressage, but overall a good read.
March 25, 2024
Addicting and lots of training advice
I love this book and author. The story, which I'm sure is somewhat an auto biography, moves along quickly and you don't want it to end. I highlighted many parts useful in my own dressage journey. The main character, Lizzy, is very relatable and you feel like she would be a good friend.
I love this book and author. The story, which I'm sure is somewhat an auto biography, moves along quickly and you don't want it to end. I highlighted many parts useful in my own dressage journey. The main character, Lizzy, is very relatable and you feel like she would be a good friend.
September 18, 2019
Second time reading
Loved it as much as the first. It is all about the horses. No foolish love story, but sprinkled with the right amount of emotions. The horses are vivid and real. The plot holds you till the end, even the second go round.
Loved it as much as the first. It is all about the horses. No foolish love story, but sprinkled with the right amount of emotions. The horses are vivid and real. The plot holds you till the end, even the second go round.
February 11, 2023
Another Please
Author draws you right into story and makes you feel attached to each character. I became a part of the storyline as it brought back so many memories of my past as a trainer.
Author draws you right into story and makes you feel attached to each character. I became a part of the storyline as it brought back so many memories of my past as a trainer.
Read
May 26, 2024Love the dressage but I feel like Lizzy is even worse in this one. Though to be fair I didn’t finish it. I just don’t like her and being the series is entirely about her I don’t think I should continue.
November 6, 2025
I liked this book and hope strong it showed Lizzy to be. I wasn’t expecting the ending and wish that a little more justice was doled out to the deserving party. But all in all a great continuation of the story.
December 13, 2017
Same as the first version, easy read and fun to compare my horsey stories to this girl!
December 17, 2017
Great series! Highly recommended for anyone who loves horses, especially dressage riders.
January 13, 2018
One of my favorite horse fiction series. Always a bit of mystery and some light romance, but it’s mostly about the horses and the riding. I️ always learn a ton about dressage and horsemanship.
May 23, 2019
5 stars
Wonderful book. Love the characters in the book and Wild Child. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Wonderful book. Love the characters in the book and Wild Child. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
June 4, 2019
Favorite contemporary book/series ever!!!!
April 19, 2020
Horse lover
If you are a horse lover, especially if you have shown horses in the past, this series is so addicting! Loved it!!!
If you are a horse lover, especially if you have shown horses in the past, this series is so addicting! Loved it!!!
February 16, 2022
I’d say this was my favorite in the series. Which is saying a lot because this series overall goes down as my favorite reads of all time. Great storyline, great character, amazing inclusion of the horses as individuals as usual. These books really make you feel everything that’s going on. They’re so realistic and heartfelt for those of us that are in this horse world in real life. I think the relationship Lizzy had with Marco was so essential to her development which you see in the following two books as well. I had a love/hate relationship with him but I’m glad it all happened the way it did now.
November 3, 2024
the good the bad and the best
I enjoyed the reality and the knowledge of the book. Also an Excellent storyline that keeps the reader entertained and intrigued
I enjoyed the reality and the knowledge of the book. Also an Excellent storyline that keeps the reader entertained and intrigued
March 7, 2017
This series is swiftly turning into a guilty pleasure. I ploughed through this one in a matter of hours and am already on the next one. I'm totally hooked!
Can I just say that I loved what Marco says about green hair? Along the lines of "You wouldn't be angry with me or take it to heart if I told you had green hair. So why are you listening to people who tell you you're not good enough and don't belong here?" Absolutely beautiful wording!
Can I just say that I loved what Marco says about green hair? Along the lines of "You wouldn't be angry with me or take it to heart if I told you had green hair. So why are you listening to people who tell you you're not good enough and don't belong here?" Absolutely beautiful wording!
June 19, 2013
The long awaited sequel to author Karen McGoldrick's book The Dressage Chronicles is finally here! I couldn't have been more excited and read it right after I got my hands on it. The sequel, The Dressage Chronicles Book II: A Matter of Feel, is even better than the first one! (Could that actually happen, you might think. Yes!) I loved the first book as we were introduced to Lizzy, a college graduate who leaves the "normal" world, her boyfriend, life as she knew it, and embarks on a trip to Florida with her horse to live as a working student for a renowned dressage trainer. The second book picks up with the cast living up north for the summer and training to qualify for a number of high profile dressage shows.
What I love most about Karen McGoldrick's books is how believable and relatable the experiences are. We have all dealt with insecurities, triumphs, jealousy, and friendships. She has done an excellent job in character development where I understood each character and could "see" them. I really enjoy a book that has this type of effect. I wanted to be a working student right along with Lizzy, train with Margot, and give Wild Child a pat on the nose (if he'd let me!). If you love the intricacies of the horse or particularly the dressage world with characters that you could easily encounter, then this books is too good to pass up. You will adore it as much as I did!
Karen Goldrick was also gracious enough to sit down with me and answer a few questions. You can read the interview here: http://www.velvetrider.com/?p=1654
What I love most about Karen McGoldrick's books is how believable and relatable the experiences are. We have all dealt with insecurities, triumphs, jealousy, and friendships. She has done an excellent job in character development where I understood each character and could "see" them. I really enjoy a book that has this type of effect. I wanted to be a working student right along with Lizzy, train with Margot, and give Wild Child a pat on the nose (if he'd let me!). If you love the intricacies of the horse or particularly the dressage world with characters that you could easily encounter, then this books is too good to pass up. You will adore it as much as I did!
Karen Goldrick was also gracious enough to sit down with me and answer a few questions. You can read the interview here: http://www.velvetrider.com/?p=1654
June 19, 2013
I'd not long finished reading the first book when I found that the second had come out. It was a 'must read'. I'd wanted to know more about Lizzy and the change in life from Florida to New Jersey.
As with the first I found whilst reading I just became immersed in the life around the yard and the day-to-day schooling of Wild Child, Hotstuff, Winsome and Petey. There was also the addition of the broodmares and their foals.
Less competing than in book one when they always seemed to permanently on the go. However, the competitions are not without their twists and turns and what an ending.
I really can't wait for book 3. I understand there is going to be one. During this one though I got the feeling that Lizzy is destined for greater things ... and a small part of me wonders if one day she's going to be riding Wild Child.
As with the first I found whilst reading I just became immersed in the life around the yard and the day-to-day schooling of Wild Child, Hotstuff, Winsome and Petey. There was also the addition of the broodmares and their foals.
Less competing than in book one when they always seemed to permanently on the go. However, the competitions are not without their twists and turns and what an ending.
I really can't wait for book 3. I understand there is going to be one. During this one though I got the feeling that Lizzy is destined for greater things ... and a small part of me wonders if one day she's going to be riding Wild Child.
May 19, 2015
The book is very captivating and i enjoyed it just as much as the first one. I haven't found any fictional books on dressage, and I was very excited when i found this series.
You can tell that the author knows her stuff about horses, and you are also able to tell that she has had these experiences, and wasn't just looking from the outside in. I was able to place myself in the situation, and i often felt that I was part of the story. You must read the first book to understand the characters and the story of the second book though.
I won't give the book 5 stars though, as there was an event which did repeat itself, where they could have dealt with differently. On the other hand, this scenario does happen in the real world regularly, so maybe that might have been the cause for choosing this. Also the dialogue seemed a bit staged at times, but overall a great book.
You can tell that the author knows her stuff about horses, and you are also able to tell that she has had these experiences, and wasn't just looking from the outside in. I was able to place myself in the situation, and i often felt that I was part of the story. You must read the first book to understand the characters and the story of the second book though.
I won't give the book 5 stars though, as there was an event which did repeat itself, where they could have dealt with differently. On the other hand, this scenario does happen in the real world regularly, so maybe that might have been the cause for choosing this. Also the dialogue seemed a bit staged at times, but overall a great book.
December 30, 2013
The second book in this series did not disappoint! Karen McGoldrick is a pro at wrapping the reader up in the world of horses. I thoroughly enjoyed following Lizzy through more adventures in the dressage industry and I loved watching Lizzy grow as a horse-woman! The horse characters in this story (Book I and Book II) warm my heart and remind me of many horses that have touched my life. And, I even grew to love Wild Child - the cranky stallion!
I wish I could hang out with Deb, watch Marco work his magic, and slap Rider. Loved them all! I can't wait to read the third book in the series. Go Lizzy! :)
I wish I could hang out with Deb, watch Marco work his magic, and slap Rider. Loved them all! I can't wait to read the third book in the series. Go Lizzy! :)
May 23, 2013
I waited anxiously for this sequel to "the Dressage Chronicles" and was not disappointed. The story picks up with Lizzy being in charge of the farms new prospect, Wild Child. In learning how to handle the volatile stallion, Lizzy begins developing into a true horsewoman, learning how to read and feel the horse. And as in the first book, Ms McGoldrick adds plenty of the excitement and tension seen in the show world, with competitions from Canada to historic Gladstone as the riders compete for Olympic and Young Rider slots. The book was well worth the wait!
May 23, 2013
I waited anxiously for this sequel to "the Dressage Chronicles" and was not disappointed. The story picks up with Lizzy being in charge of the farms new prospect, Wild Child. In learning how to handle the volatile stallion, Lizzy begins developing into a true horsewoman, learning how to read and feel the horse. And as in the first book, Ms McGoldrick adds plenty of the excitement and tension seen in the show world, with competitions from Canada to historic Gladstone as the riders compete for Olympic and Young Rider slots. The book was well worth the wait!
January 13, 2017
The Soul of Horsemanship
Karen McGoldrick's second book in THE DRESSAGE CHRONICLES is better than the first, but keeps the momentum going . Her characters show more depth and growth and previously one-dimensional characters develop depth.
The author's understanding and empathy toward horses is evident, as is her knowledge of their emotions and body language. I look forward to more from her.
Karen McGoldrick's second book in THE DRESSAGE CHRONICLES is better than the first, but keeps the momentum going . Her characters show more depth and growth and previously one-dimensional characters develop depth.
The author's understanding and empathy toward horses is evident, as is her knowledge of their emotions and body language. I look forward to more from her.
June 12, 2014
Slightly better than the first one and equally enjoyable. These books are absolute fluff, but McGoldrick paints an accurate picture of the dressage world, and it arguably one of the best "horse book" authors out there.
I couldn't put the book down, and I eagerly await any future books in the series.
I couldn't put the book down, and I eagerly await any future books in the series.
November 12, 2016
I could not put this down
This is manna for horse lovers. The characters were created in the first book and in this one they were fully developed with fascinating new ones introduced. That's also true of the horses, each had his or her personality developed. I loved the details of the daily life and the portion of the story about the goals coming was magical.
This is manna for horse lovers. The characters were created in the first book and in this one they were fully developed with fascinating new ones introduced. That's also true of the horses, each had his or her personality developed. I loved the details of the daily life and the portion of the story about the goals coming was magical.
December 30, 2016
Good read. Storyline flowed nicely. Left me wanting more
Character personality was engaging. Made me feel connected and I could easily picture the thought and feelings Lizzy expressed. Easy read. Good life lesson for a young rider.
Character personality was engaging. Made me feel connected and I could easily picture the thought and feelings Lizzy expressed. Easy read. Good life lesson for a young rider.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews