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Pony Club Secrets #1
Mystic and the Midnight Ride
The first Pony Club Secrets mystery adventure by bestselling author of ‘The Princess and the Foal’.
Issie loves horses more than anything!
And she especially loves her pony Mystic at Chevalier Point Pony Club. So when the unthinkable happens, Issie is devastated.
Then her instructor asks her to care for Blaze, an abandoned pony, and Issie’s riding skills are really put to the test. Will she tame the spirited new horse Blaze? And can Mystic somehow return to help her…
Find out in the first Pony Club Secrets mystery adventure from the bestselling author of ‘The Princess and the Foal’.
Issie loves horses more than anything!
And she especially loves her pony Mystic at Chevalier Point Pony Club. So when the unthinkable happens, Issie is devastated.
Then her instructor asks her to care for Blaze, an abandoned pony, and Issie’s riding skills are really put to the test. Will she tame the spirited new horse Blaze? And can Mystic somehow return to help her…
Find out in the first Pony Club Secrets mystery adventure from the bestselling author of ‘The Princess and the Foal’.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
117 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Gregg
80 books207 followersAs a young girl living in New Zealand Stacy Gregg wanted to be two things when she grew up – a horse rider and a writer. She now considers herself very, very lucky to be both at once!
Becoming a writer was the easy part – all she needed was an exercise book and a pen. Stacy wrote loads of poetry and short stories at school and then became a journalist, writing features for magazines and newspapers and working as a fashion writer (v. glamorous and lots of fun!) before her first book in the Pony Club Secrets series was published in 2007.
Extract from author's web page
Becoming a writer was the easy part – all she needed was an exercise book and a pen. Stacy wrote loads of poetry and short stories at school and then became a journalist, writing features for magazines and newspapers and working as a fashion writer (v. glamorous and lots of fun!) before her first book in the Pony Club Secrets series was published in 2007.
Extract from author's web page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 9, 2012
Amazing! Loved it so much! I've read it about 7 times but it always makes me cry when Mystic dies! It's devastating! :'( ! read all of your other books aswell. All of them I loved even more! So much drama happening which always gets me hooked up in a book! Mystic is a bit similar to one of my ponies! Love this book loads and loads and I'm going to keep on reading it because it's that good! :)
May 19, 2023
I've been thinking a lot about the books that were really important to me when I was a child and as I grew up. This was a series that I had almost forgotten about, but i have so many memories of library trips and holidays linked to these books. I've never shunned children's books because I think they are so comforting, especially to return to as an adult. So I'm taking a little trip down nostalgia lane and this one did not disappoint.
May 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I usually like these kinds of books. This was an extremelysweet and heartfelt book. This book was about a girl named Issie who owned a horse and even competed on it. That was until the horse passed away while Issie was riding it in the process of trying to save some other horses. Her riding instructor was part of a horse protection program that saved a horse just after Issie's horse died. This horse was given to Issie for her to take care of. This book was extremely good. Awesome read.
December 13, 2019
I grew up with this series, and I am still extremely attached to it. It's been part of my childhood, and yes, I can still see myself reading it just for the pleasure of it later.
It's a good story, a good series, that combines the perfect amount of adventures and real life. It's very compelling, especially for kids. It's not a book that will win a literary award or anything, but it will bring you a warm feeling and it's such a lovely read for kids, especially those who like horses.
It's a good story, a good series, that combines the perfect amount of adventures and real life. It's very compelling, especially for kids. It's not a book that will win a literary award or anything, but it will bring you a warm feeling and it's such a lovely read for kids, especially those who like horses.
July 17, 2022
this book is incredible!! a masterpiece one might say 🤤🤤 oh how i am looking forward to reading the next 10 😘💐🍆
September 9, 2015
I am speaking on behalf of the entire series, not this book, please note.
This is without doubt the best horsey series I've ever read. Excluding this first book (more on that later) it's not depressing.
You grow to love the characters and laugh at the things they do, and get angry at the moments mean characters put them down, or even get shocked when something horrible happens!
The series is varied, interesting and although I have missed out a few (Fortune and the golden trophy, Victory and the all-stars academy, Flame and the rebel riders, because I felt they were a bit unnecessary and I didn't need to read them at all to help my understanding of the next book, Angel and the flying stallions, as it explained everything. DONT MISS OUT ANY OTHERS THOUGH, or you'll be really confused when you read the others.) the series has been excellent.
You don't even need to read the first book to start the series, you can read the second. That's what I did by accident, and everything from the first book was explained. I don't recommend skipping any others, except the ones mentioned above, or you won't follow the story and will get confused.
Anyway, I actually think the first book in the series is a bit depressing. Over half of the book describes Issie's sorrow over a recent death (won't give away details, as it's crucial to the plot and entire series) and its really only towards the end that things start to pick up. Don't be deterred, the rest of the series is not depressing like the 1st book!
So, give this series a try. You won't be disappointed
This is without doubt the best horsey series I've ever read. Excluding this first book (more on that later) it's not depressing.
You grow to love the characters and laugh at the things they do, and get angry at the moments mean characters put them down, or even get shocked when something horrible happens!
The series is varied, interesting and although I have missed out a few (Fortune and the golden trophy, Victory and the all-stars academy, Flame and the rebel riders, because I felt they were a bit unnecessary and I didn't need to read them at all to help my understanding of the next book, Angel and the flying stallions, as it explained everything. DONT MISS OUT ANY OTHERS THOUGH, or you'll be really confused when you read the others.) the series has been excellent.
You don't even need to read the first book to start the series, you can read the second. That's what I did by accident, and everything from the first book was explained. I don't recommend skipping any others, except the ones mentioned above, or you won't follow the story and will get confused.
Anyway, I actually think the first book in the series is a bit depressing. Over half of the book describes Issie's sorrow over a recent death (won't give away details, as it's crucial to the plot and entire series) and its really only towards the end that things start to pick up. Don't be deterred, the rest of the series is not depressing like the 1st book!
So, give this series a try. You won't be disappointed
June 28, 2019
This is a really good book for people who like animals and mainly horses, but beware it is quite sad a one point, which personally I liked, as you feel quite connected to the book and characters. It was quite an unexpected ending as it didn't look like they would be able to go to the show when Issie's horse Blaze was nearly taken, and hurt in the process of stopping that from happening, but they pushed through and won the show. i would defiantly recommend this book!
December 6, 2012
guys, this book is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.
really sad and teaches you a lot about persistence- if you love something, stick at it!!!
I cry every single time I read this, and i would definitely recommend it. It's not all sad -promise!!- there's a happy ending that leaves you thirsty for more.
really sad and teaches you a lot about persistence- if you love something, stick at it!!!
I cry every single time I read this, and i would definitely recommend it. It's not all sad -promise!!- there's a happy ending that leaves you thirsty for more.
December 24, 2017
This series I could easily say is my all time Favourite book series. I read this series so so many times and loved it. If a friend needed a recommendation for just a quick simple read this would be it. I'm not going to say much more but READ THIS BOOK. READ THIS SERIES.
November 15, 2025
Public reading in the discord for this book tonight !
November 3, 2021
Si te encantan los caballos, como a mí, y buscas una lectura amena, divertida y rápida, estos trece libros son una opción estupenda para esos días en los que nos apetece leer algo facilito.
Están recomendados para una edad de nueve años o más, pero no por eso se trata de una saga infantil. De hecho, yo el último libro lo he leído hace tres o cuatro semanas y me ha encantado. Ha sido una lectura muy fresca.
Cada uno de los libros cuenta una aventura distinta de Isa, la protagonista, siempre con relación al mundo de la equitación.
Por lo tanto, podrían leerse como volúmenes independientes, pero tened en cuenta que pueden aparecer datos de libros anteriores. Por eso, yo recomiendo leerlos por orden. De esa manera, entenderéis mejor la historia, la evolución de la protagonista a medida que crece y su relación con los distintos caballos, yeguas y ponis que aparecen en cada uno de los libros.
¿Alguien en la sala que conozca estos libros? ¿Qué os parecen?
Están recomendados para una edad de nueve años o más, pero no por eso se trata de una saga infantil. De hecho, yo el último libro lo he leído hace tres o cuatro semanas y me ha encantado. Ha sido una lectura muy fresca.
Cada uno de los libros cuenta una aventura distinta de Isa, la protagonista, siempre con relación al mundo de la equitación.
Por lo tanto, podrían leerse como volúmenes independientes, pero tened en cuenta que pueden aparecer datos de libros anteriores. Por eso, yo recomiendo leerlos por orden. De esa manera, entenderéis mejor la historia, la evolución de la protagonista a medida que crece y su relación con los distintos caballos, yeguas y ponis que aparecen en cada uno de los libros.
¿Alguien en la sala que conozca estos libros? ¿Qué os parecen?
August 18, 2011
I found this book very amusing but a tad moving - I cried when the main horse Mystic died! It gets happy after that thgough. The main character Issie gets over her best friend Mystic not being with her anymore and takes on a new horse - Blaze - and the pair of them form a special friendship. Great book!
December 25, 2013
i luv this book!!it was amazing!i don't know but i did cry when mystic died but the way the author takes the story along it's beutiful!!the way mystic and issie save blaze from the horse thieves and the way issie treats blaze.....it was more than amazing.probably one of my favourite books!!
May 15, 2014
<3
I loved
it so much absolutely love to the punctuation if it's written bad I didn't notice! the story grabbed me and didn't let go until the very end. it definitely left me wanting more!!!
I loved
it so much absolutely love to the punctuation if it's written bad I didn't notice! the story grabbed me and didn't let go until the very end. it definitely left me wanting more!!!
April 6, 2018
Mystic and the midnight ride is an amazing book for anyone who loves adventures and (obiously) horses. However Stacey has made it for people who are not into horses. I recommend this book for anyone who is someone who loves a detailed book.It's to the whole family to enjoy. Have fun pressing it!!
April 2, 2020
One of my childhood favourites. Re-reading during this rubbish time to lift up my spirits it definitely did the job!
April 13, 2022
WARNING TO ALL PARENTS: Do NOT let your daughter read this if you wish to discourage an interest in horses. After book one: obsession guaranteed. After book two: riding lessons unavoidable. After book five: incessant pleas for the purchase of a horse. By the end of the series: in full grip of a fixation predicted to last well into the teenage years, if not for life.
This is the book that embodies every pony-mad little girl's dream. I remember getting this book for a present at my tenth birthday party, and looking back now, I can trace the beginning of my bookworm career back to this one story which made me fall in love with reading. Yes, I may read Lord of the Rings and David Copperfield and Sense & Sensibility, but despite the disgust from every literary critic, Pony Club Secrets, especially Mystic and the Midnight Ride, will forever have as much of a place in my heart as Pride & Prejudice.
The story follows the life of a young girl, Issie, and her beloved pony Mystic. Though it is only a children's book, you will have a hard search to find a story so poignant and heartwarming. Reading it as a young girl, I was utterly absorbed into the world of the pony club; Issie's friends were my friends; Issie's rivals and enemies and crushes were mine also. Through a gripping mystery, it teaches the young reader the quality of strong friendship; the value of unwavering support from instructor and mentor, Tom; the technicalities and realities of caring for a horse and being a part of the pony club. But most of all, it is build around the sensitive and caring relationship between human and horse. So often within the world of pony club and eventing, horses are seen as little more than furry motorbikes, or moving toys that little girls can pet and groom. But this series of stories shows the reality of how important connection and sympathy are between horse and rider, showing a variety of approaches from natural horsemanship to stunt riding to Spanish riding school, all of which, with Tom's insightful tuition, triumph over the brutal and aggressive methods.
If I had to say anything negative about this book, it is that reality does not meet its standards. Through years of begging, saving and volunteering at stables, it is because of this book that I eventually achieved the dream of having my own horse. And he really is my dream come true. But it must be warned to anyone who reads this, the experience of pony club is somewhat romanticised. As an instructor, Tom is one in a million, and the adventure and camaraderie between the pony club members is something that you do not find in every pony club by any means. Not every horse can be taken from a nervous wreck and transformed into a star. And of course - not all ponies have the wonderfully romantic names that they do in this series.
Still, if you have a little girl who loves horses, this is the best book out there; believe me, I've read most of them. This will be the start of their pony career... if not their reading career.
This is the book that embodies every pony-mad little girl's dream. I remember getting this book for a present at my tenth birthday party, and looking back now, I can trace the beginning of my bookworm career back to this one story which made me fall in love with reading. Yes, I may read Lord of the Rings and David Copperfield and Sense & Sensibility, but despite the disgust from every literary critic, Pony Club Secrets, especially Mystic and the Midnight Ride, will forever have as much of a place in my heart as Pride & Prejudice.
The story follows the life of a young girl, Issie, and her beloved pony Mystic. Though it is only a children's book, you will have a hard search to find a story so poignant and heartwarming. Reading it as a young girl, I was utterly absorbed into the world of the pony club; Issie's friends were my friends; Issie's rivals and enemies and crushes were mine also. Through a gripping mystery, it teaches the young reader the quality of strong friendship; the value of unwavering support from instructor and mentor, Tom; the technicalities and realities of caring for a horse and being a part of the pony club. But most of all, it is build around the sensitive and caring relationship between human and horse. So often within the world of pony club and eventing, horses are seen as little more than furry motorbikes, or moving toys that little girls can pet and groom. But this series of stories shows the reality of how important connection and sympathy are between horse and rider, showing a variety of approaches from natural horsemanship to stunt riding to Spanish riding school, all of which, with Tom's insightful tuition, triumph over the brutal and aggressive methods.
If I had to say anything negative about this book, it is that reality does not meet its standards. Through years of begging, saving and volunteering at stables, it is because of this book that I eventually achieved the dream of having my own horse. And he really is my dream come true. But it must be warned to anyone who reads this, the experience of pony club is somewhat romanticised. As an instructor, Tom is one in a million, and the adventure and camaraderie between the pony club members is something that you do not find in every pony club by any means. Not every horse can be taken from a nervous wreck and transformed into a star. And of course - not all ponies have the wonderfully romantic names that they do in this series.
Still, if you have a little girl who loves horses, this is the best book out there; believe me, I've read most of them. This will be the start of their pony career... if not their reading career.
November 16, 2022
Mystic and the Midnight ride
Stacy Gregg
New Zealand Novel
Date finished = 09-11-2022
A character that changed by the end of the book was Issie. She was changed by witnessing the supposedly dead Mystic coming to help her rescue her new horse Blaze, and guided her to realize that he was not in fact gone but would watch over her like a guardian angel. A quote that proves all of this is “Over the past few weeks she had begun to think that maybe Mystic was her guardian angel.” This theme was written into the book because of the importance of having faith and pride in yourself, and to not worry about the bad things in life because they will be taken care of by a greater being. In other words, society needs to stop being so stressy. Humanity overthinks about all the bad things that can happen. They focus on these insignificant things for so long that they miss all the joy life has to offer. Our world needs to leave these arbitrary problems to the universe, and start living a little more care free. A little more happy.
Stacy Gregg
New Zealand Novel
Date finished = 09-11-2022
A character that changed by the end of the book was Issie. She was changed by witnessing the supposedly dead Mystic coming to help her rescue her new horse Blaze, and guided her to realize that he was not in fact gone but would watch over her like a guardian angel. A quote that proves all of this is “Over the past few weeks she had begun to think that maybe Mystic was her guardian angel.” This theme was written into the book because of the importance of having faith and pride in yourself, and to not worry about the bad things in life because they will be taken care of by a greater being. In other words, society needs to stop being so stressy. Humanity overthinks about all the bad things that can happen. They focus on these insignificant things for so long that they miss all the joy life has to offer. Our world needs to leave these arbitrary problems to the universe, and start living a little more care free. A little more happy.
November 22, 2018
Overall rating is 4 stars✨ on this middle school grade equestrian novel 🖤
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This book definitely kept my attention and pulled the heartstrings of my equestrian soul. Definitely a younger audience read but I enjoyed it anyways.
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The reason for four stars though was more from my adult perspective.... while reading the girl was put into many dangerous situations with her horse/horses... some by adults(sorry but what adult just hands a child a crazy unpredictable horse and leaves... or without ever trying the horse... throws a kid on bareback and no halter/bridle... that would be a fired trained if was my children... I would have liked alittle more safe horse etiquette especially being a book for young equestrians.
.
This book definitely kept my attention and pulled the heartstrings of my equestrian soul. Definitely a younger audience read but I enjoyed it anyways.
.
The reason for four stars though was more from my adult perspective.... while reading the girl was put into many dangerous situations with her horse/horses... some by adults(sorry but what adult just hands a child a crazy unpredictable horse and leaves... or without ever trying the horse... throws a kid on bareback and no halter/bridle... that would be a fired trained if was my children... I would have liked alittle more safe horse etiquette especially being a book for young equestrians.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2022
Note to Self Book Reviews...
Note to Self: purcahse no less than three buckets, two swimming pools and the pacific ocean to hold all your tears.
I read this book when I was around 7 or 8, and it broke my heart. I will never, ever forget it. Beautiful and poignant, with great life lessons about loss and letting go. Issie was a character I related to so much and Mystic is the perfect horse. This book made me squeal, laugh and cry in equal measure.
Would definitely recommend it. 5 stars all round. Layered characters, great plot and even the adults are intruiging (and adults are often left by the wayside in children's books.) Mystic the horse has more personality than every character in the known-universe put together; he's amazing.
Please pick up this book--you won't regret it.
Note to Self: purcahse no less than three buckets, two swimming pools and the pacific ocean to hold all your tears.
I read this book when I was around 7 or 8, and it broke my heart. I will never, ever forget it. Beautiful and poignant, with great life lessons about loss and letting go. Issie was a character I related to so much and Mystic is the perfect horse. This book made me squeal, laugh and cry in equal measure.
Would definitely recommend it. 5 stars all round. Layered characters, great plot and even the adults are intruiging (and adults are often left by the wayside in children's books.) Mystic the horse has more personality than every character in the known-universe put together; he's amazing.
Please pick up this book--you won't regret it.
December 18, 2023
I am in love with this series. I got the whole series second hand when I was 14 and now at 20 I will still read this books. I am very upset though because my mum gave away a bunch of my book to borrow while I was at college to a child she works work and I never got back one of the books that was in this series. absolutely gutted :(
December 7, 2020
Recommend to all horse/animal lovers! The whole series is a very enjoyable read. Although maybe aimed to an audience younger than myself that doesn’t take away from the great storyline and my enjoyment!!!!
November 23, 2022
A sweet intermediate level horsey book which hits its target demographic well, but be aware it introduces the slightly more mature theme of the death of a horse.
Mixing fantasy and a more grounded Pony Club story together in a balanced and approachable way.
Mixing fantasy and a more grounded Pony Club story together in a balanced and approachable way.
February 25, 2023
Good horse book read
I enjoyed this book and I think most middle grade readers would like it too. Warning there is a horse death in the beginning but it isn’t graphic. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
I enjoyed this book and I think most middle grade readers would like it too. Warning there is a horse death in the beginning but it isn’t graphic. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
October 18, 2023
I felt this book was similar to all of the other horse books out there.
I wasn’t too fond of the conflict or the characters. I also thought that the author could have done a better job with writing a more comprehensive plot.
3/5 🌟
I wasn’t too fond of the conflict or the characters. I also thought that the author could have done a better job with writing a more comprehensive plot.
3/5 🌟
December 3, 2023
I was thinking about books that shaped my childhood and this series was one of them. I’ve decided to reread them! I remember reading this book at the library when I was super young and then begging my parents to buy me the rest of the series!
March 21, 2025
Nostalgic as this was one of my favourite book series when I was younger - and it’s still good to be honest, even though it’s geared to a younger audience it doesn’t use childish language or overly ridiculous storylines whilst still being PG so it’s still enjoyable for older readers.
March 17, 2017
This is a book about a bond between a girl and her horse. But when something bad happens to her horse, she is asked to take on a new task.
June 16, 2017
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews