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Morning Star Stables #1
A Gelding Named Thunder
Haley Welling was born to win a National Championship, trotting a show horse down the rail with blue ribbons hanging from its bridle, and blankets of red roses adorning its neck. As a young girl, she spent countless hours at the feet of instructors, trainers, and barn managers, soaking up everything she could about the horse industry like a sponge, and hoping that one day it would be enough to fulfill her dream.
The summer after graduation, her fantasy finally becomes a reality when she secures the resident stable hand job at Morning Star Stables. Everything is running smoothly until Katie, the prestigious junior rider, decides that there’s no room for someone new. With Katie doing everything in her power to sabotage Haley’s career, her future at MS stables is on the line.
The show season is quickly approaching, and Haley is unsure if she has what it takes to follow her dream. Will she crumble under the pressure, or will she finally find out what it feels like to end up in the winner’s circle atop the horse of her dreams?
The summer after graduation, her fantasy finally becomes a reality when she secures the resident stable hand job at Morning Star Stables. Everything is running smoothly until Katie, the prestigious junior rider, decides that there’s no room for someone new. With Katie doing everything in her power to sabotage Haley’s career, her future at MS stables is on the line.
The show season is quickly approaching, and Haley is unsure if she has what it takes to follow her dream. Will she crumble under the pressure, or will she finally find out what it feels like to end up in the winner’s circle atop the horse of her dreams?
- GenresHorses
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
38 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Heckman
9 books98 followersYou would think that writers would be good at writing a biography about themselves.. wrong.
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 20, 2015
Park Trot (Standing Room Only Stables Series: Book One) by C.L. Heckman is an engrossing page-turner that held its grip from beginning to end. I love the authors crisp writing style and the way she is able to tell her tale in pictures. The prose so clear the story comes alive. I could see the visuals before me as I read with great anticipation.
You don't have to know anything about horses to enjoy this entertaining read.
The passion the author has for horses is evident, inspiring even. I am moved by this passion. The Arabian horses are at the center at the story which makes me fall in love with them as I read about their beauty and individual personalities.
There is a depth to this touching story that pulls on my heart strings.
Quite poignant and smart.
Looking forward to more by this very talented young lady.
Quote ~
As my breath begins to stabilize, I take notice of Rumble, slowly walking toward me with his muzzle dropped to the ground. Once at my side, he shoves his nose into my armpit and an obvious look of regret fills his eyes. I pat him on the forehead, and immediately forgive him for being afraid.
You don't have to know anything about horses to enjoy this entertaining read.
The passion the author has for horses is evident, inspiring even. I am moved by this passion. The Arabian horses are at the center at the story which makes me fall in love with them as I read about their beauty and individual personalities.
There is a depth to this touching story that pulls on my heart strings.
Quite poignant and smart.
Looking forward to more by this very talented young lady.
Quote ~
As my breath begins to stabilize, I take notice of Rumble, slowly walking toward me with his muzzle dropped to the ground. Once at my side, he shoves his nose into my armpit and an obvious look of regret fills his eyes. I pat him on the forehead, and immediately forgive him for being afraid.
January 21, 2015
A girl, a horse, and a quest for the roses...
5.0 out of 5 stars A horse, a girl, and and a quest for the roses January 21, 2015
By Convoke
Format:Kindle Edition
If you love horses and horse showing, you'll adore "Park Trot" by C. L. Heckman, a book for young adults and lifelong horse lovers alike. A show rider herself, Heckman takes you inside the often tempestuous world of horse training and horse shows. And you don't even need a custom-made suit to get into the showring. As a lifelong horse owner and breeder of many years experience, I found this book incisive and much in the mode of the classic "National Velvet," as it focuses on the riders, trainers, and horse people -- all trying to capture their dreams by riding in competition and capturing a title.
Horses teach people many things, one of most important of which is that you can't lie or cry your way out of a problem with a horse. Horsemen and horsewomen develop clarity and determination as they learn this lesson. Yet, people are people, and Heckman has done an exemplary job of bringing you into the world of people who compete with horses as their partners.
"Park Trot," Book One in the "Standing Room Only Stables" series introduces Lynn Welling, who as a child dreamed of riding a high-stepping "Park Horse" at U.S. Nationals, trotting the victory lap with a blanket of roses in her lap and a fine horse under her
Lynn takes a job as a stable hand at an Arabian horse farm and soon finds herself challenged again and again. She has little experience with show horses or showing, but now she is responsible for the well-being of 20 delicate horses, and she’s beginning to second guess her decision.
Lynn soon comes to the attention of the head trainer, Doug, who is hunting for a "junior" rider. Enter Rumble, a small bay gelding. Doug offers to teach her to ride this hot little show horse.
Lynn soon finds out that problems with horses can be overshadowed by problems with competitive horse people, and makes an enemy of star rider, Zoey, who does Lynn as much harm as she can.
Will Lynn ride Rumble in the ring this season? Can she make it to the show arena? And if she does, can she and Rumble triumph?
Recommended for anyone with children who dream of showing horses, or people considering horse competition, or even those who once had such dreams as Lynn's.
I eagerly await more books in Watkins' series: she's off to a high-riding start.
5.0 out of 5 stars A horse, a girl, and and a quest for the roses January 21, 2015
By Convoke
Format:Kindle Edition
If you love horses and horse showing, you'll adore "Park Trot" by C. L. Heckman, a book for young adults and lifelong horse lovers alike. A show rider herself, Heckman takes you inside the often tempestuous world of horse training and horse shows. And you don't even need a custom-made suit to get into the showring. As a lifelong horse owner and breeder of many years experience, I found this book incisive and much in the mode of the classic "National Velvet," as it focuses on the riders, trainers, and horse people -- all trying to capture their dreams by riding in competition and capturing a title.
Horses teach people many things, one of most important of which is that you can't lie or cry your way out of a problem with a horse. Horsemen and horsewomen develop clarity and determination as they learn this lesson. Yet, people are people, and Heckman has done an exemplary job of bringing you into the world of people who compete with horses as their partners.
"Park Trot," Book One in the "Standing Room Only Stables" series introduces Lynn Welling, who as a child dreamed of riding a high-stepping "Park Horse" at U.S. Nationals, trotting the victory lap with a blanket of roses in her lap and a fine horse under her
Lynn takes a job as a stable hand at an Arabian horse farm and soon finds herself challenged again and again. She has little experience with show horses or showing, but now she is responsible for the well-being of 20 delicate horses, and she’s beginning to second guess her decision.
Lynn soon comes to the attention of the head trainer, Doug, who is hunting for a "junior" rider. Enter Rumble, a small bay gelding. Doug offers to teach her to ride this hot little show horse.
Lynn soon finds out that problems with horses can be overshadowed by problems with competitive horse people, and makes an enemy of star rider, Zoey, who does Lynn as much harm as she can.
Will Lynn ride Rumble in the ring this season? Can she make it to the show arena? And if she does, can she and Rumble triumph?
Recommended for anyone with children who dream of showing horses, or people considering horse competition, or even those who once had such dreams as Lynn's.
I eagerly await more books in Watkins' series: she's off to a high-riding start.
January 15, 2015
Let me say at the outset that I am not a "horse person" nor do I know anything about the world of show horses. So, why, you might ask, did I purchase this book? I did it quite simply because of the author. Some time back, on a whim, I picked up C. L. Heckman's debut novel, "Charlie's Pond" and once I started reading could not put it down until the final "The End". So, I wanted to see what she was up to here with "Park Trot". I was not disappointed.
From the first page, I was hooked. Heckman writes with such clarity it was easy to become wrapped up in this wonderful coming-of-age tale. The lead character, Lynn, is a young woman who loves horses but lacks the confidence needed to believe that she could ever succeed in the show ring. Through Heckman's masterful prose, the reader gets to join this young woman on her journey to discover the courage and maturity that lie deep within her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it most highly to teens, young adults, and adults alike. It is a wonderful read!
From the first page, I was hooked. Heckman writes with such clarity it was easy to become wrapped up in this wonderful coming-of-age tale. The lead character, Lynn, is a young woman who loves horses but lacks the confidence needed to believe that she could ever succeed in the show ring. Through Heckman's masterful prose, the reader gets to join this young woman on her journey to discover the courage and maturity that lie deep within her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it most highly to teens, young adults, and adults alike. It is a wonderful read!
February 2, 2015
Lynn Welling dreams of being a successful show horse rider. After bouts of low self confidence and self belief, she finally manages to enter the world of horses, riders, competition, and jealousies.
This is an excellent story and great beginning to what will be a riveting series. Competition in the equestrian world is never easy but Ms Heckman manages to show the reader just how competitive and gruelling this world of horses really is.
The author has written in a very straightforward way, delving into the characters' minds and displaying great prose, which bring the plots and story alive in the reader's mind.
This is an excellent story and great beginning to what will be a riveting series. Competition in the equestrian world is never easy but Ms Heckman manages to show the reader just how competitive and gruelling this world of horses really is.
The author has written in a very straightforward way, delving into the characters' minds and displaying great prose, which bring the plots and story alive in the reader's mind.
March 5, 2015
This is the first book I have read about horses, and I loved it!
I went into this book with no preconceived ideas or expectations, and came out the other end feeling elated, and all the better for reading it.
It’s been so long since I rode, and the memories came flowing back: the warmth of the horse beneath me, the sound of him chuffing and snorting, the smell of his breath...
In this novel, Heckman presents the same smells and feelings, the mucking out, watering, grooming. It’s all here. And then there are the competitions; far more than I ever knew happened in those circles.
This is a glorious read. It is honest and simple. I truly loved it.
I went into this book with no preconceived ideas or expectations, and came out the other end feeling elated, and all the better for reading it.
It’s been so long since I rode, and the memories came flowing back: the warmth of the horse beneath me, the sound of him chuffing and snorting, the smell of his breath...
In this novel, Heckman presents the same smells and feelings, the mucking out, watering, grooming. It’s all here. And then there are the competitions; far more than I ever knew happened in those circles.
This is a glorious read. It is honest and simple. I truly loved it.
September 6, 2024
Not bad, but …
The problem with self-publishing is evident throughout this one. It’s a pretty good story but lacks substance. Poor word choices often spoil the symmetry of a scene, and there is a general lack of telling the whole story. Things happen almost instantaneously from one page to another, and it could be so much better with smoother, more consistent transitions. Giving the author kudos, though, she wrote almost accurately about horse-related terms and events.
The problem with self-publishing is evident throughout this one. It’s a pretty good story but lacks substance. Poor word choices often spoil the symmetry of a scene, and there is a general lack of telling the whole story. Things happen almost instantaneously from one page to another, and it could be so much better with smoother, more consistent transitions. Giving the author kudos, though, she wrote almost accurately about horse-related terms and events.
January 11, 2021
A wonderful book for horse lovers of all ages, especially if you like Arabian horses or Saddlebreds. Lots of information, action, and a great plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2023
great read
Horses, shows and a love story, what’s not to enjoy? I really like learning about other disciplines of riding..I am a hunter/jumper rider. This was interesting and educational and just enjoyable.
Horses, shows and a love story, what’s not to enjoy? I really like learning about other disciplines of riding..I am a hunter/jumper rider. This was interesting and educational and just enjoyable.
January 23, 2015
A lovely, easy to read YA novel about a teenager overcoming her fears to realise her dreams. Of special appeal to horse-lovers but it has universal appeal for anyone who dreams of success in their chosen hobby.
Lynn is nervous when she starts work as a stable girl in a small yard concentrating on show horses. She never believed she'd end up riding one of the horses in a national competition in her wildest dreams. The route to show day is littered with accidents, injuries, jealous rivalries and boys. She makes firm friends and learns the value of support but will nerves ruin the big day?
Books like this one, fuelled my interest in reading in my youth. This one is particularly well-written with rounded characters. I've previously owned an anglo-arab horse so I was fascinated by the different way things are done in the States.
Recommend.
Lynn is nervous when she starts work as a stable girl in a small yard concentrating on show horses. She never believed she'd end up riding one of the horses in a national competition in her wildest dreams. The route to show day is littered with accidents, injuries, jealous rivalries and boys. She makes firm friends and learns the value of support but will nerves ruin the big day?
Books like this one, fuelled my interest in reading in my youth. This one is particularly well-written with rounded characters. I've previously owned an anglo-arab horse so I was fascinated by the different way things are done in the States.
Recommend.
January 18, 2015
Equestrian Story
I’ve read other books by this talented author, so I had high expectations for this book. I wasn’t disappointed. Author C.L. Heckman delivers another fabulous read!
This story gives access to the world of show horses through a coming of age story. As the story unfolds, the main character Lynn Welling grows in confidence, discovering strength and skill she didn’t know she possessed. I knew next to nothing about the equestrian world, and found it fascinating. The characters are well written, and the prose is clear and engaging. Teen readers and adults would enjoy this book.
I’ve read other books by this talented author, so I had high expectations for this book. I wasn’t disappointed. Author C.L. Heckman delivers another fabulous read!
This story gives access to the world of show horses through a coming of age story. As the story unfolds, the main character Lynn Welling grows in confidence, discovering strength and skill she didn’t know she possessed. I knew next to nothing about the equestrian world, and found it fascinating. The characters are well written, and the prose is clear and engaging. Teen readers and adults would enjoy this book.
February 21, 2015
I raised three daughters around horses. One went on to become a champion rider and trainer who is still at it now. The other two went into other fields, but still lovingly think back on their days riding around the ring trying to impress the judges. Park Trot is a nice young adult book about a girl overcoming her fear and apprehension with the help of a horse named Rumble. A good book for young ladies with horses and those who dream about horses - also an enjoyable read for older folk who love horses - I enjoyed the book - took me back many years and rekindled some memories I had forgotten.
May 4, 2018
Oh my little horse obsessed heart! This story is exactly the story I would have went crazy for as a teen. Nothing deep in this story, just two girls who ride horses and love them as much as me.
When the story starts there is anger and jealousy between Lynn and Zoe, and I wasn't happy. It changed pretty quick and they became best friends.
The story is mostly all smiles and sunshine so if you need drama, stay away from this one. If you want a feel good book about horses, be sure to check this one out!
When the story starts there is anger and jealousy between Lynn and Zoe, and I wasn't happy. It changed pretty quick and they became best friends.
The story is mostly all smiles and sunshine so if you need drama, stay away from this one. If you want a feel good book about horses, be sure to check this one out!
May 21, 2018
From a Saddle Seat rider's perspective, the book was good because it was accurate(ish). The plot was a bit cliche and a few other issues with the characters (spoiler alert: if Zoey's foster family cared for her enough to get her an Arabian good enough to win Nationals, they wouldn't toss her out at age 18... I'm a foster parents I should know!) Otherwise I thought it was good.
August 9, 2016
This is a good YA book that adults would also enjoy. It has very good character development, and the equestrian terminology isn't over-done. There are, however, some grammar issues that took a star off my rating.
March 25, 2017
Good Book
I enjoyed the topic of this book, as well as the content of it. I didn't know much about this kind of riding, so I felt like I learned along with the main character.
I enjoyed the topic of this book, as well as the content of it. I didn't know much about this kind of riding, so I felt like I learned along with the main character.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews