Runaway Stallion

by Walt Morey

Jeff Hunter's family left their busy city life and relocated to the quiet farm town of Jasper, Oregon in 1915. Jasper's residents weren't interested in this new family; they'd rather stick to their own and they make it very clear to the Hunters. Jeff's a target at school, and his parents' general store can't get customers who will cross family lines. Everything changes one stormy night when Jeff catches a glimpse of a beautiful runaway racehorse. This horse is unlike any other in the valley and quickly causes trouble for rancher Lem Decker who puts a bounty on the horse's head. If Jeff can just tame the horse, he'd show the town what he's made of and might even save his parents' business. Jeff braves the wilderness of the Middle Fork Willamette River to reach the horse, but can he face the toughest rancher in the valley on a relentless pursuit of revenge?

Genres: Horses, Childrens, Animals, Fiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Walt Morey was an award-winning author of numerous works of children's fiction set in the U.S. Pacific Northwestand Alaska, the places where Morey lived for all of his life. His book Gentle Ben was the basis for the 1967 movie Gentle Giant and the 1967-1969 television show Gentle Ben.

He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.

Reviews

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Morey was my great grandfather, my parents gave me the middle name Morey in his honor. He died when I was young; so, sadly, I remember very little of him. My father remembers him sitting at his desk with a typewriter poking away at the keys. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not read his books until now. I decided it is time I finally get into gear and read them.

A sweet, bonding story between a horse and a boy. Runaway Stallion follows the same pattern that many of Morey's books do - the relationship of an animal facilitating the maturity and growth of a young boy. This one taps into feelings of being bullied and the desire to fit in and belong.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

I read this book at least once as a child and even after I grew out of my obsession with horses, it still remained one of my favorite middle-grade novels. Reading it again was great. I think it still holds up as a favorite because it's more than just a cliched 'boy and his horse' story - there's other stuff going on, too.

This was written in the seventies, which makes me a little sad, simply because I could see it being an absolutely splendid 50's film. If any of you guys has read it, I'd love to brainstorm Old Hollywood dream casting with you - I could see the story playing out in my head like a movie more than once.

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child. Hunted it down for years (and by years I really do mean years). Finally found it and was not so excited reading it. When I was younger I loved it but now...it just wasn't all I remembered it to be. Is a great book if your reading it as a child. Despite that it still has a soft spot in my memory.

[Laurie D'ghent · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much better than Black Beauty! No animal abuse, based on a true story, and only two near-swears. Intense and emotional, very real, but ends with hope.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome story of a family that is hated and is having a lot of trouble, and then this stallion comes into there life...the end is sad, but wonderful!! I can't say any more or I will ruin the fun for you to read it!!!

[Jacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was about a runaway stallion. A kid named Jeff found the horse stuck in quicksand.A bridge fell and people were on it.do you think everybody survived

[16relliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good