Keeping Barney

by Jessie Haas

Named to the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Master List: Sarah dreams of owning a horse, but caring for one comes with responsibilities

Sarah Miles wants a horse more than anything. Now that she and her parents have moved from the city to a farm in Vermont, she’s closer than ever to getting her wish. She already has her eye on a half-Morgan gelding named Barney—she just has to work up the courage to ask Mom and Dad if she can take him while his owner is away at college. He can jump and drive and barrel race, and he and his owner, Missy, have won bushels of ribbons. Sarah’s thrilled when her parents say yes . . . on the condition that Sarah is fully accountable for his care.

But Barney has his own way of doing things and doesn’t like to be disciplined. He snorts at Sarah. Ignores her instructions. Runs off. Yet in spite of everything, Barney’s starting to grow on Sarah. But when his owner returns, will she lose the horse she loves?

Genres: Horses

160 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Jessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.

Reviews

[Vom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animals are complicated, difficult, and ornery. They have their own view of the world and their own wants and desires. This is the part that makes them loveable, but it doesn't make them easy.

Or, the first time I read a book that said reality, with all its disappointments and complications, is better than fantasy. Also, things don't always magically turn out.

[Kendra]

Quick read of a youngster learning how to be a partner with an older horse, set in his ways and stubborn.

This book has a note inside with my name in it, and showing it was bought in 1987, up at White Settlement, TX by my folks. Funny! And WOW! can I ignore at how time flies?!!!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet tale about Sarah, a 13-year-old girl who gets a half-Morgan to care for while her owner is away at college. Barney is stubborn and mischievous and set in his ways and not exactly the dream horse Sarah hoped for. They learn from each other about trust and responsibility. A quick and easy read.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ever written about a girl and a horse that behaves very unexpectedly. Enjoyable read for adult horse lovers, too. Barney is one of the most memorable characters in equine literature.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writer and horse story.