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Boys Don't Ride
17-year-old Tull has loved horses ever since he can remember but as the son of a single mum with more pressing things to pay for than riding lessons he’s never got closer than stroking them over the fence. Until one day a chance encounter with the most unlikely of girls opens the door to his dream. The question is, is it still the same dream? And is he tough enough to prove he’s worth living it?
108 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2014
208 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Katharina Marcus
6 books100 followersKatharina Marcus is a British Brightonian author of German-Jewish descent with a Dutch passport and a nationless heart.
She lives in perpetual chaos on a ball in space with two to three children, four ponies and a couple of cats.
A life-long horse woman with a serious penchant for bareback riding, she used to top up her meagre earnings from writing by moonlighting as a freelance riding instructor and horse trainer when not practising as a psychotherapist or serving food. Presently she is employed as the resident woodland sprite in a school for exceptionally entertaining and diverse young people.
As the daughter of Antiquarian book dealers she reads - and always has read - loads but is so private about her personal book collection, she keeps it in her bedroom.
Nearly a decade after publishing her first novel she has finally got a website together.
She also occasionally blogs on GR but doesn't really do any other social media - or so she claims.
By and large she prefers her interaction to be face to face or in personal messages but is, of course, immensely grateful for every like, share, feedback and review left.
She lives in perpetual chaos on a ball in space with two to three children, four ponies and a couple of cats.
A life-long horse woman with a serious penchant for bareback riding, she used to top up her meagre earnings from writing by moonlighting as a freelance riding instructor and horse trainer when not practising as a psychotherapist or serving food. Presently she is employed as the resident woodland sprite in a school for exceptionally entertaining and diverse young people.
As the daughter of Antiquarian book dealers she reads - and always has read - loads but is so private about her personal book collection, she keeps it in her bedroom.
Nearly a decade after publishing her first novel she has finally got a website together.
She also occasionally blogs on GR but doesn't really do any other social media - or so she claims.
By and large she prefers her interaction to be face to face or in personal messages but is, of course, immensely grateful for every like, share, feedback and review left.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews
October 17, 2014
Maybe I was just in a gooey mood today, but this novella really hit the spot. It's so nice to read about horses by an author that actually knows them. OK, she calls a 'halter' a 'head collar', but the English have been butchering American for years now, so I'll forgive her.
;)
This was a romance, but nothing beyond some kissing takes place & even that isn't graphic. Mostly it's about a boy's unrequited horse addiction. I'm not one, but I raised one & know a lot of women with the affliction. Marcus has it down pat & describes it beautifully. Perfect!
This is not my usual sort of read, but I will be looking at other books by this author. She writes too well not to.
;)
This was a romance, but nothing beyond some kissing takes place & even that isn't graphic. Mostly it's about a boy's unrequited horse addiction. I'm not one, but I raised one & know a lot of women with the affliction. Marcus has it down pat & describes it beautifully. Perfect!
This is not my usual sort of read, but I will be looking at other books by this author. She writes too well not to.
April 23, 2016
This was a YA contemporary romance novella about a boy and girl who meet in the school cafeteria and discover a mutual love for horses. They begin working together at some stables, and participate in a charity event, and slowly feelings grow between them, even though Liberty keeps telling Tull that he isn’t her type! This was a sweet story though, and it was cute the way Tull eventually admitted his feelings for Liberty.
6 out of 10
6 out of 10
September 11, 2016
A free read that is beautiful, sad, profound, heartbreaking, cute, uplifting, made me well up(and I’m not the sobbing type) then ultimately happy. But the animals aren't as rounded as they were in 'Eleanor McGraw' and it doesn't have that kind of strong horse lead character so it's more of a rounded up 5.
June 30, 2017
I don’t read a lot of YA as I find it can be a bit same same. I happened to mention this to a good friend and he recommended Boys Don’t Ride as an example of ‘YA done well’. I think that phrase is a good summary for this book. The writing is nice and the relationship between the two main characters is natural and endearing. Tull is portrayed with believable tenderness, making the exploration of his developing feelings for Liberty very enjoyable. I particularly liked the way the ‘beauty and the beast’ theme is reversed in this story. A solid read.
Read
May 2, 2023rtc
November 1, 2014
Eleanor McGraw, a Pony Named Mouse and a Boy Called Fire was a random read in 2013 that turned out to be one of my top ten books of the year, so I was delighted to learn that Katharina Marcus has a new YA horse-themed novella out. And what’s more, it was (and still is) free.
"Boys Don’t Ride" is the story of 17 year old Tull who loves horses, but has no money to learn to ride. Through a small good turn in the school cafeteria, he meets Liberty¸a rather solitary girl, whom he is intrigued by. In turn, when Liberty discovers his suppressed passion for horses, she gradually lets him into her life, and is the gateway for Tull’s entrance into the horse world.
Liberty works—some might say slaves—at a local stables in exchange for use of a horse, and over the weeks, Tull becomes her willing companion. The story culminates at a biannual charity day that the stables runs.
There’s so much to love about this story: the characters are strongly drawn—especially the rather prickly Liberty, and the gentle, almost diffident Tull. There are horses, of course, as well, and although Titch, Oliver, and The Gingerbread Man have individual characters, they aren’t major players in the story. There’s a very decent overarching plot, and there’s humor and a dash of teenage romance.
But what stands out, what shines so brightly for me in this story is the warmth and the love. There is just so much of both. The first thing I noticed was Tull’s love for horses. It permeates the pages, the longing, the desire to know horses, to know everything about them, the simple pleasure of their smell, and the contentment of standing next to a drowsing pony in a straw-filled stall, with your hand on their neck and their muzzle against your leg.
Then there’s the love Tull and his mother share, the love and understanding that Liberty and the stable owner share, Tull and his cat, everyone and the children at the charity day. There’s so much love in this story, so much decency even in a cruel and unfair world.
When I was 12 I was Tull, wanting, wanting so badly. Between 13 and 18 I was Liberty, joyfully slaving for my rides, working 12 hours just to canter a pony across the heath at the end of the day back to a distant paddock. I remember the pleasure of frosty mornings when no one else was awake, and fingers frozen to a water bucket. I remember ponies crowded around the gate, breath huffing, and the mad gallop to the yard. I remember teaching children to ride, watching the joy unfurl on their faces, the smell of saddle soap and a quiet tackroom as the low sun streamed in the window. I remember crazy days seeing who could jump a course bareback with arms outstretched, the camaraderie of friends who understood you because their focus was the same. I remember the backache of pulling ragwort, long slogs to distant water troughs, and the quiet hack home through country lanes after a local show. No rosettes? Didn’t matter. Being there was what mattered.
For me, "Boys Don’t Ride" brought back those days, put them sharply into relief, made me remember the days when horses were what mattered the most. Made me miss them so much it ached.
The above is what this novella did for me. It’s a rare book that can evoke such remembered pleasure. But it would work too for someone—child or adult or in-between—who knows what it’s like being with horses, or wants to know. Or simply for someone who wants to read a well-written story, imbued with warmth and love, and yes, some sadness. But that’s what life’s about, isn’t it?
Highly recommended.
"Boys Don’t Ride" is the story of 17 year old Tull who loves horses, but has no money to learn to ride. Through a small good turn in the school cafeteria, he meets Liberty¸a rather solitary girl, whom he is intrigued by. In turn, when Liberty discovers his suppressed passion for horses, she gradually lets him into her life, and is the gateway for Tull’s entrance into the horse world.
Liberty works—some might say slaves—at a local stables in exchange for use of a horse, and over the weeks, Tull becomes her willing companion. The story culminates at a biannual charity day that the stables runs.
There’s so much to love about this story: the characters are strongly drawn—especially the rather prickly Liberty, and the gentle, almost diffident Tull. There are horses, of course, as well, and although Titch, Oliver, and The Gingerbread Man have individual characters, they aren’t major players in the story. There’s a very decent overarching plot, and there’s humor and a dash of teenage romance.
But what stands out, what shines so brightly for me in this story is the warmth and the love. There is just so much of both. The first thing I noticed was Tull’s love for horses. It permeates the pages, the longing, the desire to know horses, to know everything about them, the simple pleasure of their smell, and the contentment of standing next to a drowsing pony in a straw-filled stall, with your hand on their neck and their muzzle against your leg.
Then there’s the love Tull and his mother share, the love and understanding that Liberty and the stable owner share, Tull and his cat, everyone and the children at the charity day. There’s so much love in this story, so much decency even in a cruel and unfair world.
When I was 12 I was Tull, wanting, wanting so badly. Between 13 and 18 I was Liberty, joyfully slaving for my rides, working 12 hours just to canter a pony across the heath at the end of the day back to a distant paddock. I remember the pleasure of frosty mornings when no one else was awake, and fingers frozen to a water bucket. I remember ponies crowded around the gate, breath huffing, and the mad gallop to the yard. I remember teaching children to ride, watching the joy unfurl on their faces, the smell of saddle soap and a quiet tackroom as the low sun streamed in the window. I remember crazy days seeing who could jump a course bareback with arms outstretched, the camaraderie of friends who understood you because their focus was the same. I remember the backache of pulling ragwort, long slogs to distant water troughs, and the quiet hack home through country lanes after a local show. No rosettes? Didn’t matter. Being there was what mattered.
For me, "Boys Don’t Ride" brought back those days, put them sharply into relief, made me remember the days when horses were what mattered the most. Made me miss them so much it ached.
The above is what this novella did for me. It’s a rare book that can evoke such remembered pleasure. But it would work too for someone—child or adult or in-between—who knows what it’s like being with horses, or wants to know. Or simply for someone who wants to read a well-written story, imbued with warmth and love, and yes, some sadness. But that’s what life’s about, isn’t it?
Highly recommended.
February 7, 2015
The only flaw about this book: too short!
I adored it, heartbreaking and sad at times but full of hope at others, the story is enchanting and beautiful.
A great little book.
I adored it, heartbreaking and sad at times but full of hope at others, the story is enchanting and beautiful.
A great little book.
April 29, 2023
adorable perfect short read! loved it
This was a short story about a boy , a girl and some horses. A love story, a hard knocks life story all rolled into one.
You don’t have to like horses to enjoy , but it makes it all that much better .
This was a short story about a boy , a girl and some horses. A love story, a hard knocks life story all rolled into one.
You don’t have to like horses to enjoy , but it makes it all that much better .
December 31, 2017
That was just Okay! Not really my cup of tea!
December 11, 2016
A smashing young adult story about earning the right to riding lessons by doing the work of looking after ponies... and helping others. Tull is seventeen and scraping by as his absent father doesn't always live up to his responsibilities. A girl called Liberty has no money either, but she does have access to ponies and horses as her mother runs a riding centre. Tull loves horses but has never had the chance to learn to ride.
Liberty has a cleft palate/ hare lip which required a few operations and still leaves her marked, so she is not easy to make friends with, feeling defensive. But Tull doesn't care because he'll get up at the crack of dawn and help with ponies if that's what it takes, so why would he worry about someone's looks?
I enjoyed the four dun ponies and the Shetland, while the work is well described and sounds all too familiar. The charity riding day is a great touch and shows why it is worth taking the time to help others. The tale is subtly romantic and suitable for any age of reader. I found the read enjoyable and young readers will learn, perhaps see how lucky they are without knowing it.
Liberty has a cleft palate/ hare lip which required a few operations and still leaves her marked, so she is not easy to make friends with, feeling defensive. But Tull doesn't care because he'll get up at the crack of dawn and help with ponies if that's what it takes, so why would he worry about someone's looks?
I enjoyed the four dun ponies and the Shetland, while the work is well described and sounds all too familiar. The charity riding day is a great touch and shows why it is worth taking the time to help others. The tale is subtly romantic and suitable for any age of reader. I found the read enjoyable and young readers will learn, perhaps see how lucky they are without knowing it.
May 13, 2017
Oh my gosh! My one complaint: it's too short. I want this to be 400 pages long. Such an amazing story and I want more!
Tull is a pretty boy who thinks he has it hard and loves horses. He meets Liberty and his life is flipped upside down.
Liberty was born with a cleft pallet, and Tull obsesses over her mouth. Which makes the story very strange in a good way. Ah! I want so much more of them! They are so sweet together.
When Tull helps out with the kids, it's a tearjerker. I loved when Liberty teased him about competing with Jessica.
I loved this story so much!
Tull is a pretty boy who thinks he has it hard and loves horses. He meets Liberty and his life is flipped upside down.
Liberty was born with a cleft pallet, and Tull obsesses over her mouth. Which makes the story very strange in a good way. Ah! I want so much more of them! They are so sweet together.
When Tull helps out with the kids, it's a tearjerker. I loved when Liberty teased him about competing with Jessica.
I loved this story so much!
April 25, 2023
Tull, a very attractive teenage boy has always felt misunderstood and only liked for his looks. He has a secret fascination for horses, but his father derides his interest and says that's just for girls. Then he meets a girl whose whole life is focused on horses. She introduces him to the stable where she works in exchange for lessons and he stats volunteering there. He has never felt as much like he belongs. This is a short book following his entry into this new world and making a place for himself. Good.
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January 16, 2023Love this book it has a touch of romance and horse riding. A girl not sure if she can fit in the hands of a handsome young man finds herself to be slowly falling for him. In the end she ends up finding the last piece to the puzzle and they fall in love with each other and their horses.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves a fine story of romance and horses. I recommend this book to anyone who needs help figuring if the belong or not.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves a fine story of romance and horses. I recommend this book to anyone who needs help figuring if the belong or not.
April 30, 2023
Read for a challenge. Tull is a good looking boy who really wants to learn to ride horses, but he's told boys don't ride, and also there is no money for lessons. He befriends a girl in his school who works at a nearby stable, and starts helping out and getting to know Liberty better. Weird but cute story.
January 31, 2021
This book took me right back to when I was little, longing to ride, touch a horse make friends with horse people. Cold, dark mornings, hard work. The joy of it. Very well portrayed.
February 1, 2021
this is,
by far,
one of the most
beautiful books
i've ever read.
i never thought i could feel so many emotions in such a tiny book.
by far,
one of the most
beautiful books
i've ever read.
i never thought i could feel so many emotions in such a tiny book.
January 9, 2022
I could read one Katharina Marcus book every week. They're fun, have heart, and above all, horses. What more could you want!
March 17, 2017
This was a really great quick read for horse lovers. Even though it didn't give me the same connection as with Katharina Marcus's other work, i could easily still fall in love with the characters. If you're looking for an enjoyable one sit read with everything great about the horse world and young love, then this is the book for you!
December 11, 2014
Lovely little teen romance centred about the love of horses and a quick read. I like the way the author portrays Tull and Liberty: Tull being handsome and easy-going and Liberty with a facial flaw and a bite. I guess the main suspense is whether he’ll get the girl or not, Liberty being so defensive at times. But they are both hard-working and love horses and there they both find a common ground.
What I liked most in this short story and Eleanor is the writing.
He couldn’t stop thinking about her, couldn’t help but look out for her every day.
That random act of kindness, such a rarity in the jungle of an educational establishment,had humbled him. []He wanted to know what the shoebox had been about, why her hands were so calloused, what shampoo she used to make her hair smell of Christmas, what that scent underneath had been and whether the scars to her lip itched sometimes when the weather was hot, the way his appendicitis one did. There was also the part of him that kept imagining what it would be like to kiss those jagged edged lips, whether it would change the feel of kissing significantly or not.
The writing is smooth with nice turn of phrases. The events are light and interesting, without being overbearing. No heart wrenching suspense nor OTT conflict. The dialogue flows smoothly and well in character. The main characters have well drawn-out backstories (only after meeting Liberty that Tull realises how rich he was (haha!).
Even though the short story has a lot of narrative and we are mostly in Tull’s head and thoughts/musings, it adheres much to the ‘Show, don’t tell'.
Thanks for sending me the story!
What I liked most in this short story and Eleanor is the writing.
He couldn’t stop thinking about her, couldn’t help but look out for her every day.
That random act of kindness, such a rarity in the jungle of an educational establishment,had humbled him. []He wanted to know what the shoebox had been about, why her hands were so calloused, what shampoo she used to make her hair smell of Christmas, what that scent underneath had been and whether the scars to her lip itched sometimes when the weather was hot, the way his appendicitis one did. There was also the part of him that kept imagining what it would be like to kiss those jagged edged lips, whether it would change the feel of kissing significantly or not.
The writing is smooth with nice turn of phrases. The events are light and interesting, without being overbearing. No heart wrenching suspense nor OTT conflict. The dialogue flows smoothly and well in character. The main characters have well drawn-out backstories (only after meeting Liberty that Tull realises how rich he was (haha!).
Even though the short story has a lot of narrative and we are mostly in Tull’s head and thoughts/musings, it adheres much to the ‘Show, don’t tell'.
Thanks for sending me the story!
March 30, 2015
What can I say but aww this story was heartfelt, cute and so sweet. It gave me feel good feelings for the simple things in life and made me smile and remember that superficial really doesn't matter, humanity matters.
The girl was poor, worse than poor she had no money 3 jobs and 8 brothers and a horse to pay for but she still gave what she could to those who had less, to the boy who never had a chance to follow his dream, to the children who had disabilities, to give back hope to those who needed it.
The desperate little boy who grew up into just as a desperate of a man to follow his dream of being with horses, with no money he couldn't see how he'd ever get there and just as he started to give up that dream he found some girl willing to give him a glimpse at the life he so desperately wanted. Then she gave him so much more than he ever thought and well the rest I guess they say is history.
It was a cute sweet story that left you feeling warm. That left you realising humanity is what we as people make it.
The girl was poor, worse than poor she had no money 3 jobs and 8 brothers and a horse to pay for but she still gave what she could to those who had less, to the boy who never had a chance to follow his dream, to the children who had disabilities, to give back hope to those who needed it.
The desperate little boy who grew up into just as a desperate of a man to follow his dream of being with horses, with no money he couldn't see how he'd ever get there and just as he started to give up that dream he found some girl willing to give him a glimpse at the life he so desperately wanted. Then she gave him so much more than he ever thought and well the rest I guess they say is history.
It was a cute sweet story that left you feeling warm. That left you realising humanity is what we as people make it.
January 8, 2015
This is a book that has the love of horses, a young boy, and a girl who has a disability.
Tull is 17 and he loves horses. He knows a lot about them and wishes that he could have one. But his mom is divorced so there is no money for a horse, nor there is for riding lessons. Tull has been told that boys don't ride horses, only girls do.
Tull goes to school and spots a girl, who everyone calls Lips. He tries to make friends with her and also finds out that she works and rides at a riding stable nearby. So he tags along. Tull learns what it's like to work with horses and also disabled and ill kids. Will his dreams come true?
This is a coming of age story, for love of animals and also between two people whose lives are so different from each other. Even though there are obstacles, they are willing to work through them.
I would recommend this book for all those who love horses and to watch a beautiful relationship forms because of that love.
Tull is 17 and he loves horses. He knows a lot about them and wishes that he could have one. But his mom is divorced so there is no money for a horse, nor there is for riding lessons. Tull has been told that boys don't ride horses, only girls do.
Tull goes to school and spots a girl, who everyone calls Lips. He tries to make friends with her and also finds out that she works and rides at a riding stable nearby. So he tags along. Tull learns what it's like to work with horses and also disabled and ill kids. Will his dreams come true?
This is a coming of age story, for love of animals and also between two people whose lives are so different from each other. Even though there are obstacles, they are willing to work through them.
I would recommend this book for all those who love horses and to watch a beautiful relationship forms because of that love.
January 26, 2015
I saw this available for a giveaway a few days ago and found that the eBook is available for free on Goodreads.
Tull is a seventeen year old boy. Ever since he was a child, he's found comfort in horses. When they used to ride outside his house, he ran outside to greet them. Though, after the years, there's been fewer horses in his life. However, when Liberty comes into his life, he soon rekindles his passion for the animals and helps her out at the stables.
I quite enjoyed it. It was short, but didn't really feel like some other short stories I've read. The author doesn't rush through the story, instead she takes her time to explain how Tull feels at various points. She uses her time to describe settings and even vague histories of many of the characters. I thought the overall book was heart warming and the various little bits of humour made me smile.
Tull is a seventeen year old boy. Ever since he was a child, he's found comfort in horses. When they used to ride outside his house, he ran outside to greet them. Though, after the years, there's been fewer horses in his life. However, when Liberty comes into his life, he soon rekindles his passion for the animals and helps her out at the stables.
I quite enjoyed it. It was short, but didn't really feel like some other short stories I've read. The author doesn't rush through the story, instead she takes her time to explain how Tull feels at various points. She uses her time to describe settings and even vague histories of many of the characters. I thought the overall book was heart warming and the various little bits of humour made me smile.
December 15, 2014
I first heard of this novella through Jane Badger's blog.
Wow! What a story! My first thoughts when I finished reading it was 'why did it have to be so short?', then I realised the author has finished with a perfect situation - the main character is happy and about to start his riding journey, and the reader is left with the knowledge that everything had turned out well despite the characters' circumstances.
I would recommend this novella to any of my horsey orientated friends. While it may be short, it certainly kept me so engrossed that I would have continued reading regardless of the length of it. I plan on getting hold of the author's other work now 'Eleanor McGraw, a Pony Named Mouse and a Boy Called Fire'.
Wow! What a story! My first thoughts when I finished reading it was 'why did it have to be so short?', then I realised the author has finished with a perfect situation - the main character is happy and about to start his riding journey, and the reader is left with the knowledge that everything had turned out well despite the characters' circumstances.
I would recommend this novella to any of my horsey orientated friends. While it may be short, it certainly kept me so engrossed that I would have continued reading regardless of the length of it. I plan on getting hold of the author's other work now 'Eleanor McGraw, a Pony Named Mouse and a Boy Called Fire'.
September 22, 2016
When I read this I hadn't realised it was for young adults, but can definitely see that this is a lovely story for any romantic of any age. The story is beautiful and very well written, and I could have happily read a much longer version of it. There is nothing adult in it - it is just pure, simple, loving romance and just gorgeous. I enjoyed it as an adult but I would equally be happy to hand this to my young teen boy or girl as a pleasant read.
January 10, 2015
I received a copy of this book as a free download in exchange for an honest review.
Well I certainly like to challenge my senses, broaden my horizons and take myself out of my comfort zone. Teenage emotions and horses are just that but I have to say that I loved the story. Great plot, strong characters and thoroughly enjoyable to read.
Well I certainly like to challenge my senses, broaden my horizons and take myself out of my comfort zone. Teenage emotions and horses are just that but I have to say that I loved the story. Great plot, strong characters and thoroughly enjoyable to read.
April 28, 2015
I have a huge complaint about this book: it was too short.
This is a wonderful story, with superbly written characters. A sweet coming-of-age story and at the same time a love story. The characters are very well developed considering how short this story is and that Katharina Marcus didn't have to use a ton of words to set the stage.
Excellent read
This is a wonderful story, with superbly written characters. A sweet coming-of-age story and at the same time a love story. The characters are very well developed considering how short this story is and that Katharina Marcus didn't have to use a ton of words to set the stage.
Excellent read
February 8, 2016
This horse novella by Katharina Marcus tells the story of 17 year old Tull, a good looking teen who may have all the girl’s attention – except the one he wants. Tull has another desire that isn’t fulfilled – his love of horses.
For as long as he can remember, Tull has loved the equine animal and devoured books about them... more at http://equus-blog.com/boys-dont-ride-...
For as long as he can remember, Tull has loved the equine animal and devoured books about them... more at http://equus-blog.com/boys-dont-ride-...
August 22, 2016
Beautiful short teen romance. Marcus has constructed the story perfectly within its novella framework, and has a great touch with all the iffy moments of being a teenager. I liked the different approach, and the characters are very well developed within the available space. Tissues required, especially for charity day!
After re-reading: this is one to keep.
After re-reading: this is one to keep.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews