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Dream Pony Riders #1
Abby's Pony Love
When a girl falls in pony-love, she wants it to be forever.
Desperate to be near horses, a hopeful girl with no horse experience begs for a job at a stable. Then she falls in love with a beautiful but mischievous pony, only to have it bought by another family. Abby’s heart aches when her barn job becomes helping the new owner learn to ride the best pony ever. Can her faithful heart let go of what never belonged to her?
Desperate to be near horses, a hopeful girl with no horse experience begs for a job at a stable. Then she falls in love with a beautiful but mischievous pony, only to have it bought by another family. Abby’s heart aches when her barn job becomes helping the new owner learn to ride the best pony ever. Can her faithful heart let go of what never belonged to her?
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 22
135 people are currently reading
1695 people want to read
About the author
Susan Count
12 books460 followersSusan Count writes for the joy and entertainment of young readers. She is a best-selling, award winning author of the Dream Horse Adventures Series. Susan confesses to being overly fond of brownies, and horseback riding on forest trails. The Firefly Warriors Club was written for her three grandboys who wanted an adventure of their own. What’s a fairy grandmother to do, but wave her magic pen and create.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 26, 2022
A sweet tale about a girl’s love for horses, working hard to achieve a goal, and finding solutions to difficult problems, Abby’s Pony Love is a terrific read. It’s perfect for young girls who understand the dream of being owned by a horse, and parents who remember what it feels like to want something with their whole heart.
Read my full review on my blog: https://www.themysteryofwriting.com/2...
Read my full review on my blog: https://www.themysteryofwriting.com/2...
October 12, 2022
This is such a sweet, heart warming story , perfect for young teen readers. We go through an absolute rollercoaster of emotions from the love that Abby has for ponies , to the sadness where she has to train the people who can afford to have a pony for themselves. This book when you read it takes you back to when you really wanted something with your whole heart but couldn't have it.
The book is brilliantly written, the characters are very believable and easy to relate too. It has a lot in it that keeps you reading on. This book would definitely be great for anyone who loves ponies.
The book is brilliantly written, the characters are very believable and easy to relate too. It has a lot in it that keeps you reading on. This book would definitely be great for anyone who loves ponies.
October 12, 2022
When I was younger, I had a friend who adored horses, and Abby's Pony Love brought her to mind several times. This is such a sweet story.
When young Abby learns that her family can’t afford to buy a horse, she discovers a new way to be around the beloved creature. But there’s a snag, and Abby struggles with her emotions.
This story teaches young readers about horses and their care, as well as many valuable life lessons, such as compassion, respect, and restraint. It’s easy for young readers to understand, enjoyable to read to pre-readers.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
When young Abby learns that her family can’t afford to buy a horse, she discovers a new way to be around the beloved creature. But there’s a snag, and Abby struggles with her emotions.
This story teaches young readers about horses and their care, as well as many valuable life lessons, such as compassion, respect, and restraint. It’s easy for young readers to understand, enjoyable to read to pre-readers.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
September 17, 2022
Through creativity and hard work, Abby achieves her dream of taking care of horses. Abby falls in love with a pony that she cannot afford to buy and to make matters worse, it is her job to train the new owner how to ride. Abby faces setbacks and heartaches, but never loses faith in her pony quest.
Susan Count is not only a great story teller but also explains horsemanship in an interesting, simple way for us non-equestrians. A wonderful story of overcoming odds despite hardships. I highly recommend.
Susan Count is not only a great story teller but also explains horsemanship in an interesting, simple way for us non-equestrians. A wonderful story of overcoming odds despite hardships. I highly recommend.
October 24, 2022
Abby's Pony Love is a cute story for any child that has wanted something so much it almost hurts. It also will be loved by children who love horses. This novel tells Abby's story of wanting a pony and getting a job at a barn. She falls in love with a horse that she names Glory. She wants her but can't afford to buy her. Abby struggles as she sees the new owners riding Glory and not appreciating the horse as much as she does.
This book actually reminds me of my niece when she was young. She also loved horses and got a job at a barn, but she was lucky to get her own horse. She did have to work very hard to keep her horse there and to train for competitions. Now as an adult, she once again has a new horse and is loving riding it.
The messages that are great for kids were about working hard, overcoming jealousy, learning to be happy for others, and creating friendships with those you didn't think you had a lot in common with. I feel that this book would be perfect for 7- 13-year-old kids. It would also be a fun read for parents with their kids, or a teacher to read out loud to their class. This is the first book in a new series called Dream Pony Riders.
This book actually reminds me of my niece when she was young. She also loved horses and got a job at a barn, but she was lucky to get her own horse. She did have to work very hard to keep her horse there and to train for competitions. Now as an adult, she once again has a new horse and is loving riding it.
The messages that are great for kids were about working hard, overcoming jealousy, learning to be happy for others, and creating friendships with those you didn't think you had a lot in common with. I feel that this book would be perfect for 7- 13-year-old kids. It would also be a fun read for parents with their kids, or a teacher to read out loud to their class. This is the first book in a new series called Dream Pony Riders.
September 19, 2022
I enjoyed the determination of a young girl to do what she is most passionate about. I loved and was grateful there was a happy ending, when an impossible task of owning this horse she loved so much, to at least be able to be with and still take care of what she lived for each day. This is a great book that any young girl or boy would love. I received an advanced review copy and I look forward to reading more. Ciri Daigle
September 23, 2023
Abby is a precocious 12 yr old girl with old soul who takes a stable job just be near horses. She has such a passion to own her very own horse, a horse named Glory in particular. But Abby cannot afford to buy her, nor can her parents. Through an unexpected turn of events Abby’s love only deepens for Glory, but through time and a few shenanigans by the horse. Abby learns that being kind and patient often brings about its own turn of events.
I am an adult who read this book because I have a new granddaughter and I want to collect books for her to read one day. This is definitely one that I will be holding on to for the future. It’s a fun, heartwarming story told well. I recommend it for any tween aged readers and anyone else who loves a good horse story.
I received an book copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am an adult who read this book because I have a new granddaughter and I want to collect books for her to read one day. This is definitely one that I will be holding on to for the future. It’s a fun, heartwarming story told well. I recommend it for any tween aged readers and anyone else who loves a good horse story.
I received an book copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2022
Susan is a fantastic middle grade writer--especially for readers who long to have a pony of their own. She addressed MG angst and all the daily problems of that age. She writes with her christian viewpoint and never has problems that are not within the reader's understanding. This includes reading ways to solve them.
All of her books are excellent.
All of her books are excellent.
September 5, 2022
A sweet story about a young girls love of horses.
Abby knows her family can't afford to buy her a horse, and then she finds away to work on a horse farm. Quite an accomplishment for a twelve year old to even be considered for a hard work job, but will she be able to keep up.
We follow Abby as she falls in love with a horse she personally names Glory, of course the horse belongs to someone else, and is named Starlet, and is about to be sold.
An enjoyable read as we journey to answers if Abby gets her job, what happens to Glory, and funny antics of an escaping artist horse.
A read that pulls you in and doesn't let go!
I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Abby knows her family can't afford to buy her a horse, and then she finds away to work on a horse farm. Quite an accomplishment for a twelve year old to even be considered for a hard work job, but will she be able to keep up.
We follow Abby as she falls in love with a horse she personally names Glory, of course the horse belongs to someone else, and is named Starlet, and is about to be sold.
An enjoyable read as we journey to answers if Abby gets her job, what happens to Glory, and funny antics of an escaping artist horse.
A read that pulls you in and doesn't let go!
I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 28, 2022
Told from the 3rd person's single POV. This book is super fun and absolutely cute!
I love Abby's personality as she's only twelve but is such a kind, sweet, polite, wise, hard worker, and smart!
I love how passionate she is to be a barn worker and learning to ride a horse. I love the way how Abby showed affection to the horses she must take care of.
I love the fact that I've gotten to know more about the horse-riding world which is my first time knowing about this one!
I love that she's not a grumpy kid when it comes to her parents' rejection, trust me she's just such an intelligent girl! She is anyhow being patient and not in a rush every time decides on something.
I've only read 2 Middle-Grade books and never felt relatable to the story, but this book hits differently! I enjoyed the story so much that I couldn't stop turning the pages and I finished just in a day!
Thank you to the author and Lola blog tour for approving this free copy of the book and I leave this review voluntarily!
I love Abby's personality as she's only twelve but is such a kind, sweet, polite, wise, hard worker, and smart!
I love how passionate she is to be a barn worker and learning to ride a horse. I love the way how Abby showed affection to the horses she must take care of.
I love the fact that I've gotten to know more about the horse-riding world which is my first time knowing about this one!
I love that she's not a grumpy kid when it comes to her parents' rejection, trust me she's just such an intelligent girl! She is anyhow being patient and not in a rush every time decides on something.
I've only read 2 Middle-Grade books and never felt relatable to the story, but this book hits differently! I enjoyed the story so much that I couldn't stop turning the pages and I finished just in a day!
Thank you to the author and Lola blog tour for approving this free copy of the book and I leave this review voluntarily!
October 4, 2022
Loved this inspiring pony story! Abby finds the boldness to follow her goals, learns the value of hard work and how to weather disappointment, and has the desire of her heart fulfilled. Wonderful story!
November 1, 2022
Pony love abounds in this down-to-earth tale of a girl's hard work and important life lessons.
Abby loves horses, but her family doesn't have the money to let her join a riding school or anything else, which gets near the animals. When she sees a flyer and a job opportunity at a stable, she's sure her dreams can now come true. The work is hard, but when Abby falls in love with a certain pony, Glory, life seems perfect...but there's a catch. Abby's family can't afford to buy Glory for her. When someone else purchases the pony, Abby's upset and is sure they aren't handling Glory correctly. And she's not sure what she can do to change that.
This is an easy-to-read, quick and engaging tale for horse lovers. It dives right into Abby's problems and has the reader caught up before she even arrives at the stable. Her determination and work-ethic is inspirational, and she's a kind person, who does make some mistakes, but is also able to grow from them. There's a wonderful sense of family and new forming friendships to round this off into a wholesome read.
The situations and characters are realistic and relatable. It gives the entire tale a familiar atmosphere and allows readers to sink right in. The horse aspects are well done, never over-simplify or talk down, but do give a good glimpse into stables, pony care and such, without drudging through details. Those, who dream of having their own horse (or do own one), will find themselves drawn in.
I do recommend this for horse fans ages 7 to 12 and believe that even reluctant readers won't feel overwhelmed. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a fun, wholesome read.
Abby loves horses, but her family doesn't have the money to let her join a riding school or anything else, which gets near the animals. When she sees a flyer and a job opportunity at a stable, she's sure her dreams can now come true. The work is hard, but when Abby falls in love with a certain pony, Glory, life seems perfect...but there's a catch. Abby's family can't afford to buy Glory for her. When someone else purchases the pony, Abby's upset and is sure they aren't handling Glory correctly. And she's not sure what she can do to change that.
This is an easy-to-read, quick and engaging tale for horse lovers. It dives right into Abby's problems and has the reader caught up before she even arrives at the stable. Her determination and work-ethic is inspirational, and she's a kind person, who does make some mistakes, but is also able to grow from them. There's a wonderful sense of family and new forming friendships to round this off into a wholesome read.
The situations and characters are realistic and relatable. It gives the entire tale a familiar atmosphere and allows readers to sink right in. The horse aspects are well done, never over-simplify or talk down, but do give a good glimpse into stables, pony care and such, without drudging through details. Those, who dream of having their own horse (or do own one), will find themselves drawn in.
I do recommend this for horse fans ages 7 to 12 and believe that even reluctant readers won't feel overwhelmed. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a fun, wholesome read.
June 12, 2025
When I was a young girl like Abby, I obsessed about horses and ponies. I had lots of toy ponies, and my heart grew three sizes when I saw a horse in a field when we would drive past one. I can't imagine getting to take care of them and ride them.
Abby feels about horses and ponies the same way I do. She lives close to a place that houses ponies and gives lessons. When she saw a help wanted sign, she knew it was her chance.
The owner doubted she could do the job at only 12, but Abby proved her wrong. The owner even started her lessons about riding. Imagine being paid for taking care of ponies in free rides? Even now, my heart pounds thinking of it.
Then a new pony comes because a mom has bought it for her daughter, and Abby falls head over heels in love. The horse that Abby calls Glory, but the girl whose name is Jessica, calls Starlet. Glory is a brat. She is a houdini at escaping. It doesn't matter, though. Abby is completely in love with her.
Jessica, on the other hand , not so much. She likes her phone. She wants a quieter pet like a bunny. The barn owner asks Abby to help Jessica come to love Glory, but it's a big ask to Abby. Abby does have a lot of guilt and uses her quote collection to make herself do the right thing.
I honestly couldn't imagine how this story was going to end. It was too sacchrine to have Abby and Jessica become best friends and share Glory. Thankfully, the author put a lot of work into story details that help bring this story to a happy ending that makes sense.
Abby feels about horses and ponies the same way I do. She lives close to a place that houses ponies and gives lessons. When she saw a help wanted sign, she knew it was her chance.
The owner doubted she could do the job at only 12, but Abby proved her wrong. The owner even started her lessons about riding. Imagine being paid for taking care of ponies in free rides? Even now, my heart pounds thinking of it.
Then a new pony comes because a mom has bought it for her daughter, and Abby falls head over heels in love. The horse that Abby calls Glory, but the girl whose name is Jessica, calls Starlet. Glory is a brat. She is a houdini at escaping. It doesn't matter, though. Abby is completely in love with her.
Jessica, on the other hand , not so much. She likes her phone. She wants a quieter pet like a bunny. The barn owner asks Abby to help Jessica come to love Glory, but it's a big ask to Abby. Abby does have a lot of guilt and uses her quote collection to make herself do the right thing.
I honestly couldn't imagine how this story was going to end. It was too sacchrine to have Abby and Jessica become best friends and share Glory. Thankfully, the author put a lot of work into story details that help bring this story to a happy ending that makes sense.
October 19, 2022
This one is a very quick read, less than 150 pages. I pre-read it to get an over all understanding and am now reading it with my niece.
It is a great one for young ones, it has a very uplifting message. The story is about Abby, a young girl that desperately wants a horse and to learn to ride them. I love that it sticks to a storyline that is very authentic for kids in the age group. This shows that dedication can take you places and that you do not always get exactly what you want but you can always get close and still be happy.
There were a few spots where the dialog felt awkward. I am not sure if that was to represent Abby's feelings or her age.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
It is a great one for young ones, it has a very uplifting message. The story is about Abby, a young girl that desperately wants a horse and to learn to ride them. I love that it sticks to a storyline that is very authentic for kids in the age group. This shows that dedication can take you places and that you do not always get exactly what you want but you can always get close and still be happy.
There were a few spots where the dialog felt awkward. I am not sure if that was to represent Abby's feelings or her age.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
November 13, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you Susan!
This is a sweet, easy read book for upper elementary/middle school youth. Or, anyone that wants to relive their childhood and their love of horses. Abby, a middle school girl, loves horses and wants to learn to ride. The problem, her family cannot afford to either buy a horse or pay for riding lessons. Abby’s solution, get a job at a stable to care for the horses and get free riding lessons. Great idea until she falls in love with a beautiful pony that has a few troublesome quirks. What is Abby to do when she loses her heart to a pony that’s not hers?
This is a sweet, easy read book for upper elementary/middle school youth. Or, anyone that wants to relive their childhood and their love of horses. Abby, a middle school girl, loves horses and wants to learn to ride. The problem, her family cannot afford to either buy a horse or pay for riding lessons. Abby’s solution, get a job at a stable to care for the horses and get free riding lessons. Great idea until she falls in love with a beautiful pony that has a few troublesome quirks. What is Abby to do when she loses her heart to a pony that’s not hers?
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September 21, 2022I was blessed with an advance copy of Abby’s Pony Love for my honest review. I must say, Susan Count has done it again. Her latest young reader book, Abby’s Pony Love, is a well-written and entertaining story. If you don’t already love horses, you might decide you need one of your own once you read this book! Besides a great story, this book will give you a horse education and will teach you new vocabulary words! Abby’s Pony Love was a real treat to read and I highly recommend it for young readers!
January 27, 2024
Abby is a delightfully determined thirteen-year-old with a deep-seated love of horses. She read about them and became intrigued. She is so determined to get a job working with horses that she acts out of character and almost loses the opportunity. Thankfully her parents accept her apology and permit her to apply for the job.
Despite the hurdle of having no experience, she does not panic, she pleads her case with sound logic and gets the job!
Whether or not you’re a horse lover or animal lover, you will fall just a little in love with Freckles and Glory, the two main horses in the story.
Abby’s love for Glory, the horse of her heart, takes her through a gamut of emotions: joy, envy, jealousy, exhilaration, selfish love and finally selfless love.
It was great to experience her growth. Despite being eaten up by jealousy, she proves to be very thoughtful and kind, she also begins to appreciate her parents and the opportunity she's been given.
For those of us who don't speak horse, there is a glossary in the back of the book, as well as an image depicting a horse’s anatomy and a treat recipe for horses.
Takeaways
– Be responsible and willing to work towards what you desire
– Being jealous and judgmental is not okay. You never know what someone is going through.
– Dreams do come through, but not always the way we expect.
I rated this book 4.5 of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book. My review was written voluntarily.
Despite the hurdle of having no experience, she does not panic, she pleads her case with sound logic and gets the job!
Whether or not you’re a horse lover or animal lover, you will fall just a little in love with Freckles and Glory, the two main horses in the story.
Abby’s love for Glory, the horse of her heart, takes her through a gamut of emotions: joy, envy, jealousy, exhilaration, selfish love and finally selfless love.
It was great to experience her growth. Despite being eaten up by jealousy, she proves to be very thoughtful and kind, she also begins to appreciate her parents and the opportunity she's been given.
For those of us who don't speak horse, there is a glossary in the back of the book, as well as an image depicting a horse’s anatomy and a treat recipe for horses.
Takeaways
– Be responsible and willing to work towards what you desire
– Being jealous and judgmental is not okay. You never know what someone is going through.
– Dreams do come through, but not always the way we expect.
I rated this book 4.5 of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book. My review was written voluntarily.
May 3, 2023
This is the most adorable story.
Such a sweet tale of a determined, hardworking, loving girl following her passion with the love of God sprinkled in.
I can't wait to read another story from Susan Count.
I especially love how educational it is as well.
Reading it brought me back to my childhood, the excitement and joy I felt when I rode horses the few times I did. My daughter and I will be reading more or these amazing stories!
Such a sweet tale of a determined, hardworking, loving girl following her passion with the love of God sprinkled in.
I can't wait to read another story from Susan Count.
I especially love how educational it is as well.
Reading it brought me back to my childhood, the excitement and joy I felt when I rode horses the few times I did. My daughter and I will be reading more or these amazing stories!
November 7, 2022
I received an advanced copy of Abby's Pony Love for review and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story was a look into a young girl's love for her pony. The author's knowledge of horses was evident. For a young reader who is interested in learning about horses, it was nice to have a vocabulary and diagram of a horse's anatomy.
March 14, 2023
What a charming book about a young girl who loves ponies. She gets a job at a local stable and her life changes in unexpected ways. This story touches your heart and makes you routing for a particular pony. Young and old and in between will love this story as I did. I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series.
January 15, 2023
We are proud to announce that ABBY'S PONY LOVE (Dream Pony Riders #1) by Susan Count has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
May 25, 2023
My girls and I really enjoyed reading about Abby and her love of a very special pony. It kept my kids entertained and they couldn't wait to continue the story each night. Looking forward to reading about Lily next 🥰
June 11, 2024
Good pony lovers book
My daughter read this book she is pony crazy and she said "this book was good it had a good style and all I just didn't like the some of the story but over all a good book for pony lovers "
My daughter read this book she is pony crazy and she said "this book was good it had a good style and all I just didn't like the some of the story but over all a good book for pony lovers "
September 28, 2022
Abby's Pony Love is a great children's book. It is a great story that most children will love. Parents will love it too.
September 26, 2022
A sweet tale about a girl’s love for horses, working hard to achieve a goal, and finding solutions to difficult problems, Abby’s Pony Love is a terrific read. It’s perfect for young girls who understand the dream of being owned by a horse, and parents who remember what it feels like to want something with their whole heart.
Read the full review on my blog The Mystery of Writing. https://www.themysteryofwriting.com/2...
Read the full review on my blog The Mystery of Writing. https://www.themysteryofwriting.com/2...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews