I really enjoyed this book. It is short, but took me through a range of emotions. I laughed, I smiled, I reminisced about lessons and times at the barn years ago. I teared up. You can tell that the author is a rider. She accurately describes many emotions and events that happen when you are new to the sport. I liked the characters, and would like to hear more about them. I was also reminded of several things I need to be working on myself. I laughed at the description of one lesson, because I do need to step up my game to the next level with the greenish horse I am riding. I highly recommend this book.
One girl has a beautiful, well-bred, intelligent gelding named Pitch Perfect, but hates to ride. Three other girls and a boy ride horses that belong to the stable, but none of the stable horses are challenging enough for any of them. Pitch's owner suggests that the group pool funds to buy the horse and share the perks and responsibility of ownership. Thus, a disparate group of young teens learn to let go of jealousies and appreciate the difference that had threatened to divide them.
This short novella follows a few friends at a riding stable, and their efforts to buy and ride on a 'perfect pony'. I really felt very sad for the girl whose family owned the pony, as she liked horses but not riding and was still getting over a fall. If she stops riding she will have to take up a new sport and new friends. But the other kids are stuck on plodding riding school ponies, and don't see a way to progress. Maybe they could combine their funds and buy Pitch Perfect. The fun Christmasy events at the end are a good inspiration for anyone running a themed show for young people. They include jumping with bells on your tack and picking a riding manoeuvre to complete from a stocking full of papers. We see that if you work hard and keep a positive attitude, good things can happen. Also, that ponies need a lot of love and care. I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
A nice quick peak into ‘stable life’. Although a short story, you get to know the various characters at the barn and even start to root for a few. The ending certainly leaves you wondering if there will be another story! A nice holiday read for all ages.