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Ruth Hollis #1
Fly-by-Night
"Fly-by-Night" was not the best choice for an eleven-year-old girl who had never ridden before; but as soon as Ruth Hollis saw the sturdy, lively pony, she knew that he was the one she wanted. All her life Ruth had longed to own a pony and now that her family had moved from London to a new housing estate in East Anglia, she had persuaded her father to let her spend her savings on a pony. But having taken possession of Fly-by-Night, Ruth found that her troubles had only just begun.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
4 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Peyton
109 books149 followersKathleen Wendy Herald Peyton MBE, who wrote primarily as K. M. Peyton, was a British author of fiction for children and young adults
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 2, 2013
In a way I'm glad I read one of Peyton's books right at the start of my pony book discovery for she's by far the best author I've read in the genre and now I can focus on her back catalogue. Then again, it does set an impossible standard for all the authors I have yet to discover.
Fly-By-Night is special - in many pony books where the heroine starts pony-less, the journey is about winning a competition or earning a place at an equestrian school. Here, 90% of the book is about Ruth wanting to have a pony, going through the long, expensive and frustrating process of acquiring and taming one and having to deal with the consequences of having her dream fulfilled.
It's an incredible story because it's so much about the huge gap that can exist sometimes between wanting something so bad you'd rather die than be without and coping with not being especially good at it in the end but carrying on valiantly partly out of shame and partly out of loyalty to your old self. Rare are those books that take a look at this uneasy side of life and I was very impressed with Peyton's handling of that particular topic. One of the characters explores the opposite dynamic in that he's good at something he doesn't want to pursue, which is another interesting situation and really allows for good descriptions of the dichotomy between inclination and ability.
The background is that of relative poverty where worrying about money is a daily occurrence - the main consequence of that is an above-average resilient heroine and a realistic time frame during which tiny things can finally happen after loads of saving up and making do.
There's lots of excellent pony content and the characters are varied - the adults all have their own personality (I was even surprised by something happening to one of them, away from family clichés), the horses have different lives and adventures and their owners sometimes deserve them and sometimes not. I really liked this element of surprise in Peyton's book - she doesn't follow specific guidelines and it gives a very free, floating atmosphere to her books where good people sometimes end up in unfair situations while unkind characters get more than they deserve.
Very engrossing book and different from anything I've read in the genre - I thoroughly recommend it.
Fly-By-Night is special - in many pony books where the heroine starts pony-less, the journey is about winning a competition or earning a place at an equestrian school. Here, 90% of the book is about Ruth wanting to have a pony, going through the long, expensive and frustrating process of acquiring and taming one and having to deal with the consequences of having her dream fulfilled.
It's an incredible story because it's so much about the huge gap that can exist sometimes between wanting something so bad you'd rather die than be without and coping with not being especially good at it in the end but carrying on valiantly partly out of shame and partly out of loyalty to your old self. Rare are those books that take a look at this uneasy side of life and I was very impressed with Peyton's handling of that particular topic. One of the characters explores the opposite dynamic in that he's good at something he doesn't want to pursue, which is another interesting situation and really allows for good descriptions of the dichotomy between inclination and ability.
The background is that of relative poverty where worrying about money is a daily occurrence - the main consequence of that is an above-average resilient heroine and a realistic time frame during which tiny things can finally happen after loads of saving up and making do.
There's lots of excellent pony content and the characters are varied - the adults all have their own personality (I was even surprised by something happening to one of them, away from family clichés), the horses have different lives and adventures and their owners sometimes deserve them and sometimes not. I really liked this element of surprise in Peyton's book - she doesn't follow specific guidelines and it gives a very free, floating atmosphere to her books where good people sometimes end up in unfair situations while unkind characters get more than they deserve.
Very engrossing book and different from anything I've read in the genre - I thoroughly recommend it.
November 22, 2018
Sod off, reality. Sometimes a girl just needs to be eleven years old and read a damn pony book.
August 19, 2009
Story of a young girl, Ruth, who desperately wants a pony of her own. She attends horse shows, hunter trials, pony club rallies, watching all the other riders, and becomes determined to find a way to afford a pony of her own. The drawback is, her family isn't the least bit horsey and are not financially able to help. What follows is how Ruth finds a cheap pony (cheap for many reasons) and the ensuing struggle to train, feed, shoe and look after him. Her only help are some text books and an aloof boy called Peter, who although is an accomplished rider, is not interested in helping Ruth or her pony.
This is a beautifully written book, I defy anyone who has ever wanted a horse of their own, not to break their heart over Ruth. This book is much grittier than your average "teenage girl falls in love with her horse" book. There's no "galloping off into the sunset" scenes, instead, you read of Ruth's stubborn determination to overcome her lack of knowledge, her battles and inevitable setbacks, and the snobbery she faces from certain members of the "horsey" set.
Although set in the 1960's, all the struggles that Ruth faces are just as relevant today. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone aged 12 - 100. I read it about once a year, a real feel-good book!
This is a beautifully written book, I defy anyone who has ever wanted a horse of their own, not to break their heart over Ruth. This book is much grittier than your average "teenage girl falls in love with her horse" book. There's no "galloping off into the sunset" scenes, instead, you read of Ruth's stubborn determination to overcome her lack of knowledge, her battles and inevitable setbacks, and the snobbery she faces from certain members of the "horsey" set.
Although set in the 1960's, all the struggles that Ruth faces are just as relevant today. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone aged 12 - 100. I read it about once a year, a real feel-good book!
January 9, 2024
Thank you K. M. Peyton for your beautiful books. This was a present for my 7th birthday, and I am forever grateful for it. Soon perhaps I will write a longer tribute to my favourite writer, but for now I just wanted to acknowledge how precious this book, and all others by K. M. Peyton are to me. I wouldn't know where to start in conveying everything they mean to me. Thank you for writing. 💖
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February 3, 2013
Favourite childhood author who read my first attempt at a book when I was 17, despite having never met me!
May 29, 2011
41 years old and I still love a good pony story now and then.
August 14, 2014
All stars are given solely for the prose and the characters, which are brilliant and beautiful. Other than that this is utterly irresponsible horse novel writing.
Should not be published any more without carrying a severe warning: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, IT'S UTTER HORSE MANURE.
If this was a popular children's book in the 70s I now understand why there are so many people around me who think you can learn to ride a horse - and to back, break and train a wild pony successfully at that - from books with no practical experience and no formal instruction whatsoever.
The idea that a girl who has never sat on a horse in her life backs, breaks and trains a wild New Forest with no experienced help whatsoever is totally preposterous. I kept reading because I thought at some point there would be a serious defeat and someone experienced would appear to help Ruth but no...she just does it all from books and succeeds. The only thing she needs to learn is to have confidence and then two days at pony club (after she has already trained her pony) then she just sails over those jumps at the Cross Country course.
KM Peyton should hang her head in shame for the message she is sending here.
Should not be published any more without carrying a severe warning: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, IT'S UTTER HORSE MANURE.
If this was a popular children's book in the 70s I now understand why there are so many people around me who think you can learn to ride a horse - and to back, break and train a wild pony successfully at that - from books with no practical experience and no formal instruction whatsoever.
The idea that a girl who has never sat on a horse in her life backs, breaks and trains a wild New Forest with no experienced help whatsoever is totally preposterous. I kept reading because I thought at some point there would be a serious defeat and someone experienced would appear to help Ruth but no...she just does it all from books and succeeds. The only thing she needs to learn is to have confidence and then two days at pony club (after she has already trained her pony) then she just sails over those jumps at the Cross Country course.
KM Peyton should hang her head in shame for the message she is sending here.
September 5, 2019
"Sixpence?"
"Her name. The price is somewhat more."
A tough, sweet little girl wants a pony, even though she can only afford a problem pony nobody else wants and she'll soon be too big to ride it. The practicalities of how Ruth pays for her pony, Fly-by-Night, are a refreshing (to parents) counterpoint to all those other stories where the children just have ponies until they're old enough that they just have horses instead.
As a series Ruth's story may interest teenaged girls, too: The same personality traits that make Ruth the right child for a problem pony also make her the right wife for a problem husband. But this book is romance-free.
I enjoyed Fly-by-Night in grade school, Pennington's Last Term in high school, and The Beethoven Medal and Pennington's Heir in college. Although these books are a series, each story is age-appropriate enough that others may enjoy them most if they read them when they're close to the age Ruth is in the story, too.
"Her name. The price is somewhat more."
A tough, sweet little girl wants a pony, even though she can only afford a problem pony nobody else wants and she'll soon be too big to ride it. The practicalities of how Ruth pays for her pony, Fly-by-Night, are a refreshing (to parents) counterpoint to all those other stories where the children just have ponies until they're old enough that they just have horses instead.
As a series Ruth's story may interest teenaged girls, too: The same personality traits that make Ruth the right child for a problem pony also make her the right wife for a problem husband. But this book is romance-free.
I enjoyed Fly-by-Night in grade school, Pennington's Last Term in high school, and The Beethoven Medal and Pennington's Heir in college. Although these books are a series, each story is age-appropriate enough that others may enjoy them most if they read them when they're close to the age Ruth is in the story, too.
July 16, 2014
Another childhood pony book in the girl-from-poor-family-gets-pony-has-terrible-trouble-with-it-but-wins-in-the-end variety. Ruth buys the titular Fly-by-Night for 40 quid. Trouble is, Fly is unbroken, and she can't ride. As a departure from the norm in these kind of books, there's very little emphasis on the mechanics of breaking a pony and learning to ride. There are no lectures on horsemanship sprinkled within the pages a la Pullein-Thompsons, no earnest discussions on diagonal aids and cavaletti. Ruth learns to ride, and breaks in Fly, although this apparently happens by trial and error, magic, and osmosis or all three. Instead, the focus is on Ruth, her family, friends, relationships with people, and the family's money issues. I particularly enjoyed Ruth's brother, Ted, and his friend, Ron.
Very beautifully written. It's a pleasure to read. It's also on Kindle, as is the sequel "The Team".
Very beautifully written. It's a pleasure to read. It's also on Kindle, as is the sequel "The Team".
December 9, 2014
It's a warm, bright day in early summer, New Zealand, but in between the pages of this book I'm 12 years old again, longing for a pony, back in a cold boggy field in an East Anglian winter. Bliss.
Love, love, love this story. Possibly as much as I did when I first read it a gazillion years ago. All the adolescent yearning is there, and Ruth is an appealing character, full of self-doubt but prepared to put in the effort to achieve her goals. Lovely storytelling, which has stood the test of time.
Love, love, love this story. Possibly as much as I did when I first read it a gazillion years ago. All the adolescent yearning is there, and Ruth is an appealing character, full of self-doubt but prepared to put in the effort to achieve her goals. Lovely storytelling, which has stood the test of time.
June 29, 2024
This is one of the most perfect horse stories I've ever read, and I must've read at least a thousand horse stories. Not only did KM Peyton write this gem, she also illustrated it. Granted, she wrote better than she drew, but her line drawings show a flowing sensitivity not seen in many illustrators of horse books.
This is the first book in a series, but I probably won't read the other books. There's no way they could be better than this. Peyton was also at the height of her writing powers when she was younger.
Early chapters of this book can be found in many a British horse story anthology. I read one such anthology when I was about 10 years old. Finally, at age 54, I was able to read the whole story, courtesy of the Open Library.
I love that Fly is a New Forest Pony. They don't get enough respect. They are currently treated like trash. Most of them are killed every year to feed big cats in zoos and safari parks.
This is the first book in a series, but I probably won't read the other books. There's no way they could be better than this. Peyton was also at the height of her writing powers when she was younger.
Early chapters of this book can be found in many a British horse story anthology. I read one such anthology when I was about 10 years old. Finally, at age 54, I was able to read the whole story, courtesy of the Open Library.
I love that Fly is a New Forest Pony. They don't get enough respect. They are currently treated like trash. Most of them are killed every year to feed big cats in zoos and safari parks.
June 13, 2017
Loved this story growing up!
January 26, 2021
I love this book. The human characters are genuine and nuanced, and the horses are lovely. Ted and Ron are possibly the best characters though, punctuating each scene with dry wit and gentle, brotherly mockery of Ruth's equestrian ambitions. Equine realism at its finest!
November 10, 2008
I have this book of collected horse stories (The Puffin Book of Horses) that I've treasured since childhood, and this book by K.M. Peyton was excerpted in the collection. It's a beautifully written excerpt and made me yearn for more.
Now that I've read the whole thing I must say that, had I read this as a young girl it would have been dog-eared and worn with much love. There is a certain poetry to Peyton's writing, her descriptions of the English countryside and of the horses capture so much with a few words. It's a huge shame that the book seems to be out-of-print along with all(?) of Peyton's books... Ruth is a great role model as she struggles with the reality of achieving her dream of owning a pony.
Now that I've read the whole thing I must say that, had I read this as a young girl it would have been dog-eared and worn with much love. There is a certain poetry to Peyton's writing, her descriptions of the English countryside and of the horses capture so much with a few words. It's a huge shame that the book seems to be out-of-print along with all(?) of Peyton's books... Ruth is a great role model as she struggles with the reality of achieving her dream of owning a pony.
January 30, 2013
This book and its sequel, TEAM, were two of my very favorite books as a tween. K.M. Peyton's FLAMBARDS series too ranked up there in my estimation. No one "can't" love love love this story. The horsey details are accurate, the internal thoughts of a horse-crazy girl are right-on-the-money and in the hands of this skillful author, a very well-written book.
I lost my copy years ago and found this on Amazon for just a few dollars. Money well spent, and now going to find TEAM so that my daughters can read them as well.
I lost my copy years ago and found this on Amazon for just a few dollars. Money well spent, and now going to find TEAM so that my daughters can read them as well.
June 1, 2009
My all-time favorite childhood book. I loved it because the horse in this book behaved like a REAL horse (i.e., ornery, unruly, unmanageable at times), unlike those Stepford-wife type of perfect horses found in so many horse books.
November 14, 2020
Ruth Hollis always wanted her own horse but the closest she got was a book. She didn’t know how much work it was to have one. At eleven she and her family now lived a house in the country. Her father was always anxious about money. Her brother Ted always teased her for wanting a horse. He’d wanted a motorbike and finally convinced the family to let him get one. They didn’t have much land or money to buy a horse, but none of that mattered. She knew she should have one.
Going to a show and watching the pony club horses only made her longing more intense. She saw a boy ride his beautiful horse around the difficult cross-country course. She dreamed of entering and winning the competition the next year. How could she as she didn’t have a horse?
After pleading with her father, he agreed to allow her to purchase a pony if she could get it with her 40 pounds savings. She agreed to look after it, to pay for anything it needed, and to learn to ride it. All that seemed impossible when she went to the McNair’s farm where she discovered the horses were all out of her price range. The owner there told her to go to Mr Marks farm, he had cheaper ponies for sale.
That’s where she saw Fly who was a spirited little pony Mr Marks didn’t recommend for someone who hadn’t ridden before. Ruth had her heart set on him as soon as she saw him. She called him Fly-by-night because of his temperament. She soon discovered though that owning a horse and getting to ride it were quite different. Fly was stubborn and made her every effort to train him difficult.
Ruth longed to meet Peter McNair and ask him how to train fly. She had to do a paper run to earn enough money to keep Fly in hay over the winter, their little yard wasn’t large enough to sustain him. The book offered advice but not the practical kind. She needed a friend to ride with. She found a riding companion in a surly girl who knew less about horses than she did, but at least they could ride together. By a twist of fate, things did improve.
This is a delightful read and another one for my granddaughter to enjoy as she is besotted by horses.
Going to a show and watching the pony club horses only made her longing more intense. She saw a boy ride his beautiful horse around the difficult cross-country course. She dreamed of entering and winning the competition the next year. How could she as she didn’t have a horse?
After pleading with her father, he agreed to allow her to purchase a pony if she could get it with her 40 pounds savings. She agreed to look after it, to pay for anything it needed, and to learn to ride it. All that seemed impossible when she went to the McNair’s farm where she discovered the horses were all out of her price range. The owner there told her to go to Mr Marks farm, he had cheaper ponies for sale.
That’s where she saw Fly who was a spirited little pony Mr Marks didn’t recommend for someone who hadn’t ridden before. Ruth had her heart set on him as soon as she saw him. She called him Fly-by-night because of his temperament. She soon discovered though that owning a horse and getting to ride it were quite different. Fly was stubborn and made her every effort to train him difficult.
Ruth longed to meet Peter McNair and ask him how to train fly. She had to do a paper run to earn enough money to keep Fly in hay over the winter, their little yard wasn’t large enough to sustain him. The book offered advice but not the practical kind. She needed a friend to ride with. She found a riding companion in a surly girl who knew less about horses than she did, but at least they could ride together. By a twist of fate, things did improve.
This is a delightful read and another one for my granddaughter to enjoy as she is besotted by horses.
October 14, 2020
A story of self-determination. Ruth dreams of nothing but riding and jumping horses. Because her parents can't afford to help her, she must earn the money to take care of the horse on her own. Great book for any kid who loves horses.
May 23, 2021
Good horse story, though not typical. Nice illustration by the author. I appreciated Ruth's tenacity and understood the worry that came with her pony. I was surprised with the ease that some steps in training happened, but over all enjoyed the story. Glad for the friends that helped her out.
October 1, 2017
A lovely story any horse-lover will love.
April 3, 2020
This book was the love of my life the whole time I read it. It's gorgeous.
April 3, 2022
A young British girl, Ruth Hollis, works hard with her intractible pony to make them competitive in Pony Club events.
February 9, 2024
Enjoyed learning more about the sport of hunter/jumper. A fine read - glad to have discovered this author.
August 27, 2012
OMG, I absolutely loved this book as a child. It is perfect for any horse obsessed kids out there. Only thing is, it is a little out of date now, you'll get children trying to convince parents they can buy a pony for £50 and then keep it in the garden, I did!! (of course they said no!)
Anyway, I must read it again to see if it is as wonderful as I remember....
Anyway, I must read it again to see if it is as wonderful as I remember....
September 10, 2024
One of the best horse stories
I've lost count of how many times I've read this engaging tale of Ruth and her rambunctious pony, but each time it's as fresh as ever. If you love horses and enjoy curling up with a book full of atmosphere, ups and downs, and some human drama, then this one is definitely for you.
I've lost count of how many times I've read this engaging tale of Ruth and her rambunctious pony, but each time it's as fresh as ever. If you love horses and enjoy curling up with a book full of atmosphere, ups and downs, and some human drama, then this one is definitely for you.
to-read-own
July 23, 2010Loved K.M. Peyton's Flambards and Snowfall, but had no idea she wrote horse books. Couldn't resist picking this one up at a used bookshop today. I wonder if I'll like it as much as I would have as a horse-crazed 10-year-old.
June 17, 2016
Re-read this and loved it. You complete root for Ruth from the first chapter, very engaging. As a child I loved this book - I also wanted a pony in my back garden! - and was in love with Fly. As an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it and full of admiration for Ruth's grit and determination.
September 13, 2008
My favorite horse book from my childhood. Loved it. I read it over and over again.
May 5, 2015
Ruth is determined to own Fly-by-Night, a sturdy pony, now that she lives in the country, despite the objections of her less than affluent family.
October 1, 2012
This is quite possibly my favorite horsey book. I can't say how often I've reread it since first discovering it when I was 9.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews