One splendid summer, a crew of can-do kids, a cast of exciting horses . . .

Brownie
Researcher
Smokey
Safe Flight
Quaker Lace
Corn Cob
Hickory Nut
Banner
Barrister
Escort
Dakota Clover
Spirit Lake
Tannenbaum
Copper Penny
Midnight

In Horses and Heartbeats, Polly Thompson brings you into the lives of the elegant contestants at a hunter-jumper show; the schooling mounts at a boarding stable; and the horses in various states of conditioning that come through a Connecticut auction. One of these, a young mare fresh off the Dakota plains, is destined for Bailey Mason, a green but gutsy teenager. In a summer filled with upsets and success, Bailey and her friends cope with each others’ and the horse’s idiosyncrasies and pool their resources to make ready for a challenging gymkhana. The practical details of horse-handling woven into this story give it the realism that will appeal to whoever has wished for a horse.

Reviews

"The engaging characters in Polly Thompson's Horses and Heartbeats, the subtle yet effective introduction of horse management skills, indeed offer a captivating picture of the horse scene. My fourteen-year-old daughter did not want to put it down."

Maryland horseman Robert Taylor—3-Day Eventer, Educator, Pony Club International Games Coach, MFH Goshen Hounds

The journey of heart warming experiences in Polly Thompson's Horses and Heartbeats takes in the many aspects involved in one’s love of horses, the pursuit of ownership despite difficulties along the way. The path is not always straight but it does reward those who really want something and are willing to work for it. Consider this easy, most interesting read a ‘must’ for any horse lover on your list, and they won't be disappointed!

International 3-Day Eventer Gretchen Butts—Administrator of Maryland's Waredaca Pony Club Riding Center; past US Eventing Association board member and Educational Consultant, current national & international judge and technical delegate, USEA Governors Cup recipient.