Katy's Wild foal by Victoria Eveleigh (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

February 2012, Orion
120 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: life as a farm child, financial hardships of a farm, learning the seemingly cruel side of nature, perfect & imperfect birthdays, people not seeing your view, horse obsessed friends, secrets, horse auctions, rebelling & being a tad moody, the joys of riding, hard work & determination through the tough times, several aww moments, tissues needed

Summary from Orion 

Katy's birthday doesn't feel very special, until she discovers a tiny newborn foal on the moor. It walks right up to her with wobbly steps, and Katy is spellbound. As she reaches out and touches its forehead, Katy longs for the foal to be hers. But how will she ever persuade her family?

Nayuleska's thoughts 

Covers can be a huge indication of the story inside. You can feel the ponies' fur from both the cover and the illustrations inside. My heart is melting into the love and passion Katy discovers & which those around her nuture, not always with her knowledge. She has a solid heart, and a good sense for horses, who are as every bit unique as Katy finds that out. I liked the extra info about Exmoors - be sure to check out the Orion website for a chance to win the competition for adopting an Exmoor pony.

Definitely check out Victoria's website.  

Suggested read 

For more horse fun check out Saving Mississippi by Cornelia Funke