2026 is the year of the horse in the lunar calendar, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate books about horses! As Readings’ resident horse fanatic, I have some beloved horsey book suggestions for those who want to get into the spirit of the year. 🐎
A board book
Noni the Pony
Alison Lester
Start them young with horse books, I say. Although I do believe the love of horses is in our DNA, it’s worthwhile instilling passion for the noble beast right from the get-go. This board book is my go-to present for newborns and toddlers – short and sweet, with rhyming text that will have them laughing with delight at the antics of Noni and her friends.
A chapter book
Horse Crazy!
Alison Lester, illustrated by Roland Harvey
Alison Lester has written numerous books about horses and this one about two children living in a country town who borrow and ride other people’s ponies is a particular favourite. Fully illustrated and with a variety of ponies of different temperaments and sizes, it is perfect for horse-obsessed early readers aged 6+ or as a read-aloud to younger audiences.
A classic
Black Beauty
Anna Sewell
Famous as the first book written from the perspective of an animal and championing horse rights in an era of terrible horse and carriage accidents, this is a powerful story describing the different ages and owners of a horse known by a variety of names, but beloved as Black Beauty. This is a captivating read and while there is eventually a happy ending, it never fails to make me cry – and I have read it dozens of times!
A young adult novel
The One Dollar Horse
Lauren St John
This novel about a horse and a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dream of competing in the UK’s Badminton Horse Trials is a contemporary rags-to-riches National Velvet story, complete with a romance that will pull in even the most reluctant teen readers aged 12+.
An adult novel
Foal's Bread
Gillian Mears
Gillian Mears knew country Australia and the importance of horses historically to the country way of life. This story of a showjumping family, set prior to World War II, is epic and filled with glorious descriptions of horses, humans and the Australian countryside. This is a not-to-be-missed Australian classic.
A nonfiction read
The Horse
Timothy C. Winegard
For those who like their horse stories to be more fact than fiction, this doorstopper is the definitive account of the horse and its relationship with humans over five thousand years – yes, our friendship really does go back a long way! Winegard demonstrates how they have been indispensable to every aspect of our development, including migration, farming, industry and even war, and along the way they have been magnificent companions that we admire and love.
I hope these reading suggestions will inspire you to think more about those incredible creatures and our ongoing connection with them as we gallop headfirst into the Year of the Horse!
You can also find beautiful picture books about celebrating the new year in our Lunar New Year collection. ❤️
