Riding Scared
by Marion Crook
- Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection
When 13-year old Gillian starts riding at the Maple Ridge stable in British Columbia, the other girls already consider her an old lady. Most of them have been riding for years and are too proud to help a newcomer.
Most, that is, except Carley Mackenzie, who thinks Gillian is a natural rider. Gillian would like to think so, but she gets so nervous around the big, heavy horses that its impossible to find the confidence needed to succeed in competition. Together with Gillian's gentle horse Hawkeye, however, Carley teaches her to trust the animals--and to trust herself.
Riding Scared is the story of how patience, understanding, and an exceptional horse teach a young woman to have confidence in herself.
close this panel"This book is as rich in emotional insights as it is in horse sense... highly recommended."
"The plot includes many day-to-day details--practising for, getting to and competing in show jumping competitions.... this is a good book for horse lovers intimidated by the length of most other horsey stories."
"[Riding Scared] comes of age when it goes beyond the simple 'work hard and persevere' formula to show some of the complexity of both the sport and adolescent lives."
