Horses have been capturing human hearts and imaginations since the dawn of time. Literally. Archeological research shows that prehistoric cave paintings (arguably the first form of picture books) featured horses more often—and more prominently—than any other animal. So I suppose it’s not a stretch to suggest that "horse stories" have been a favourite genre since the Stone Age.

My own love affair with horses started sometime between my first breath and my first step. I grew up grazing the library shelves for horse books, devouring timeless equine classics like Billy and Blaze, The Black Stallion, King of the Wind, Misty of Chincoteague, My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, and many others.

I also count myself fortunate beyond measure to have been owned by no less than three real-life storybook ponies (as well as one infinitely kind and patient horse). Ponies, past and present, real and imagined, shaped the person I am today, and continue to inspire me on a daily basis.

If you are looking for pony-themed picture books that are sure to whinny your heart (see what I did there?) giddy-up to your local library or bookseller and check out some of these titles.

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The Pony and the Starling, is a fictional story inspired by my own Welsh Cob pony, Fiona, and her interactions with a solitary starling—a relationship that I observed over several months. Beautifully illustrated by Kristina Jones, The Pony and the Starling tells the story of an unlikely but enduring friendship through the seasons. This story is for anyone who has ever had—or dreamed of having—a pony as a best friend.

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If A Horse Had Words, by Kelly Cooper and Lucy Eldridge, is an empathetic, lyrical look at the world through a horse’s eyes. The story follows a young horse from birth through her early years as she explores the world and forms an attachment to The Boy. The two are separated when the horse is sold as a bucking bronco on the rodeo circuit…but her memory of the Boy remains. Poignant and poetic, If A Horse Had Words is a wonderful read-aloud for pony lovers.

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In Midnight and Moon, by Kelly Cooper and Daniel Miyares, Moon, a horse that cannot see, and Clara, a girl who does not speak, find acceptance and confidence in their own unique abilities thanks to special friends that enrich both their lives. Midnight and Moon is a beautiful, sensitive story celebrating abilities, belonging, and friendship.

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In A Horse Named Steve, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier, we meet Steve—an endearingly awkward equine on a mission to become exceptional. When Steve finds a golden horn just lying around (imagine that!) he straps it on his head and shows it off to the other animals…with hilarious results. Steve eventually discovers that the best way to be exceptional is to be yourself. A Horse Named Steve is a rib-tickling read-aloud that will delight horse (and unicorn) lovers of all ages.

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The Princess and the Pony, written and illustrated by Kate Beaton, is the story of Pinecone, the little princess with big warrior goals. When Princess Pinecone receives a roly-poly pony for her birthday instead of the tall warrior horse of her dreams, she discovers that great things can come in small (and rotund) packages…and that cute-and-cuddly conquers all. Also, pony farts.

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No Horses in the House, by Mirielle Messier, illustrated by Anna Bron, is a delightful tale inspired by real-life artist Rosa Bonheur. Young Rosa loves to draw animals—especially horses! Unfortunately, in 19th century France where she lives, girls are not allowed to become artists. While her brothers are given lessons in drawing and painting and sculpture, Rosa is expected to learn sewing and baking and embroidery. Determined to follow her artistic passion, Rosa dresses as a boy and goes on an undercover excursion to the horse market to study and draw the animals she loves. No Horses in the House is an inspiring story of creative perseverance in the face of oppressive societal constructs—a marvellous book for art and animal lovers of all ages.

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In Runs With The Stars, by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O’Connor, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko, a girl and her grandfather await the birth of a foal. As they wait, the grandfather tells the story of the Ojibwe horses from his youth, and their importance to the Ojibwe people. At one time, thousands of Ojibwe horses—also known as the Lac La Croix Indigenous Pony—roamed the boreal forests around the western part of Lake Superior, but were virtually extinct by the 1970’s. In this story, the girl shares her grandfather’s dream of breeding these special horses…a dream which begins with a silver foal named Runs With The Stars.

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Everything That Shines, by David Weale and Dale McNevin, explores the bond between four-year-old Maddie and her grandfather’s elderly draft horse, Shekinah. When the old horse dies, Maddie’s grandfather helps her see that Shekinah’s spirit and Maddie’s love for her, continues to shine. A gentle, sensitive story about love and loss, Everything That Shines will tug at the heartstrings of horse lovers young and old.

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What’s The Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses?, by Richard VanCamp, illustrated by George Littlechild, follows a child’s musings about horses one cold, January day. In his small, northern community of Fort Smith, NWT, there are many dogs…but no horses. The child asks family and friends what’s the most beautiful thing they know about horses. The answers are wildly different, but each offers unique insights into the lives, culture and perspectives of the knowledge-keepers in his life. The Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses is, in itself, a most beautiful thing… as authentic and colourful as a herd of wild horses.

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Where Wild Horses Run, by Georgia Graham, follows a band of wild horses in the Nemaiah Valley in British Columbia. As the herd moves through the rugged, mountainous wilderness they must work together to protect a vulnerable foal from predators like cougars and grizzlies. Where Wild Horses Run in a visually arresting glimpse into the lives of some of Canada’s last remaining herds of wild horses and the breathtaking region they call home.

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Learn more about The Pony and the Starling: 

A girl and her mother watch an unusual friendship develop between a solitary starling and a lonely pony.

The gray pony lives in the green pasture beside the barn. One day, the girl and her mother see a flock of starlings wheel over the field. When the flock moves on, one bird remains behind—perched on the fence, near the pony.

As summer moves into autumn, the girl watches as the pony and the starling become constant companions, sharing grain, water and shade. When the days get colder, the girl begins to wonder—what will happen when winter arrives? A blizzard blows in … and the starling vanishes. Is this the end of a special friendship? And what will the spring bring?

The Pony and the Starling is a gentle story of changing seasons and an unlikely but enduring friendship.