More Than 60 Great Chapter Books About Horses

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If you’ve got a horse-lover like I do, you’ll love this list of chapter books about horses. This list contains both fiction and nonfiction selections for older readers.

My teen is obsessed with animals. She draws them. She watches videos about them. She reads about them. So, when we head to the library, I can be sure she’ll come out with a stack of animal-themed books in her bag.

As I peruse reading lists for upper-elementary and middle school, I keep my eye out for books with animals that may capture her attention. Here’s a list of some great chapter books that focus on horses.

My daughter has read a few of these. Several are currently on her reading shelf. The rest, I have on a list of suggested books for her to look at next time we head to the library.

Chapter Books About Horses

Fill your book basket with a great collection of chapter books about horses. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore. If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them on Amazon by clicking the images below.

Black Beauty – Written as the animal’s autobiography, and as an appeal for the humane treatment of horses, Anna Sewell’s beloved classic reveals as much about human conduct and the social ills of the time as it does about the treatment of animals. (also a movie)

The Black Stallion – From Alec Ramsay and the Black’s first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old. (Other books in this series include The Black Stallion Returns, Son of the Black Stallion, The Island Stallion, Black Stallion and Satan, and 15 more!)

Misty of Chincoteague – Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white “map” on her shoulders was her mark of freedom.  Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both? (This series also includes Sea Star: Orphan of Chincoteague; Stormy, Misty’s Foal; and Misty’s Twilight.)

My Friend Flicka – The first time that Ken McLaughlin sees Flicka galloping past him on his family’s Wyoming horse ranch, he knows she’s the yearling he’s been longing for. But Flicka comes from a long line of wild horses, and taming her will take more than Ken could ever have imagined. Soon, Ken is faced with an impossible choice: give up on his beautiful horse, or risk his life to fight for her. (also a movie)

National Velvet – A butcher’s daughter in a small Sussex town ends her nightly prayers with “Oh, God, give me horses, give me horses! Let me be the best rider in England!” The answer to 14-year-old Velvet Brown’s plea materializes in the form of an unwanted piebald, raffled off in a village lottery, who turns out to be adept at jumping fences — exactly the sort of horse that could win the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. (also a movie)

Justin Morgan Had a Horse – This is the story of the little runt who became the father of the world-famous breed of American horses — the Morgan. (also a movie)

Horse Diaries #1: Elska – Elska is a silver dapple Icelandic filly. She spends summers frisking about the countryside and winters in the farmyard, where the girl human Amma takes special care of her. But when a powerful neighbor notices Elska, her contented life suddenly changes. Here is Elska’s story . . . in her own words. (There are 15 books in this series.)

Wild Thing – Twelve-year-old Winnie Willis has a way with horses. She can gentle the wildest mare, but other parts of her life don’t always come as easily. Along with her dad and sister, Lizzy, Winnie is learning how to live without her mom, who was also a natural horse gentler. As Winnie teaches her horses about unconditional love and blind trust, God shows Winnie that he can be trusted too.  (There are a total of eight books in this series.)

A Horse of Her Own – A girl who longs for her own horse is given the chance to care for a troubled, damaged horse, who needs her as much as she needs him.

A Horse for Kate – A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with… (This series includes four more books including Silver Spurs, Mystery Rider, Blue Ribbon Trail Ride, and Rebel Horse Rescue.)

A Horse to Love – Thirteen-year-old foster kid Skye Nicholson has become an expert at being an angry, cold, and defensive teenager. After breaking more foster home placements than she cares to count, and committing numerous offenses, she’s headed to her final resort ― juvenile detention. But after a court compromise, hope finds her through a beautiful sorrel quarter horse named Champ and the tough love of Tom and Eileen Chamber, who offer her another chance at their home at Keystone Stables. (There are a total of eight books in the Keystone Stables series.)

Paint the Wind – Maya lives like a captive. At Grandmother’s house in California, everything is forbidden: friends, fun, even memories. And her life is built on lies: lies Grandmother tells her about her dead mother, lies Maya tells to impress or manipulate. But then she moves to the vast Wyoming wilderness where her mother’s family awaits – kind, rugged people who have no tolerance for lies. They challenge Maya to confront the truth about who she is. And a mysterious mustang called Artemisia waits, too. She holds the key to Maya’s freedom. But to find it, Maya will have to risk everything, including her life.

Do you have a favorite horse book that isn’t on this list? Share it with us in the comments below!

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