Category: Young Adult/Teen Publisher: Willow Bend Publishing
ISBN-10: 0970900287
Type: Fiction
Pages: 235
Copyright: May, 2007
ISBN-13: 9780970900289
Price: $3.99 (eBook)
The first book in the award-winning 'Morgan Horse' series
Winner of the national book award, "Children's Choices" co-sponsored by the International Reading Association and the Children's Book Council! Blackjack, the first in the Morgan Horse series, introduces the character of Heather Richardson. A young horse-lover, Heather has been haunted by dreams of a very special Morgan Horse. She soon learns that the horse really exists and is thrilled when she is asked to care for him. With the help of Blackjack's owner, Heather learns to ride and show the horse and the two quickly form a very special bond. When tragedy strikes and Blackjack falls into the hands of an abusive trainer, Heather must find a way to rescue her horse before it is too late...
Excerpt
The riders continued to canter their horses until they were instructed to walk. Within moments they were asked to reverse and then, after just a short walk, the announcer asked for a trot. Blackjack once again broke into a trot, ears forward, happy to go. His trot seemed so airy and easy to ride that Heather felt she could go on forever.
But then she had to bring her horse back to a walk, in anticipation of cantering. This time it would be on the right lead and she didn’t know what Blackjack would do. He felt really good but she had ridden him many times before when he had felt great but still given her trouble. As they walked around the ring, Heather began to get
uptight, fearing for the worst.
“Canter, all canter,” came the order.
Heather gave the signal to Blackjack, but instead of cantering, he pinned his ears and started to back up. “No Blackjack, not now, not now,” quietly pleaded his rider.
“Oh, no, he’s going to act up,” whispered Chauncy to Tom MacDonald.
“Please don’t do this,” continued Heather.
But Blackjack didn’t listen to her as he took another step back. Heather tried to urge him on by using her legs but she could feel her whole body
tense up and knew that Blackjack could feel it too.
Suddenly...
Professional Reviews
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Mrs. Feld has a true gift in capturing the imagination and engaging the reader. It isn't always easy to find a set of books that will be read willingly by pre-teens! Kudos to Mrs. Feld on her delightful Morgan Horse Series." - Jenefer Igarashi, Senior Editor
The Catholic Library Journal
"These books are packed with information about the care and training of horses. The reader will experience the thrill of competition in the ring as Heather and Blackjack participate in shows and the feeling of flight as she and Rusty jump the fences. The stories are well constructed with exciting plots and interesting characters. The strongest characters are the horses that exhibit their personalities as they face life's challenges. Anyone who loves horses will love this series."
Just Horses Magazine
"Feld takes the reader through a whirlwind of emotions as Heather manages to save her beloved horse. Her accurate and detailed descriptions of basic horsemanship and stable management make the Morgan Horse Series books not only fun adventure stories, but educational as well." - Susan Dudasik
Author R.L. Mitchley, gets some help from his close friend Elias, as they franticly work to reunite Bob with three of his deceased family members, Grammy, Pappy & Arlene for one last time...
My memory of Elias is intimate but brief; I asked him, "what happened, where are you taking me, who are you? Tell me!"
In a calm voice; "Sara hush, you died.
