Horse Gentler in Training by Dandi Daley Mackall

Winnie’s family owns a ranch where they train horses. One of the horses, Princess, is owned by the family of Winnie’s irritating classmate, Austin. When Austin’s dad doesn’t see changes in Princess as quickly as he wants, he threatens to move her to another ranch. Winnie takes it upon herself to teach Princess a few tricks and ultimately gains the trust of this hesitant horse while impressing Austin’s dad enough to keep her on the ranch.

There are a few black and white drawings throughout the chapters. There are also horse facts and terms in the back of the book.

Reading Level: Ages 7-10
Read Aloud Age: 5+

This Christian chapter book is a quick read and perfect for a horse-loving girl. While there are a couple of boy characters, this would likely appeal much more to girls. The chapters are short, which helps to encourage young readers. I love that this is set completely in reality and deals with real-life issues, like difficult classmates. The writing is simple and straightforward.

The scripture that is focused on throughout this book is Luke 18:27, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” The “impossible” thing in this book is for Winnie’s family to be able to keep Princess at their ranch for financial reasons. I believe a key verse about God’s provision would have been a more suitable and contextual to this particular situation.

I also don’t love how the book ended with Austin still being viewed as a snotty kid that Winnie rightfully doesn’t like. The author doesn’t come out and say those things, but it’s definitely implied. Maybe Winnie’s relationship with Austin changes in book two, but I was only given this title.

Language:

Austin calls the horse, “stupid.”

Questionable Behaviors:

Winnie lets her anger at Austin “boil over” and yells at him at school. This is never addressed as being sinful.

Other Things to Know:

Someone is reading a magic book, but it’s a magic trick book, “not real magic,” the text reads.

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