Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Series for Horse Lovers {Horses in History Series Review}

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There is something magical about horses when you are a child, so of course, books written about horses by a young author caught my eye. We reviewed Mattie Richardson’s Horses in History Series by Author Mattie Richardson/Appaloosy Books.

About Author Mattie Richardson

Formerly known as North Dakota’s teen author, Mattie Richardson wrote her first book Appaloosy, when she was just thirteen years old. Quite an impressive feat!

Mattie’s knowledge and love of horses shows in the books she has written.

Horses in History Series

Mattie Richardson’s Horses in History Series is comprised of four books: Appaloosy, Dusty’s Trail, Golden Sunrise, and Day and Night. These historical fiction stories can be read in any order, as they are each a stand alone read.

Each book is told from the point of view of the horse, or horses, the story is about. This aspect gives the reader a unique look at the moment in history for which the story is taking place.

The books are geared toward middle school students and would be equally interesting to both genders.

For students who are horse lovers, they will appreciate seeing their favorite animal star in the story.

Definitions and a Blast from the Past

At the beginning of each book, the author defines terms that the reader will need to know to help with understanding.

The end of each book contains a “Blast from the Past,” section that gives a brief overview of the historic time frame the book is set in.

Appaloosy

Appaloosy takes place during the Nez Perce war of 1877.

The story begins with a storm and the birth of Storm, an Appaloosa horse belonging to the Nez Perce tribe.

The Nez Perce are being asked to move to a reservation. Chief Joseph makes the decision to move his tribe, but not every member is happy about it. White Feather, Storm’s owner, and Lone Wolf choose to retaliate bringing a battle to the tribe. After which the tribe decides to abandon their decision to move to the reservation and go to Canada instead.

The Nez Perce are defeated in battle on their way and Storm is captured by white men.

Storm is then given to a little girl named Faith, who sees past his wild nature and sets out to befriend him.

After being stolen again by rustlers, Storm has to decide if he values his freedom more than his bond with Faith.

The book ends with Storm being reunited with Faith and welcoming his own son to the world.

Dusty’s Trail

Dusty’s Trail is set during the 1860’s and centers around the time of the Pony Express. Dusty is an American Quarter horse, whose owner Levi, desires to be a member of the Pony Express despite the wishes of his family.

Dusty is not very happy about Levi taking him, but eventually he and Levi start to become friends. He doesn’t realize just how much he cares for Levi until they are ambushed by Pauite Indians while delivering mail and Levi is captured. Dusty escapes, but feels guilty for leaving Levi behind.

He then determines to find and rescue Levi with the help of another horse named Ace. Finding his courage and rescuing Levi brought horse and master closer together.

The story ends with Levi realizing his time with the Pony Express is over. He and Dusty, and a mare named Nevada that Dusty has taken as his mate return home.

Golden Sunrise

Golden Sunrise takes place in Northern Texas during the early 1800’s and the Battle of the Alamo. It is about Cheyenne, a Palomino horse, and her owner, Jared who volunteers to help fight for Texan independence from Mexico.

Cheyenne is a curious horse, who always wants to be in the middle of whatever Jared is doing. The two have a good relationship and Jared trusts Cheyenne.

Along the way Cheyenne meets Rebel, a handsome stallion. Rebel is not as trusting of his owner as Cheyenne, but is intrigued by her and Jared’s relationship.

Tragedy strikes when Santa Anna attacks the Alamo slaughtering the masses, including Jared. Cheyenne, is one of three horses spared to take the women and children to spread the word of the Alamo. Rebel is one of the other two horses.

Jared’s younger brother Austin takes over ownership of Cheyenne and helps her to feel better.

Day and Night

Day and Night takes place during the Civil War. It tells the story of two Morgan horses, Tucker and Shiloh, brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the war.

The book begins with the owner, Casey deciding to downsize his herd and sell Tucker and Shiloh. Tucker is sold to a man named Jordan, but quickly gets taken by Horsemen and given to a young man named Ben. Before Shiloh can be sold, he too is stolen by a man named Aaron and then quickly once again by a young woman named Sarah, who tells him he is now Confederate property.

Sarah, dresses up as a boy named Sam and fights with the Confederates.

The book goes back and forth between the two brothers, telling the story.

The two horses end up at the same battle, and each recognizes the other, but in the middle of a battle, there is no time to reconnect.

After another battle where the Union is successful, Tucker and Ben go looking for wounded horses that can be saved. While searching, they find a Shiloh and his wounded rider and learn the secret of her identity.

Understanding Sarah’s concern at having a Yank doctor care for her, Ben agrees to remove the bullet from her shoulder and stitch it up. Unwilling to leave her to find her own way home, he then chooses to accompany her home, even though it means leaving his regimen.

Upon her return Sarah found her entire homestead burned to the ground. Ben returned to his regimen and continued fighting for another couple years. At the end, he and Sarah marry and Tucker and Shiloh live together working on their farm.

Our Thoughts on Horses in History

I had Haydn, my nine year old son, read these. He chose to read Dusty’s Trail and Day and Night. He enjoyed both books and will read continue to read the remaining two.

I read or skimmed through all four books. I found that they were well written and interesting. Each book contains a little bit of romance. Just enough that young girls are going to be excited about it, but boys are not going to be grossed out.

The books are quick moving and don’t lag. They would be a good choice to add as historical fiction readings for the time periods in which they take place. There is also an Enrichment Guide for Day and Night to give a more in depth study of the Civil War. Although we did not use it, the Enrichment Guide was quite comprehensive.

I would recommend them for middle school aged children.

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