The Five Greatest Adult Horse Fiction Titles
The Most Frequently Recommended Equestrian Novels
One of the commonest topics on internet horse forums is a request for fiction book recommendations.
The following list summarises the most frequently mentioned books on these threads, all read and enjoyed by equestrian fans throughout the world and worth adding to any horse enthusiast's reading list.
5) Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley
Horse Heaven is a substantial novel of around 700 pages focused on the world of horse racing. With a lengthy cast of human characters, the shorter list of equine stars still manages to dominate as the personality of each is expertly conveyed. Justa Bob is particularly fondly remembered by those who recommend this book. Jane Smiley has a distinct, almost poetic style of writing which may not suit every reader, but those who enjoy her work are dedicated fans.
Similar books by the same author: Barn Blind is a shorter work in which horses and riding, including lessons and showing, are the dominant theme.
4) Riding Lessons by Sarah Gruen
The action in Riding Lessons takes place predominately on a horse farm in the US. The central equine character is an unusually coloured brindle horse, and the heroine, Annemarie, was headed for stardom in show jumping as a young woman, before a serious accident took her away from the world of horses and riding altogether. Her return to this world under various trying circumstances is the pivotal theme of the novel. This is an easy to read book, slightly far-fetched at times but absorbing, and of a good medium length at 387 pages.
Similar books by the same author: Flying Changes is the follow-up novel to this in which Annemarie’s daughter meets a special horse of her own.
3) Horseplay by Judy Reene Singer
Horseplay takes a different approach from the previous entries in the top five, being far less serious, and much more fun. The story is narrated by heroine Judy, a 33 year old lady who has left her husband and seeks to make a new life for herself as a groom at a horse farm centred on dressage. This proves challenging, and Judy’s witty account of her experiences provide endless delight for the reader. At 278 pages it’s an easy, humorous, enjoyable read.
Similar books by the same author: Still Life with Elephant describes the experiences of a dedicated horse trainer who finds herself working with an elephant.
2) The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
The Horse Whisperer is one of the best known horse fiction books, popular with general readers as well as those looking for novels with this specific theme. The engaging story begins with a serious accident that befalls a young girl and her horse. Both carry physical scars after they are hurt, but their mental scars run far deeper. The central figure and driver of events in the book is the girl’s mother Annie, seeking help for the damaged horse and finding horse whisperer, Tom Booker. The book is well written, moving and exciting, and its 479 pages pass very quickly for the reader.
Similar books by the same author: Nicholas Evan’s other books do not have horses as a central theme but readers interested in nature and conservation may particularly enjoy The Loop.
1) Riders by Jilly Cooper
Riders is often the first novel to get a mention on any internet forum thread asking about suitable adult horse fiction, and deservingly so. Set in the world of Show Jumping, the novel boasts absorbing human characters, from the hero Jake Lovell who starts his career from unlikely beginnings as a penniless riding school groom, to the rich and ruthless Rupert Campbell-Black who has every possible advantage, and equally fascinating equine stars, such as the ugly but talented Sailor and the water-jump-phobic Bull. The book is pure escapism and includes glamour, competition and many raunchy scenes. This is the largest book on the list at 919 pages, but most who have read and enjoyed it would claim that these pass all too quickly.
Similar books by the same author: Polo is Jilly Cooper’s most horse-centred novel after Riders and is frequently mentioned in the same sentence as Riders by fans. It is also highly recommended. Jilly Cooper’s much anticipated forthcoming novel is set to have another horsey theme as it will be set in the world of National Hunt racing.
The author welcomes comments recommending additional books, as the list given is evidently not exhaustive.
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