TLDR
Of these novels about horses and horse racing, which will be the first on your reading list? Dark Horse, Horse Heaven, National Velvet, The Black Stallion or The Horse Dancer?
There are few animals and few sports that have the power to transcend drama and heroic victories at the highest level more so than horse racing. This level of intrigue ensures the equine sport is a common topic when writing novels, with certain elements of real-life achievements able to be intertwined with fiction.
Stories that appear too good to be true are played out in front of our eyes on the track throughout a racing season. Often, the result is that many novices get involved in the sport by studying a horse racing betting guide for beginners.
What are some of the best novels about equines or horse racing that are available to passionate fans of horses and the sport?
Mixing sport with drama is an excellent way to give readers intrigue, and that is exactly what can be found in Felix Francis’ gripping, thriller “Dark Horse.”
The drama follows a young Irish jockey called Imogen Duffy, who achieves her professional dream of riding a winner at the Cheltenham Festival. However, her private life is anything other than smooth sailing. A controlling boyfriend, jealous of the success she is achieving, abuses her.
After attempting to break up with her partner, she is threatened, with her boyfriend claiming he would rather see her dead than allow her to leave him. In a race against time, Imogen turns for help in an attempt to get her professional and private life back on the rails.
A unique novel specifically tailored to fans of horse racing comes in the form of “Horse Heaven” by Jane Smiley. In a 720-page journey, the author takes the reader behind the scenes following jockeys from across the United States, sharing the love between the rider and horse, and the journeys that all those connected within an equine go on in the hope of achieving the ultimate goals in the sport.
The book takes the reader to tracks ranging from Kentucky to California, taking the reader behind the curtain with owners. The novel follows various figures. Smiley’s passion for the sport ensures she is able to write scenes imbued with great detail, appealing to the most educated fans of the sport.
Both horses and jockeys feature as main characters. The book received positive feedback for its ability to control a balanced narrative.
One of the most beloved horse racing novels was first published in 1935. The story of “National Velvet” remains as inspiring in this modern day as ever. Written by Enid Bagnold, the book follows the story of a teenage girl named Velvet Brown, who trains and rides a horse that she one day dreams of winning the Grand National.
It is a powerful read that shows that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary things if they are passionate about a subject and have the tenacity to work hard. It is a book that has stood the test of time, with a hugely successful movie released with the same name in 1945, starring Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor.
The novel was later presented as a half-hour adaption on CBS Radio in October 1949. A sign of its prolonged importance was noted in 2021 when female rider Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National, living out the dream of the novel’s main character in real life.
Walter Farley’s “The Black Stallion” series of books ranks among the most popular in the genre. The first release was published back in 1941, introducing readers to teenager Alec Ramsay after he returns from India.
Upon seeing an untamed black stallion, the character forms a bond, later becoming important when the two escape a stinking vessel and become stranded on a desert island. The two characters become dependent on each other to survive, strengthening the love and bond between the two. After being rescued and returned to land, Alec befriends a racing trainer in New York, due to Black’s superior breeding it leads to a new venture for the life-long friends.
However, due to his unknown pedigree, Black can only compete in match races against U.S. champions. The book highlights the importance in bonding between animals and humans, and it is a must-read for fans of all ages.
One of the best recent novels that puts focus on horses is Jojo Moyes’ “The Horse Dancer.” Released in 2010 by the Sunday Times bestselling author, the book follows the story of Sarah and her passion for equines.
She learns from her grandfather, Henri Lachapelle, in the stables, forming a unique bond with a horse named Boo. However, disaster leaves Sarah to fend for herself after her grandfather passes away. On the other hand, another character named Natasha is forced to live with her ex-husband while facing professional struggles.
A passion for equines joins the two main characters together, leading to an opportunity to put things right. The novel is all about the bond between the two main characters and Boo, showing that even one small choice can change everything.
Get recommendations on hidden gems from emerging authors, as well as lesser-known titles from literary legends.
