Do you have a horse-loving kid at home? If so, you’re probably always on the lookout for new horse books for kids to keep them entertained.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which ones are worth buying. That’s where we come in!
We’ve rounded up some of the best books for horse-crazy kids, based on popular opinion and our own personal recommendations. Add one or more of these fantastic books to your horse activities for kids.
So if your child is begging for more cowboy stories, or just loves learning about everything equine, read on for some great ideas. Each one is sure to encourage a love of reading!
Horse Facts for Beginners
If your kids are horse-crazy, here are some fun facts to add to their homeschool lessons.
– For starters, did you know that horses are measured in hands? One hand is equal to four inches, so a horse that is 14 hands tall is 56 inches tall at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back).
The tallest horse on record was a Shire named Big Jim, who stood 21.2 hands tall, or over 84 inches!
– Another fun fact is that horses can run almost immediately after they’re born. Foals (baby horses) can stand up and nurse within minutes of being born, and they can gallop within hours.
So if you ever see a foal galloping around with its mom, don’t worry – they’re just playing!
– Another fun fact is that horses come in a variety of colors. The most common coat color is chestnut, but horses can also be bay, black, gray, roan, dun, palomino, or Buckskin.
– And while most people think of horses as being calm and gentle animals, they can actually be quite flighty. When startled, a horse may bolt or even kick. That’s why it’s important for kids to learn about horse safety before they interact with these majestic creatures.
By sharing these and other horse facts with your homeschooler, you can make learning about the natural world both enjoyable and educational.
Horse Books for Kids
While most kids these days are more likely to be found playing video games or watching TV, there are still those who enjoy the simple pleasure of reading a great book.
For horse-loving youngsters, there are plenty of great options out there. Just head to your local library to find a plethora of books your kids will love.
Whatever the age or taste, there's sure to be a horse book that will capture any child's imagination.
A young girl who longs for a pony draws pictures of a dappled mare she names Silver, then rides her through a magical countryside in her dreams.
Children will delight in this heartwarming tale as they follow Trixie’s misadventures and ultimate realization that she does indeed have a very special purpose on the ranch.
Saddle up for a look at kids’ favorite animals —sporting horses, working horses, and different breeds, too—in this stunning photographic book for the youngest horse lovers.
Kids will love following this little colt through his first two years of life in this nonfiction book that contains simple text and is fun enough to be read as a sweet story.
Packed with weird-but-true facts and tons of equestrian animal info, this Level 3 Reader gallops right into the world of horses–from wild horses to superstar racers to the shared history of humans and horses.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have your own horse, you’ll learn all about riding lessons, how to stay safe around horses, and how to develop a healthy and friendly relationship with them.
Adventurous dreamer Dee loves the rodeo and her favorite event is Barrel Racing.
She has been dreaming about her first race with her best friend Hank for as long as she can remember.
They have worked hard, practiced and persevered. But will it be enough? Is the blue ribbon within their grasp?
The PALs are part of a school fundraiser! But when Lucky partners with Maricela for the fundraiser instead of Pru and Abigail, their competitive streaks come out and test their friendship.
Ginny has always dreamed of having her very own pony, so when her parents agree to rent her a pony for the summer, Ginny is thrilled!
But when Mokey arrives, she is shaggy, dirty, and half-starved–not at all what Ginny had in mind.
Can Ginny still have the summer of her dreams?
Ponies is replete with brilliant photographs and catchy content that will both teach and entertain.
Young children will be captivated as they watch a brand new baby foal walk within minutes of being born then quickly turn into one of the most graceful animals on Earth.
Ponies and Horses introduces young readers to the exciting world of ponies, horses, and the people who ride and care for them.
Twelve-year-old Mary falls in love with a foal that is lame, just like her.
The expensive surgery the foal needs has little chance to correct the problem.
Still Mary plots and conspires to raise money to save the horse, even as time runs out.
The gentle thoroughbred, Black Beauty, is raised with care and is treated well until a vicious groom injures him.
The damaged horse is then sold to various masters at whose hands he experiences cruelty and neglect.
After many unpleasant episodes, including one where he becomes a painfully overworked cab horse in London, Black Beauty finally canters towards a happy ending.
From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.
Zippy Chippy is descended from the leading legends of horse racing. He is destined for greatness and glory.
But . . . when the starting bell rings, it's anybody's guess what Zippy will do.
Will Zippy go for a gentle trot around the track or stop and smell the roses? Or, perhaps, never even leave the starting gate?!
Round Out Your Unit with These Activities
Handmade wooden toys are created especially for tender kids hands. They are very smooth, light and strong! Your kid will love playing with this very cute wooden horse pull toy!
Whether your child is a horse lover or not, these books are sure to get them excited about reading. From nonfiction accounts of beautiful horses in history to exciting fictional tales of wild adventures, there’s something for everyone in this roundup of must-read horse books for kids.
So what are you waiting for? Fill your book basket with some horsing around! What is your favorite horse book for kids? Let us know in the comments below!