Jean Slaughter Doty was a revered voice in children's equestrian literature, known for an unparalleled realism that transported readers directly into the barn and the show ring. In novels like The Monday Horses and Can I Get There by Candlelight?, she moved beyond simple pony tales to explore the hard work, dedication, and complex emotional bonds that define the world of competitive English riding. Her stories are celebrated for their authenticity, their sensitive portrayal of the horse-rider partnership, and their deep respect for the animals at their heart.
If you cherish Doty's honest and heartfelt depiction of the equestrian world, you will find a similar passion and authenticity in these 15 authors.
These authors are the cornerstones of equestrian fiction, whose timeless stories of the bond between humans and horses have captivated generations of readers.
Marguerite Henry is perhaps the most celebrated author of horse stories, known for her heartwarming and meticulously researched historical fiction. She shares Doty's gift for creating unforgettable equine characters and making their stories feel both epic and deeply personal.
Her Newbery Medal-winning book, Misty of Chincoteague, beautifully brings the legend of the wild ponies of Assateague Island to life, turning a real-life event into a timeless adventure.
Walter Farley wrote thrilling stories filled with adventure and the high-stakes world of horse racing. If you appreciate Doty's focus on the deep, intuitive bond between horse and rider, you will love Farley's portrayal of the unbreakable trust between a boy and his wild Arabian stallion.
His iconic novel, The Black Stallion, is a classic tale of survival, friendship, and the fierce determination to win against all odds.
Anna Sewell wrote with profound empathy and a deep understanding of horses, famously telling her story from the horse's own perspective. She shares Doty's commitment to treating horses as complex, feeling beings, and her work is a powerful plea for kindness and compassion.
Her only novel, the immortal Black Beauty, is a moving and essential read that forever changed the way people think about animal welfare.
Mary O'Hara created moving and timeless stories about the powerful bonds between people, animals, and the majestic landscapes of the American West. She shares Doty's talent for exploring how the responsibility of caring for a horse can shape a young person's character.
Her classic novel, My Friend Flicka, portrays a young boy's determination to tame a spirited filly, exploring themes of love, loss, and growing up with gentle but emotionally rich prose.
Enid Bagnold captured the magic of a young girl's unwavering belief in her horse and herself. Her work shares the warmth and authenticity of Doty's storytelling, celebrating the passion and determination at the heart of equestrian dreams.
Her beloved novel, National Velvet, is the ultimate story of an ordinary girl with an extraordinary dream: to win the world's greatest steeplechase on her beloved, unruly horse.
If the authentic details of the show ring and the daily life of a dedicated equestrian in Doty's books captivated you, these authors deliver similarly realistic and immersive stories.
Bonnie Bryant created one of the most beloved equestrian series, focusing on friendship, teamwork, and the everyday challenges and triumphs of young riders. If you love the realistic barn setting and life lessons in Doty's books, you will feel right at home at Pine Hollow Stables.
Her series, The Saddle Club, offers engaging stories that show the importance of responsibility, sportsmanship, and personal growth, both in and out of the saddle.
K.M. Peyton's novels capture the excitement and emotional depth of the horse-rider bond with a vivid, authentic style. She shares Doty's knack for creating layered, realistic characters whose lives are irrevocably changed by their passion for horses.
Her classic Flambards series is a wonderful choice, following an orphaned girl whose life at a crumbling English country estate becomes centered on the stables and the thrill of the hunt field.
Joanna Campbell writes engaging horse stories that highlight the thrill of competition and the determination required to succeed. Her accessible style makes readers care deeply for her characters and their journeys in the exciting world of Thoroughbred racing.
Her long-running series begins with A Horse Called Wonder, telling the story of a young girl's bond with an underdog filly, perfect for readers who enjoy emotional and realistic underdog tales.
Ruby Ferguson writes with humor, authenticity, and warmth about the joys and challenges of horse ownership. Her much-loved "Jill" series offers a realistic and charming look at the British Pony Club world, a perfect counterpart to Doty's American settings.
Her first book, Jill's Gymkhana, is adored for its humor and realism, following a young girl's journey from novice rider to confident competitor.
Dorothy Lyons creates vivid tales that spotlight the courage, responsibility, and pride that young riders develop through their dedication to horses. She shares Doty's straightforward style and her focus on the realistic challenges of horse care and training.
Her book, Golden Sovereign, offers readers a satisfying story with relatable characters and heartfelt themes of perseverance and the rewards of hard work.
These authors capture the untamed spirit of horses, setting their stories against breathtaking landscapes and exploring powerful themes of freedom, loyalty, and survival.
Elyne Mitchell's lyrical writing creates powerful images of the natural world, and she uses the story of wild horses to convey profound themes of freedom and courage. She shares Doty's deep respect for the spirit and intelligence of horses.
Her standout novel, The Silver Brumby, is a moving and unforgettable tale of a wild stallion growing up in the Australian Alps, told entirely from the horses' perspective.
Pam Muñoz Ryan crafts her books with warmth, poetic language, and rich emotional themes. While her stories extend beyond the equestrian world, she shares Doty's talent for depicting the powerful, healing connection between a child and an animal.
Her novel Paint the Wind is an imaginative and powerful story about an orphaned girl who forms a special bond with a wild mustang, helping her to rediscover her own past and untamed spirit.
Lauren St John's novels often combine adventure, mystery, and the deep bond between animals and humans. Her writing is exciting and emotionally resonant, with strong themes of resilience and fighting for your dreams.
In The One Dollar Horse, she introduces a determined young rider who buys a neglected horse and dreams of competing in the world's most famous three-day event, an uplifting journey that fans of Doty will appreciate.
C.W. Anderson’s storytelling is gentle and authentic, with simple, engaging plots complemented by his own beautiful and distinctive illustrations. He perfectly captures the quiet, trusting connection between a young rider and their first pony.
Readers will especially enjoy Billy and Blaze, a classic and beloved series that explores the simple adventures and enduring friendship between a boy and his pony.
Patsey Gray's storytelling conveys a deep understanding of horses and the genuine connections children build with them. She shares Doty's sensitive and realistic approach to the horse-human relationship, focusing on loyalty and shared hard work.
In Horsepower, she tells an absorbing story of a young girl's determination to save her horse, highlighting the loyalty born from working closely together toward a common goal.