10+ Best Horse Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to ignite a passion for equines in your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of horse books for 7-year-olds is tailored to captivate the minds and hearts of budding equestrians. Whether your child dreams of galloping across wide-open meadows or learning the ropes of horse care, these books promise to deliver adventure, friendship, and a whole lot of fun. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to win the hearts of young horse lovers!

Fun Horse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The story is narrated by a loyal horse named Black Beauty, who shares his life experiences from his carefree days as a colt to various owners—some kind, some cruel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and kindness through the eyes of an animal, encouraging young readers to consider the feelings and sufferings of others.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories told from unique perspectives.

• Pony Pals: I Want a Pony by Jeanne Betancourt, illustrated by Paul Bachem
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Pony Pals series, where Lulu discovers that her love for horses helps her make new friends and solve problems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s great for building friendship and problem-solving skills, with lots of fun and adventure along the way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of having their own pony and enjoy stories about friendship and adventures.

• The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Alec Ramsay, is shipwrecked with a wild Arabian stallion. They form a great friendship and go on to achieve great things together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrill of friendship and adventure, inspiring courage and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories of survival and incredible bonds between humans and animals.

• My Pony by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl dreams of having a pony and imagines all the adventures they would have together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages dreaming big, all beautifully illustrated to captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young artists who love horses and enjoy vibrant illustrations.

• National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A 14-year-old girl named Velvet Brown wins a horse in a raffle and decides to train him for the Grand National steeplechase.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of determination and following one’s dreams, no matter how big they are.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and anyone who loves an underdog story.

Educational Horse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• A Horse Called September by Anne Digby
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This touching tale revolves around the friendship between a girl and her horse, exploring themes of loyalty and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of loss, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to complex emotions, presented in a relatable story for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with or curious about loss and the value of friendships.

• The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in the world of Narnia, this story follows a young boy and a talking horse on their journey to freedom and self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding allegorical storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with lessons about bravery and the quest for freedom.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and young readers who love tales of adventure and magical creatures.

• King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred, through his trials and adventures from Morocco to France and finally England.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, animal care, geographical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that combines history with the thrill of horse racing and survival.
  • Perfect for: Young horse enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

• Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Fritz, a plain but sure-footed pony, proves that being beautiful isn't the only thing that matters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, understanding of inner vs. outer beauty, social acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values about beauty and utility through a captivating story with stunning illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a confidence boost and enjoy visually engaging stories.

• The Smallest Horse by Lorie List, illustrated by Amanda Schaffer
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Trixie, a miniature horse who learns to embrace her small size and discovers her own unique talents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, courage, individuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages kids to appreciate their uniqueness and use it to their advantage.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel out of place or are learning to celebrate their differences.

Challenging Horse Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of two siblings who set out to raise a pony from a wild herd on Chincoteague Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates regional dialects and some complex themes about nature and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look at rural life and the bond between humans and animals, wrapped in a beautifully descriptive narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in animal stories and those looking to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

• The Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A silver brumby, considered superior to other horses, evades capture by man, illustrating the struggle between freedom and captivity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of survival and freedom, along with detailed descriptions of the Australian bush.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only entertains but also educates about Australian flora and fauna, encouraging environmental awareness.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy nature-centric stories and learning about different environments.

• Fly-By-Night by K. M. Peyton
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A young girl unexpectedly becomes the owner of a pony, leading her to enter the competitive world of show jumping.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed equestrian terminology and insights into the complexities of horse care and competitive riding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that shows dedication and hard work towards achieving goals, ideal for motivating young readers.
  • Perfect for: Horse-loving kids who dream of riding or competing and those who appreciate a good underdog story.

• Born to Trot by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy aspiring to follow in his family's footsteps of raising trotting horses, focusing on his journey with a special colt.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the specifics of harness racing, including breeding and training aspects, which are complex topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches perseverance and the importance of nurturing talents, providing a detailed look into a unique sporting world.
  • Perfect for: Young equestrians and any child with an interest in horse racing or animal care.

• Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This book is about the origins of the Morgan horse breed through the story of a teacher, Justin Morgan, and a small but strong horse named Figure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical facts with narrative storytelling, introducing complex concepts of genetics and breeding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating historical tale that offers lessons in responsibility and the historical impact of animal breeding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and science, particularly those fascinated by how animals have shaped human history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your 7-year-old into a budding equestrian bookworm, incorporating some fun reading exercises can make a world of difference. Not only do these activities enhance reading skills, but they also keep the joy of horse-themed stories alive. Here are some engaging exercises tailored just for young readers:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the plot and settings of the horse book.
  • How it helps: Helps children visualize the story’s structure and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark different parts of the story, like key events or character movements.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as one of the horse or human characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character motives and emotions.
  • Tips: Dress up like the characters and use props to make the role-play more exciting.

• Reading Aloud to a Pet or Stuffed Animal
  • What it is: Read the horse book aloud to a pet or a favorite stuffed animal.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and reading confidence.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot for reading sessions to minimize distractions.

• Illustrate a Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book that stood out.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with recall of story details.
  • Tips: Discuss the scene together first to spark ideas and provide guidance.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Write questions about the book on slips of paper and keep them in a jar.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity about the story.
  • Tips: Pull out a question to discuss each night, perhaps during dinner or before bedtime.

By integrating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, not only will they develop a stronger understanding and appreciation of their horse books, but they'll also have a lot of fun in the process. Let's saddle up for a literary adventure that gallops right off the page!