10+ Best Horse Riding Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect horse riding books for 8-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding equestrian or just loves adventure, finding the right books can spark a deeper interest in horse riding and fuel their imagination. Keep reading as we trot through various lists of engaging and inspiring horse riding books tailored specifically for 8-year-olds, sure to captivate their minds and hearts.

Fun Horse Riding Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Pony Scouts: Pony Crazy by Catherine Hapka, illustrated by Anne Kennedy
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: This book introduces readers to Meg, Jill, and Annie, three friends who share a love for ponies. When they get the chance to spend time with real ponies, they discover the joy and challenges of taking care of them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to friendship and responsibility, wrapped up in a fun pony-themed adventure. The illustrations by Anne Kennedy also add a charming visual element that compleplies with the story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of horses and love stories about friendship.

• The Kingfisher Book of Horse and Pony Stories edited by Jenny Oldfield
  • Genre(s): Anthology, Animals, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This collection features a variety of horse and pony stories by different authors. Each story captures the magic and excitement of horse riding and the bond between horses and humans.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a diverse range of tales that can keep readers engaged while enhancing their reading skills and fueling their imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy short stories and have a burgeoning interest in horses.

• My Pony by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: A young girl dreams of having a pony and imagines all the adventures they would have together. The story beautifully captures the longing for and love of horses.
  • Why we recommend this book: Susan Jeffers' exquisite illustrations bring the girl's dreams to life, making it a visually stimulating read that encourages imagination and passion for animals.
  • Perfect for: Children who love daydreaming and have a deep affection for ponies.

• National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
  • Genre(s): Classic, Sports, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A 14-year-old girl named Velvet Brown wins a spirited horse in a village lottery and decides to train him for the Grand National steeplechase.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of determination and courage, showing that dreams can come true with perseverance and passion.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young riders and any child who loves an underdog story.

• Pony Pals: I Want a Pony by Jeanne Betancourt
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: Lulu wants a pony more than anything, and she finally gets the chance to lease a pony for a month. She learns about the responsibilities and joys of owning a pony.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and the hard work involved in caring for animals, all while being an engaging and fun read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are serious about wanting a pony and ready to learn about the responsibilities that come with it.

Educational Horse Riding Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Horse Encyclopedia for Kids by Tammy Gagne
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about different horse breeds, care, and the basics of riding and horsemanship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Horse breed knowledge, care techniques, riding basics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thorough and accessible resource that covers a wide range of topics, perfect for curious young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are eager to learn everything about horses and horse care.

• Little Horse: Finger Puppet Book by Chronicle Books, illustrated by ImageBooks
  • Genre(s): Board book, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book includes a permanently attached plush finger puppet and peek-a-boo holes, offering an interactive way for children to learn about a little horse’s adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, interactive play, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages play and interaction, making learning about horses fun and engaging for very young readers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children just starting to explore the world of books and horses.

• A Horse Named Bob by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Claudia Wolf
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: Jen, who is new in town and feeling lonely, finds a friend in a horse named Bob. The book explores themes of friendship and trust.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, empathy, understanding of friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that combines the love for animals with important life lessons about making friends and trusting others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and are learning about building friendships.

• If I Ran the Horse Show by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Part of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, this book takes young readers on a rhyming ride through the world of horses, introducing them to different breeds and the basics of horse care.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, horse breed identification, basic animal care
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes with educational content, making learning about horses an enjoyable experience.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of Dr. Seuss and children who love rhyming books and horses.

Challenging Horse Riding Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animals
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by the horse Black Beauty, who experiences both cruelty and kind treatment from different owners throughout his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative perspective of a horse and the use of Victorian-era English can be complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and kindness towards animals through a compelling and emotional story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to tackle more sophisticated themes and language.

• The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animals
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Alec Ramsay, is shipwrecked on a deserted island with a wild Arabian stallion, and their bond allows them to survive and return to America, where they work towards winning a race against the fastest horses in the nation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex plot and detailed descriptions of horse training and racing provide a more in-depth look at equine care and the bond between human and horse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exhilarating adventure that also imparts lessons on perseverance and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about different aspects of horse care and training.

• Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: This book follows the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe, siblings who work to buy and tame a wild horse named Misty on the island of Chincoteague.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of regional settings and historical context, along with emotionally nuanced storytelling, offers a rich reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the beauty of rural life and the thrill of horse taming and riding, providing both entertainment and a deep appreciation for nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love animal stories and are interested in American history and culture.

• Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on the true story of Charlotte Parkhurst who, disguised as a boy, rose from stable hand to famous stagecoach driver.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical themes and complex issues such as gender roles and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of courage and determination, inspiring readers to think about identity and equality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of unconventional bravery and independence.

• King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: The story of the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred, told through the eyes of his devoted caretaker, Agba, a mute Moroccan stable boy.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features historical and cultural depth, exploring themes of loyalty and survival across different continents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating look into the history of horse breeding and the enduring bond between a boy and his horse.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and stories about deep connections with animals.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while they dive into the world of horse riding books, here are some fun and effective exercises. These will not only enhance their reading experience but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the stories.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Picture the Story
  • What it is: Visualize scenes from the book as they read.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and helps with understanding and remembering the story.
  • Tips: Discuss what they imagined and compare it with illustrations if the book has any.

• Read Aloud to a Pet or Toy
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to a pet, stuffed animal, or even an imaginary audience.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Encourage them to change their voice for different characters to make it more fun.

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a few friends who also enjoy reading and discuss the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension through discussion and provides social interaction.
  • Tips: They can take turns hosting the book club and maybe include some horse-themed snacks!

• Design a Bookmark
  • What it is: Create a personalized bookmark related to the theme of the horse riding book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more personal and engaging.
  • Tips: Use materials like markers, stickers, or even fabric to make the bookmark special.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in understanding the flow of the story.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries in a notebook to look back on or use them to discuss the book in their book club.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the story, characters, or the author.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Write down any questions that arise during reading to research or discuss later.

By incorporating these exercises into their reading routine, your young reader will not only improve their skills but also develop a lasting love for books. Happy reading and riding!