The Promise Horse

This engaging story about a girl and a horse who form an unlikely bond is perfect for middle-grade readers.


Harry is tired of being the tall new kid with red hair, big feet and freckles; the one with the dead sister whose voice follows her wherever she goes. Everyone says she’s imagining it, but she knows they’re wrong. If she was making Sissy up, wouldn’t she make her less of a pain? When Harry’s wish for a horse comes true and Marksman comes into her life, she isn’t sure that the impressive horse is the one for her. She doesn’t need another challenge. But could he be just what she needs to learn the difference between standing out and standing up?

This fantastic story for middle-grade readers will tug at your heartstrings.

“The Promise Horse is not just a story about the therapeutic affect of animals, it is a cleverly blended story of two powerful emotions, loss and insecurity, in both children and adults. It is an example of the overwhelming challenges we may face and how we can overcome our hardships in many different ways. The promise horse will leave a radiating warmth in your heart.”

What initially appears to be a simple horse story is actually a sophisticated drama that will resonate not only with horse lovers but also readers aged 8-11 who enjoy stories about overcoming hardship. Readings
The Promise Horse is not just a story about the therapeutic affect of animals, it is a cleverly blended story of two powerful emotions, loss and insecurity, in both children and adults. It is an example of the overwhelming challenges we may face and how we can overcome our hardships in many different ways. The promise horse will leave a radiating warmth in your heart. ReadPlus

This was a great read! I found myself caught up in Harry's equine obsession right away, and found the book more moving than I had expected (or, maybe it's that the bits that touched me weren't the bits I expected from a story about a young girl who has just lost her sister?).

One of the things I really like about horse books for teens is that they aren't driven by romance and love interests - I feel like so many books for this age group focus on getting the perfect boyfriend etc. This was a perfect example of that - it was all about friendship, and not true love (well, except love for the horses!)

Bookish Bron
What initially appears to be a simple horse story is actually a sophisticated drama that will resonate not only with horse lovers but also readers aged 8-11 who enjoy stories about overcoming hardship. Readings

Jackie Merchant has worked as a designer, art director and copywriter. She spent the majority of her childhood on the outskirts of Sydney, where, when she was 10, her parents bought an old run-down riding school. Even with no ponies at the time it was a dream come true for a girl with an imagination fuelled by ponies and horses. As an adult Jackie is lucky enough to share her life with 3 beautiful horses (Moxie, Percy and young Douglas) and one small disagreeable pony (named Mrs Wilkinson) and several other animals. She currently lives in Tasmania. The Promise Horse is her debut novel.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.