Diana VincentThe Girl Who Loves Horses: Pegasus Equestrian Center Series

The Girl Who Loves Horses is a wonderful horse-themed book. As a dressage rider and former eventer, I reveled in the horse scenes and the author's obvious dedication to a horse-centric style of riding. As an English major, I enjoyed the fluid prose and natural dialogue. As a teacher, I marveled at the author's ability to capture the American teenager in all of her characters.The story line of the novel is not original. Girl loves horses, girl finds a way to be around horses, girl works incredibly (perhaps unfathomably) hard towards her goals, girl becomes a great rider; however, the author captures this story in a unique way. She begins each chapter with an epithet from books on horsemanship and Classical riding, and each quote is a gem to be treasured and adds dimension to the content of the chapter. Although her Classical / Competition (German) riding is at times a bit too polarized and occasionally too pedantic, the meat of the comparison and the support of Classical dressage goals is admirable. This message about the ideal method of riding serves a strong framework for the plot of the novel.Sierra, the main character, faces many obstacles that are true-to-life for modern teens and riders. She faces these obstacles with aplomb, supported by her loving mother and her love of horses. I particularly liked that she does not become the blue-ribbon winner at every show. This book perfectly captures the experience of learning to ride and to ride properly. Also, Sierra does not collapse into immorality and gossip-mongering, as so many young adult heroines seem to (apparently in an effort to show just how difficult it is to resist these things, though often to the point of eye-rolling on any adult reader's part).This is a truly wonderful book for dressage/event riders of any age and for teenagers with an interest in horses. I also highly recommend the sequel, The Boy Who Loves Horses.

I liked this book so much I couldn’t put it down and read it in one long sitting into the wee hours of the morning! Good character development and the book can be read by tween kids all the way up to adults.

As the other reviewers have noted, this is a well written novel which revolves around a young girl who wants everything to do with horses.For the equine enthusiasts, you will be pleased to know this was obviously written by someone who knows a thing or two about horses, though there are a few interesting exceptions (namely breeds of horses, but it doesn't detract from the story at all).All in all, a solid book which kept me interested from start to finish - not always an easy task!

Very cute and fun read. I've read all the books in this series and find them best geared for the younger reader but good for anyone wanting a good horse tale.

This book was wonderful. A great read that gives insight into horse care/ownership and also includes life experiences of teenagers. I love how the main characters are portrayed as strong and responsible. Yet they still have learning to do.The second book in this series is wonderful too.

This book is good for any body how love's horse and wants to know more about how to ride them with out tress tome THESE IS A AMAZING BOOK IT IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRERERERERERERERERERERERERERERERER

This book has to be one of the best horse books I've ever read. I was able to use the info in this book in my riding and its an amazing story, grate characters, and of course HORSES!

This was a freebie but worth so much more. An incredible story, wonderful characters and ok, the people weren't too bad either. Loved how she developed the horses personalities. Excellent accurate equestrian information. Well done!

I love this book serie! All of them are well written and it's a pleasure to read them again and again :)

A good story, well written. Keeps you entertained. You feel for the two main characters and get deeply involved in their stories. If you enjoy stories about horses, with a bit of romance in it you should enjoy this.

I absolutely loved this book! It is really inspiring too. This book is great for ages 12-15, and I would definitely recommend it to horsey girls like me!

I could not put the book down so intense. I cried a few times and i didnt expect her friend to die so sad. I can"t wait to read the boy who loves horses....

This was an amazing as most of the horsey books I have read, however I accidentally read the 2nd book in the series before the first.