Horse Books
Classic Horse Books
Growing up horse crazy without being able to own a horse left me wanting to fill my time with as much horse content as humanly possible β and books were how I got my fix. I could be transported to far off lands with beautiful Arabians or to Kentucky with sleek Thoroughbreds without ever leaving my bedroom.
Not all of these classic horse books are old, but their stories are ones I hope you will fall in love with and remember for years to come. Many have been around for 20, 30, 50 years or more β but their tales of incredible horses and the people beside them remain as touching and relatable as ever. Whether you are an equestrian, someone dreaming of riding lessons, or simply a horse lover, there is a book here for you.
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Top Classic Horse Book Picks
Not sure where to start? These are some of the most loved classic horse books of all time.
Browse & Filter Classic Horse Books
Use the filters to find exactly what you are looking for β by genre, type (fiction or non-fiction), or by age group.
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Black Beauty
If you ask anyone to name a book about horses, this is the one they will name. Told entirely from the horse's own perspective, Black Beauty is a touching and sometimes heartbreaking look at a horse's life β showing both the kindness and cruelty people are capable of. A children's edition is also available for younger readers.
Dark Horses
A suspenseful and lesser-known gem. Set on a horse farm in New Zealand, Kate discovers horses after her father dies β and stumbles upon secrets after meeting a mysterious woman named Helen and her beautiful but wild stallion. Hard to find, so grab it if you come across it.
Famous Horses of the Civil War
We all know the Civil War but most of us have never heard the stories of the horses on the battlefield. This book covers the stories and bloodlines of over 60 important Civil War horses β incredible tales of strength and bravery during one of the most turbulent periods in US history.
Fury: Stallion of Broken Wheel Ranch
First published in the 1950s and still drawing in readers. An orphan boy is adopted by a family on a horse ranch and bonds with the wild black stallion β and from there the two go on adventures together. The quintessential boy-and-his-horse story.
I Am the Great Horse
Similar to Black Beauty in being told from a horse's perspective β but this horse is Bucephalas, the legendary mount of Alexander the Great. The book takes you through Alexander's battles and rule while exploring the extraordinary bond between horse and rider throughout history.
War Horse
You may have seen the Steven Spielberg film, but the book goes even deeper. Told from the horse's own perspective, War Horse follows Joey through World War One in a way that adds extraordinary emotional depth. More detailed than the film and arguably more powerful.
The Something-Special Horse
A touching and lesser-known story about a boy named Charles who bonds deeply with a grey mare his father bought for the meat market β and will do anything to save her. Published in the 1980s, it deals honestly with the reality of horses bought and sold for slaughter, making it more appropriate for slightly older children.
The Horse God Built
There are many Secretariat books, but this one is different β it tells the story through the eyes of Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's devoted groom. A wonderful look at the unsung heroes behind one of the greatest racehorses of all time and the deep bond that can form between a person and a horse.
The Big Red Horse
Another deep dive into Secretariat's life and the people around him β especially his groom. Less focused on the race statistics and more on the people and the behind-the-scenes work that made this legendary racehorse possible. A wonderful companion to the other Secretariat books.
Secretariat: The Making of a Champion
The book the popular Secretariat film was based on. Dives deep into the horse racing world β bloodlines, racing statistics, and the incredible journey of Secretariat from birth to legend. Dense with information yet entertaining throughout. You will come away feeling like an expert on both the horse and the sport.
The Black Stallion
The first book in one of the most beloved horse series ever written. Action-packed from the very first page β shipwrecks, wild horses, and thrilling races β while also exploring the incredible bond between a boy and a horse. Some events stretch belief but that is part of the magic. The first of many Black Stallion books worth reading.
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
A New York Times bestseller that reads like a novel despite being non-fiction. The extraordinary story of Seabiscuit β a horse nobody wanted who became an American icon β and the unlikely group of people who believed in him. One of the best horse books ever written, full stop.
National Velvet
Originally published in 1935, this heartwarming story follows a girl with big dreams and an unwanted horse. Beyond the race itself, the book beautifully portrays small-town rural English life, family, and relationships. Any horse-crazy girl with dreams of riding and competing at the highest level will find something deeply relatable here.
My Guy Barbaro
Written by Edgar Prado β Barbaro's own jockey β this book tells a uniquely personal story of his journey from Peru to the Kentucky Derby, and of the deep bond between horse and rider. A moving tribute to an incredible racehorse and the people who loved him.
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Based on the true story of the founding sire of the Morgan horse breed, this Marguerite Henry classic follows the journey of Little Bub from his discovery to the height of his greatness. A must-read for anyone interested in horse history and the origins of one of America's most beloved breeds.
My Friend Flicka
A well-known and deeply beloved horse story about a boy who struggles to fit in and finds his truest friend in a horse. Beyond the boy-and-horse relationship, the book is rich with lessons about family and what it means to belong. The film adaptations are good, but the book is better. Best for older children and teens.
King of the Wind
Another Marguerite Henry masterpiece β a beautiful fictional story about a boy's bond with the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred. While the story is fiction, the Godolphin Arabian's real impact on today's racehorses is not. An enchanting read for any young horse lover.
Man O'War
Walter Farley's fictional biography of Man O'War is told through the eyes of a young stable boy who falls in love with one of the greatest racehorses who ever lived. Despite being fictional, many facts about Man O'War woven throughout will make you fall in love with this real-life legend. Originally published in the 1960s and still a delight today.
Misty of Chincoteague
Perhaps my personal favourite from Marguerite Henry. A brother and sister staying on the island of Chincoteague become captivated by a mysterious wild horse and her beautiful foal. What will happen to them during the famous annual roundup? You will have to read it to find out. The first book in a wonderful series.
Cover coming soon
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Based on the beloved 2002 DreamWorks film, this book brings Spirit's story to life for young readers to enjoy again and again. Spirit is a wild Kiger Mustang stallion roaming the untamed American West who is captured by the US Cavalry. The story follows his fight for freedom, his friendship with a Lakota boy named Little Creek, and his love for the mare Rain. A wonderful choice for young horse lovers who fell in love with the film.
Cover coming soon
The Horse Whisperer
A bestselling novel following Grace MacLean and her horse Pilgrim, who are both left deeply traumatised after a horrific accident. Grace's mother Annie searches for someone who can heal Pilgrim β and finds Tom Booker, a Montana rancher with a rare gift for understanding horses. A deeply moving and beautifully written book, best suited to older teens and adults due to some mature themes.
Cover coming soon
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
A Caldecott Medal-winning picture book with stunning illustrations. A Native American girl has a deep and special connection with horses β and when she is swept away with a wild herd during a storm, she discovers she is happiest living freely among them. A poetic and beautiful book for younger horse lovers.
Cover coming soon
Wild Horse Annie: The Life of Velma Johnston
The inspiring true story of Velma Johnston β known as Wild Horse Annie β who dedicated her life to protecting America's wild mustangs from roundups and slaughter. Her relentless campaigning led directly to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, one of the most important pieces of wildlife legislation in US history. Essential reading for anyone who cares about wild horses.
Cover coming soon
Meeting of the Mustangs
A story set in the wide open spaces of the American West, following wild mustang herds and the lives they lead. For readers captivated by the freedom and spirit of wild horses who want to understand how mustangs live, interact, and survive in the wild β and what makes them so special.
Cover coming soon
America's Last Wild Horses
A landmark non-fiction book that brought national attention to the plight of America's wild mustangs. Hope Ryden spent years documenting wild horse herds across the American West, and her work helped spark the movement to protect them. An essential and eye-opening read for anyone passionate about mustangs and wild horse conservation.
More Horse Book Pages
Already read all 25 books above? We have plenty more horse book recommendations across these other pages.
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Our full community horse book list β share your own favourites here.
Horse Book Reviews
Detailed reviews of horse books from across the Horse Crazy Girls community.
Classic Horse Books FAQ
Common questions about classic horse books.
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Black Beauty
If you ask a random person to name a book about horses, chances are this will be the book they name. One of the best horse books out there, Black Beauty, is a story written by Anna Sewell about a horse's life through his own perspective. The book is very touching and has some very sweet moments, but it also shows the evil of animal abuse which makes it appropriate for an older audience. Luckily, there is a children's edition of this classic, which while not written by Anna Sewell is based on her book and still provides a great story.
Goodreads: 3.97 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Dark Horses
One of the lesser well-known horse books out there, Dark Horses, was written in the 1990s. This book is a suspenseful and thrilling horse book. The book is mostly set on a horse farm in New Zealand where Kate and her mother end up after her father dies. While Kate is at the farm, she not only discovers horses and an appreciation for them, but she also stumbles upon secrets after meeting a mysterious individual named Helen and her beautiful but wild stallion.
It can be hard to find this book so if you happen to come across it, make sure you read it while you have the chance.
Goodreads: 4.13 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Famous horses of the civil War
We have all learned about the Civil War but chances are you probably do not know the horses that were on the battlefields. The stories and bloodlines of over 60 important Civil War horses are laid out in this book Famous Horses Of The Civil War by Fairfax Downey. You will not want to miss these incredible stories about these horses' strength and bravery during this tumultuous time in United States history.
Goodreads: 4.33 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
fury stallion of broken wheel ranch
While this book was first published in the 1950s its story is still drawing in readers. The book Fury, Stallion of Broken Wheel Ranch is the quintessential horse book. It starts when an orphan boy is adopted by a family on a horse ranch and he bonds with the wild black stallion on the farm. From there, the boy and the horse go on adventures together.
Goodreads: 4.08 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
I am the great horse
I Am The Great Horse by Katherine Roberts is not a classic horse book in its age (as it was published on 2006) but rather its story. Similar to Anna Sewell's book Black Beauty, this horse book is from the perspective of a horse, but not just any horse. In fact, it is from the perspective of Alexander the Great's horse, Bucephalas. The book takes you through Alexander the Great's battles and rule but also explores the relationship we all have with horses.
Goodreads: 4.34 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
War Horse
You might have seen the movie adaptation of War Horse by Steven Spielberg but never read the book, so why should you? Well the book is more in depth than the movie, as most books are, which in my opinion makes it a point in the book's favor. Additionally, the book is told from the perspective of the horse which gives an additional layer of meaning.
Goodreads: 4.14 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
The something-special horse
While this book is not as well-known as some other horse books, The Something Special Horse is a touching tale about a boy's effort to save a horse from slaughter. In the book, the boy Charles bonds with a gray mare that his father purchased for the meat market. His bond with the horse sends him on a quest to save the horse. Published in the 1980s, this horse book appears to be intended for children but does talk about the buying and selling of horses for slaughter.
Goodreads: 3.71 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
The horse god built
If I had to take a guess at the most well-known race horse of all time, I would choose Secretariat. Sure, there are other famous race horses such as Man O 'War, Seabiscuit, and American Pharaoh, but Secretariat is the horse that racing and non-racing fans alike seem to be drawn to and know about. So it is no surprise that there have been so many books and movies written about him. But this book, The Horse God Built, is different from the others as it explores the journey of Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's groom.
Goodreads: 4.23 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
The big red horse
What? Another book about Secretariat? I told you he is a popular horse. This book, The Big Red Horse, is another book that takes a deep look into Secretariat's life and the people around him, especially his groom. While the author does talk about Secretariat's races and the race horse industry, the bulk of the book is focused on the people and the behind the scenes work they did for this amazing race horse.
Goodreads: 4.16 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
secretariat: The making of a champion
The popular movie Secretariat was based off this book Secretariat: The Making Of A Champion by William Nack. This book dives deep into the horse racing industry, from racing statistics to bloodlines and more. There is so much information in this book and you will come away feeling like you know basically everything there is to know about race horses, but the author keeps the book entertaining.
Goodreads: 4.24 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
the black stallion
The Black Stallion ο»Ώis the first book in the popular Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. If you like action and adventure then this is definitely the horse book for you. Not only does this story offer adventure, from shipwrecks to horse races, but it also looks at the bond humans and horses share. While there are some improbable events in the book, it is still a fun and enjoyable read.
Goodreads: 4.18 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Seabiscuit: an american legend
Seabiscuit: An American Legend is an incredible horse racing book by Laura Hillenbrand. This New York Times bestselling book by Laura Hillenbrand may be non-fiction but it certainly reads like a novel. The story of Seabiscuit as a horse no one wanted to an American Icon, and the unlikely people that helped make this race horse one of the best.
Goodreads: 4.19 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
National Velvet
Originally published in 1935, National Velvet is a special book that takes readers through a heartwarming tale about a girl with big dreams and an unwanted horse. The book of course goes beyond just the race into what small town rural life in England was like back, family, relationships and more. This book is one that any horsecrazy girl with dreams of riding and competing among the best can relate to.
Goodreads: 4.10 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
my guy barbaro
Written by Edgar Prado, who was Barbaro's jockey, this book offers a special look at the incredible race horse Barbaro. My Guy Barbaro is an incredible true story about one jockey's rise from Peru to riding in the Kentucky Derby, and the events along the way. The book also dives deep into the deep bond between this horse and rider, and how they supported one another through the hard times.
Goodreads: 4.18 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Justin Morgan had a horse
Justin Morgan Had A Horse is an incredible book by Marguerite Henry. Based on the true story of the founding sire for the Morgan horse breed, this book takes you through the journey of discovering Little Bub, the horse, to the height of his greatness. This is definitely not a book you want to miss reading especially if you want to learn about the history of the Morgan horse.
Goodreads: 4.04 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
my friend flicka
Another well known and extremely popular horse book is My Friend Flicka. This heartwarming tale is about a boy who struggles fitting in and finds a friend in a horse. While the main story is about a boy and a horse, there is also a lot of lessons on family and relationships. Even though there are several movie adaptations of this book, nothing truly compares to the book. However, I would not recommend this book for younger children.
Goodreads: 4.16 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
king of the wind: The story of the godolphin arabian
Marguerite Henry wrote another incredible classic horse book, King Of The Wind, that is a great story about a boy's bond with a special horse. While the story is fiction, the importance of The Godolphin Arabians bloodlines for today's horses is not. This story will enchant readers with a sweet tale about an incredible horse, a special boy, and their journey.
Goodreads: 4.20 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
man o 'war
In this book by Walter Farley, you meet a young stable boy who falls in love with one of the greatest horses of all time, Man O 'War. While the book is a fictional biography of Man O 'War's life, there are many true facts about this incredible race horse that will make you fall in love with him. Originally published in the 1960s, Man O 'War has a great story that has kept people reading it for decades.
Goodreads: 4.29 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
misty of chincoteague
Perhaps my favorite horse book by Marguerite Henry, Misty of Chincoteague is the first book in a wonderful series. Centered on a brother and sister staying with their Grandfather on the island of Chincoteague, the children are enthralled with a mysterious horse and her beautiful foal. What will happen to the mysterious horse and foal during the annual roundup? You will have to read the book to find out.
Goodreads: 4.04 stars out of 5
Purchase this book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
