Having just wrapped up a couple of fantasy series I was working through, I am finding myself at a loss on what I want to start reading next. I am wondering if there are “actually good” horse series out there? A few stand alone books I have tried in the past have left me less than impressed. Suggestions?
I hear you, but the only suggestion I have is “Seabiscuit”
Heralds of Valdemar is a good fantasy series that has horses in it. Curious about other responses.
Not a series, but “Horse Heaven” is still one of my favorites of all time. I just like Jane Smiley’s work in general.
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For everybody else the Scorpio Races was amazing and was clearly written by somebody either familiar with horses or somebody that took the time to do their research. I was so hoping for a sequel, but the writer has made it clear that’s not going to happen.
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Oh, I just remembered - Dick Francis wrote a bunch of police mysteries centered around horses - mostly the racing scene. The few I read were good, but I generally am not a fan of mysteries so only read a few. My dad loved them.
There is a romance trilogy called Rosewood that is about 3 sisters who ride. I’m not that into romances; I read it for class (I’m a librarian). The steamy parts are not too embarrassing and the horse parts are quite good. IIRC, the author, Laura Moore, is an equestrian.
If you like mystery/thriller/suspense, Lyndon Stacey is a British author with a handful of equestrian novels-- I have only read one of them, so I’m not sure if they’re stand-alone or a series.
[QUOTE=MissAriel;8712543]
Oh, I just remembered - Dick Francis wrote a bunch of police mysteries centered around horses - mostly the racing scene. The few I read were good, but I generally am not a fan of mysteries so only read a few. My dad loved them.[/QUOTE]
I have read probably every single one of Dick Francis’ gazillion novels over the years. Actually, I’m currently reading a Felix Francis novel (since he now pens them after his father’s death). They keep me entertained, I enjoy the racing aspect, although they are the type of book where after I’m done, I can barely recall a single detail of what I read. Definitely not the type of books that leave you forever changed when finished, ha.
They are old and not politically correct but the Blister Jones stories by John Taintor Foote are pretty good. They were written in the early 1900’s so there is some use of the n word to describe black grooms and jockeys. The central character is a race trainer named Blister Jones. Blister is a tad bit shady and talks of doping horses. But I think the stories are a fairly accurate portrayal of racing in the early 20th century. My favorites are Trees Jolie, Salvation, and Class. They are free on google play.
Absolutely Dick Francis. The earlier ones tend to be more horse-centric although all involve horses (racing/chasing) in some way.
National Velvet. Beautifully written, this book is SO much more than we saw in the (good but very simplified) movie. Powerfully beautiful descriptions of the English countryside and village life, wonderful depth and development of the characters; every time I read it I wish Enid Bagnold had written more books like this.
On a lighter note, (if you can find a copy) The Show Gypsies is a good summer wine & cheese kind of read. Not part of a series, though.
Rita Mae Brown’s “Sister Jane” series are mysteries built around foxhunting in a fictional Virginia town. Not totally horse focused, but RMB is an MFH herself so the hunting/horse parts are accurate.
The Grey Horse by R.A. McAvoy is terrific. Ireland + legends, yum.
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They keep me entertained, I enjoy the racing aspect, although they are the type of book where after I’m done, I can barely recall a single detail of what I read. [/QUOTE]
I’m glad it’s not just me. I think I’ve read all the Dick Francis books and a good number of the ones he and his son write together and now, the son on his own. But on more than one occasion, I’ve started reading one that I thought I hadn’t read, then got well into it before some detail jogged my memory and I realized that I had indeed read that one before.
OP, if you’re just looking for horse books, not fantasy books with horses, check out Natalie Keller Reinert. I’ve read 2 of her books thus far and plan to read them all eventually.
If you’re looking for fantasy with horses, check out Maria V. Snyder’s Soulfinders series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, Shadow Study,Night Study). At some point, can’t recall which book, the horses become important characters. Of course, they are magical fantasy horses, not real horses. 
If you like space opera, Elizabeth Moon’s Familias Regnant Universe Series, is, believe it or not, full of horses and fox hunters. And space ships. One of my all-time favorite books series. Hunting Party is book 1. Book 3, Winning Colors, actually has a horse and a space ship on the cover. I kid you not.
Spirit Horses is written by Alan Evans, who is a horse trainer. He gets the horse stuff right. I’m not sure how to describe it, though. You’ll have to read the book description and decide if it’s anything you’re interested in.
I tend to read more non-fiction but did love Horse Heaven. Jane Smiley has all the horse and dog personalities exactly right.
Try “Taking Up the Reins.” It’s by woman who goes to ride in Germany. I also liked “Equine ER.” Now that could have gone on for about a thousand more chapters and I would have read every one and never been bored. Also, try the book about Ruffian “Ruffian: Burning from the Start.” Be forewarned however, you will be in tears for about the last 1/4 inch of the book.
I wish there were more books about people’s horse experiences in other countries.
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Any of the Jilly Cooper novels. Riders, Polo, Jump, etc are great summer reading. I do hope she does a dressage novel next 
Hahaha, me too!!!
Horseback Reads is a great resource. It’s a collaborative of a number of wonderful horsewoman who are also great novelists. All of the authors are series-based authors in some shape or form and the list includes:
Tudor Robins
Maggie Dana
Barbara Morgenroth
Mara Dabrishus
Kate Lattey
Kim Ablon Whitney
Natalie Keller Reinert
…all of whom I’d recommend.
http://horsebackreads.com/featured-authors/
They’re all also delightful people on a personal level and I’d recommend following them on Facebook, Instagram, and so forth.
Kit Ehrman’s Steve Cline mystery series is wonderful, although she unfortunately has ended it.
And from an older era, Flambards by K.M. Peyton is marvelous. I loved all four books.
A final bit of spam, I’m also an author myself–of Fortune’s Fool–and I’m currently working on its sequel, Quick Bright Things Come to Confusion, which is in the final stages of editing.
There are a few other great horse book authors lurking on COTH and I’m sure they will pop in soon!
Loved Taking Up the Reins (Priscilla Endicott), a nonfiction account of a year riding in Germany (before it was cool). The Show Gypsies, Horse Heaven, Grand National (John Welcome), The Dressage Chronicles I and II (Karen McGoldrick), Dick Francis, Jilly Cooper, The Running Horses (Fred Grove), The Lady (Anne McCaffrey). Also, I might be the only person in the world who liked The Horse Whisperer.
Lots of good reading ahead of you.
Kit Ehrman’s Steven Cline mysteries. There are 4 with a 5th on the way (finally). You can download the first book for free on Kindle. First one takes place at a big hunter/jumper barn where some horses are stolen. The second takes place at a race track and the 3rd at a breeding farm. I think the 4th is also at the race track. Very good. Very believable.
Agree with all of the above.
Also look at M. Garzon’s Blaze of Glory series.
Agree with the first person to answer, Seabiscuit is amazing. The writer Laura Hillenbrand is AMAZING. If you don’t want to be involved in racing you will after reading it :lol:
