When Maggie Thompson’s dad decides to buy her a pony, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Still reeling from the pain of her mother’s death, Maggie finds herself able to start rebuilding her life as her riding instructor, Ms. Cavalieri, and fellow students become more and more a part of her daily routine.
Maggie soon begins to realize there’s something unusual about Blackwatch Stables. Ms. Cavalieri seems to know a little too much about what the ponies are thinking, and offhand remarks from the other girls lead her to believe they might be hiding something.
As the story winds on, we see Maggie’s riding skills develop, and her bond deepen with Bella, a pony she rescued at a run-down sale.
When Bella goes missing one day during a trail ride, Maggie knows her hunch about Blackwatch Stables is correct, based on the riders’ reactions to the strange flying creatures that snatched Bella. Maggie’s friends go above and beyond in their attempts to help Maggie locate the pony.
This is the first effort from Atlanta, Ga., author Amber Spiler, and she pens a wonderful portrayal of a well-kept stable and a comprehensive youth riding program. Although the novel is geared toward youth, adult riders will also find her descriptions of matching trunks and immaculate stalls pleasing. Readers who are hooked after the first book needn’t worry – they can immediately begin the series’ second installment, “The Secret of the New Rider,” and Spiler has a third book on the way.
Books can be purchased through blackwatchstablesseries.com.
