IF YOU WANT TO RIDE A HORSE

Climb into the saddle of your imagination.

So you want to ride a horse? Who doesn’t! It’s really quite simple. All you have to do, advises this lovely book that proceeds at the rhythm of a gentle trot, is close your eyes and visualize the horse of your dreams. Think about your horse’s coloring, markings, shoes, and mane—braided or not? Then think of a name. The name’s important because you’ll want to call that horse of yours so you can go for a ride. If you’re ever so lucky, your steed will love you and greet you with “a nicker, a lick, a nudge” and “rest his splendid head on you.” Oh, and don’t forget to “slip him a peppermint,” which you should always carry in your pocket. The text proceeds with suggestions about how to groom horses and keep them clean and how to ride them carefully, safely, and joyously—if only in your mind’s eye. Readers who were already lovers of these gorgeous, wonderful creatures will find their fancies galloping away in delight. Others may well become instant equine converts as they pick up horse lore and facts aplenty and may eagerly trot toward other titles to learn more about their new favorite animals. The soft mixed-media illustrations suggest a landscape of the imagination with their muted palette.

Horse lovers, take note: This is a sweet, tender book to ride off into the sunset with.