Wish Upon a Horse

Timber Ridge Riders #4

by Maggie Dana

More than anything in the world, Kate McGregor wants a horse of her own, but the pitiful mare she rescues from the dog-food factory is hardly the horse of her dreams.

Still, Kate’s betting that one day her scruffy horse will be a champion. Together they’ll win blue ribbons. They'll beat Angela Dean once and for all, despite the fact that Angela's now being coached a trainer who's as unscrupulous as she is.

But can Kate do it? Even her best friend, Holly, is doubtful, especially when Angela spreads the rumor that Kate’s horse might be stolen property.

Genres: Horses, Childrens

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2012

Reviews

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

At long last Kate gets her horse. The horse they found at the end of the last book. While attending an auction Kate finds the horse about to be transported probably illegally to slaughter. Once the horse is cleaned up she's beautiful and Kate loves her despite Liz telling her to all it. Meanwhile Angela is being abused along with her horse by a horrid trainer and they almost become friends with her but since Angela is Angela of course it doesn't last long. This was another solid installment especially since I'm usually not a fan of horse books, but something about Kate and Holly keep me drawn in.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever. It has a good plot and a great way to keep Kate's want of horse's going. I love how in the beginning she hates her horse-🤣.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is easy to read and will be a joy for younger readers. It is a lovely little story about two best friends and their lives at the stable. For Some reason it did remind me of the Saddle Club. I've been a rider for several years, and I did enjoy this book. It was sweet and funny and it had some suspense. It kept me reading. Though there are some issues in the book I have problems with: why would Liz not see that Tapestry was a great horse just because she was a little dirty? I understand she was underweight and such, but she proves to be a strong young horse, and a experienced horse-person would see that despite the dirt. Also I thin the romance is a bit malplaced, it was cute and all, but in the end the "superstar" was not really needed in the book at all, he did not affect the action in any way.. Third, if Skywalker was only ridden occasionally, his physic would falter and he would be in no shape to compete, and even though Angela came to the stable and rode him a few weeks before each show, he would not be able to become a top horse in that time. Also there is no such thing as a "Grand Prix" outfit for dressage riders. On a side note I did also have an issue with how the shows ran and how they were set up, but I figure that they were A) made that way to benefit the story, or B) that kind of shows are normal in the author's district/country.

Other than that I found the book very enjoyable, it was a fast read and it was easy to follow the action.

[Nancy Shulins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horse-loving girls are a dime a dozen, but good fiction written for and about them? That’s another story entirely.
The hunt for a suitable gift for the girl next door, an 11-year-old newly addicted to all things equine, led me to a new book called Wish Upon a Horse. I was drawn to it by the author, Maggie Dana, whose delightful novel for grownups, Painting Naked, kept me entertained one weekend over the summer.
Wish Upon a Horse is the fourth in a series by Dana about the Timber Ridge Riders, recurring characters at a riding stable in Vermont. Though I knew nothing about books 1 through 3, I picked up No. 4 and started reading. Before I knew it, I was halfway through the book, and I realized it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the other books because this one stood on its own two feet.
Wish Upon A Horse is fast-paced and authentic; the characters drawn with compassion and respect. I know these girls. I grew up with them, competed with them, laughed with them, and on occasion, cried with them. The one I clashed with is here, too. I still can’t stand her.
I look forward to introducing my young friend to the Timber Ridge gang, one book at a time. With any luck, she’ll let me borrow them when she’s done.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Timber Ridge Riders series, and it's every bit as good as the first three. Better yet, you don't have to read these books in order, because every one of them works well as a stand-alone novel. Wish Upon a Horse details Kate's journey to finally have a horse of her own in the barn, instead of riding everyone else's. When she realizes that the kind of horse she dreams of is way beyond her means, her trainer recommends a consignment sale of horses at a local auction barn. The auction scene is very well done, but it's what Kate finds in the barn "out back" that leads to the horse she's been waiting for.

But this is not just a find your dream horse story. There is plenty of other non-stop action, involving an unscrupulous trainer using cruel and illegal methods, boyfriend drama, and of course Kate's rivalry with her nemesis, rich-girl Angela. Not only is Angela's horse, Skywalker, suddenly jumping higher than ever, but her Facebook posting might spoil everything for Kate, when the true identity of the rescue horse is revealed. Hold on to your horses for this one, because it moves at break-neck speed. Great for all horse lovers!

[Toni Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book that young girls' dreams are about. Maggie Dana's Wish Upon a Horse swept me back to a time when I, too, wanted desperately to have my own horse, have that mystical bond that defies explanation.

I loved the friendship that has grown between Kate and Holly from the very first book in the Timber Ridge Riders series. Ms. Dana has expertly brought these two girls through a veritable maze of obstacles and life-changing events. Though I'm not crazy about the "mean girl" or "poor little rich kid" concept that seems to be a strong thread through young readers' fiction, it does serve a purpose in this series. Competition in the horse world, or any world, will always include those who would do anything to win. Kate and Holly's natural reactions to their nemesis, Angela Dean, provide a hilarious peek into the minds of young girls.

No spoilers here, but the excitement and intrigue of Kate's dream-come-true make this a real page-turner. I heartily recommend Wish Upon a Horse to anyone who hasn't discovered Maggie Dana's books!

[Nayuleska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I've felt a bit sorry for resident mean girl Angela. In this volume of the horse filled series I got a bit more insight into Angela's life and I sort of understand why she acts as she does. While I can see why she may choose to behave a certain way, I don't fully understand it because she does have the option to be nice (& normal), but she chooses not to take it.

As for Kate's new horse – what she goes through is heartbreaking. I cried at several points in the book because it was all too easy to imagine the same thing happening to my cat, who I'm besotted with. The amount of worry and fear Kate goes through is worth the happy ending, although at times I didn't think it would happen. Another fine read in the horse series – you don't have to ride to love it!

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series, but this has to be my favourite out of the first 4 installments.

This one is less about the movie industry, and it's not as heavy on family tension, instead it's all about Kate getting her own horse. I really enjoyed the story, and I was very happy with the ending. Still, can't wait to read the next one and see how this story continues.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in a series and I really enjoyed it. I had not read the first three books but there was no problem reading this book because it stands on its own.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written for YA, the series is fun and well written making an enjoyable read for all ages

[joshua welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I love this book and series so much! I've read and re-read this series too many times to count and I've fallen in love with it every time!