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Pony Club Secrets #2
Blaze and the Dark Rider
The second PONY CLUB SECRETS adventure by bestselling author of THE PRINCESS AND THE FOAL.
Issie is riding for Chevalier Point Pony Club at the Interclub Gold Shield – the biggest competition of the year.
Training is going well and Issie and friends are on course for glory when disaster strikes. Someone is sabotaging their equipment!
And when a friend is injured, Issie must call on the help of her pony guardian Mystic to stop the troublemaker before it’s too late…
The second action-packed mystery adventure in the Pony Club Secrets series by bestselling author of ‘The Princess and the Foal’.
Issie is riding for Chevalier Point Pony Club at the Interclub Gold Shield – the biggest competition of the year.
Training is going well and Issie and friends are on course for glory when disaster strikes. Someone is sabotaging their equipment!
And when a friend is injured, Issie must call on the help of her pony guardian Mystic to stop the troublemaker before it’s too late…
The second action-packed mystery adventure in the Pony Club Secrets series by bestselling author of ‘The Princess and the Foal’.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2007
50 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Gregg
80 books206 followersAs a young girl living in New Zealand Stacy Gregg wanted to be two things when she grew up – a horse rider and a writer. She now considers herself very, very lucky to be both at once!
Becoming a writer was the easy part – all she needed was an exercise book and a pen. Stacy wrote loads of poetry and short stories at school and then became a journalist, writing features for magazines and newspapers and working as a fashion writer (v. glamorous and lots of fun!) before her first book in the Pony Club Secrets series was published in 2007.
Extract from author's web page
Becoming a writer was the easy part – all she needed was an exercise book and a pen. Stacy wrote loads of poetry and short stories at school and then became a journalist, writing features for magazines and newspapers and working as a fashion writer (v. glamorous and lots of fun!) before her first book in the Pony Club Secrets series was published in 2007.
Extract from author's web page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 15, 2019
This book is amazing!
I don't know what is more sad, the part where Mystic dies (Mystic and the Midnight Ride) or when Blaze gets taken away.
In the end, it is so happy.
I LOVE this book
I don't know what is more sad, the part where Mystic dies (Mystic and the Midnight Ride) or when Blaze gets taken away.
In the end, it is so happy.
I LOVE this book
July 19, 2022
the plot twist in this book - chefs kiss 👩🍳💋
July 29, 2023
Ah yes, the delightful nostalgia continues.
July 11, 2015
Issie, Stella and Kate are the main girl characters, along with some strong young lads and a few more girls that we aren't sure whether to like or dislike. Morgan, for instance, has a pushy mother who instructs her to win a place on the Pony Club team. But Morgan's mother was an international rider in her day, so maybe Morgan would really give the team the best chance of winning.
Issie has been through some trauma in the earlier book, which I haven't read. The ghost of her beloved grey pony comes to her occasionally, especially if there is danger. When he warns her that Blaze, the chestnut Anglo-Arab mare she adopted through the ILPH, may be at risk, Issie is terrified. Blaze looks so like the mares in a travelling equine performance that she invited the horses' trainer to visit Blaze. Does this mean Blaze will be parted from her? And what about the team challenge, and all her training?
While the lively story is set in England it could take place in any country where girls love horses and young people are encouraged to compete. I like the references to the White Stallions of Lippiza and the French Cadre Noir. I'm not sure that the French Army would let a woman work with their famous black horses, but maybe they do now. These are just given in enough detail to make a young reader interested in finding out more about these historic training schools.
I am not keen on the lazy stereotype of a rich girl with a pricey pony swanking about and insulting the other kids, which is why I'm not giving more stars. Sure, rich people buy better and therefore can win more. But that doesn't have to make the girl a bad person, and her parents would doubtless be cross with her if they heard her being so rude. I would rather we see this girl pitching in to help with an injured or colicky pony for instance, to show a good side of her even if she has no manners. Far more convincing portrayals of wealthy but unsympathetic characters appear in A Devil to Ride (Jinny, #2) by Patricia Leitch and this warns young people of the kind of person they might actually meet and be taken in by at some time. Or try Kipling's story of polo, The Maltese Cat, for a real example of sportsmanship by the better equipped.
Issie has been through some trauma in the earlier book, which I haven't read. The ghost of her beloved grey pony comes to her occasionally, especially if there is danger. When he warns her that Blaze, the chestnut Anglo-Arab mare she adopted through the ILPH, may be at risk, Issie is terrified. Blaze looks so like the mares in a travelling equine performance that she invited the horses' trainer to visit Blaze. Does this mean Blaze will be parted from her? And what about the team challenge, and all her training?
While the lively story is set in England it could take place in any country where girls love horses and young people are encouraged to compete. I like the references to the White Stallions of Lippiza and the French Cadre Noir. I'm not sure that the French Army would let a woman work with their famous black horses, but maybe they do now. These are just given in enough detail to make a young reader interested in finding out more about these historic training schools.
I am not keen on the lazy stereotype of a rich girl with a pricey pony swanking about and insulting the other kids, which is why I'm not giving more stars. Sure, rich people buy better and therefore can win more. But that doesn't have to make the girl a bad person, and her parents would doubtless be cross with her if they heard her being so rude. I would rather we see this girl pitching in to help with an injured or colicky pony for instance, to show a good side of her even if she has no manners. Far more convincing portrayals of wealthy but unsympathetic characters appear in A Devil to Ride (Jinny, #2) by Patricia Leitch and this warns young people of the kind of person they might actually meet and be taken in by at some time. Or try Kipling's story of polo, The Maltese Cat, for a real example of sportsmanship by the better equipped.
December 27, 2022
This story is a gripping continuation of the series and I love the element of suspense, high stakes and a plot twist which I didn’t see coming! The balance of happy pony story and more mature plot points was done brilliantly for the age range that this book is aimed at Although I enjoyed the previous book, I was apprehensive about what direction the series could potentially be going in. However, this book quashed those feelings and left me excited for the next.
December 25, 2013
i love this book!! i mean the way she describes all the scences is amazing.the way how issie loses blaze and the gets blaze back is soo astounding.anyone who loves horses would love this book!!!
July 19, 2021
horse girls. stand for the flag
February 17, 2025
Issie is riding for Chevalier Point Pony Club at the Interclub Gold Shield – the biggest competition of the year. Training is going well, and Issie and friends are on course for glory when disaster strikes. Someone is sabotaging their equipment. On top of that a friend is injured. Issie calls on the help of her pony guardian Mystic to stop the troublemaker before it’s too late, and something irreversible happens.
Issie and her friends Stella and Kate are taken to the circus for Issie's 13th birthday to see El Caballo Danza Magnifico (the Magnificent Dancing Horses), where she discovers that the Anglo-Arab mares they use in the 'Dance of the Seven Veils' look a lot like the mare she nursed back to health, Blaze, the horse she was given by her trainer, Tom Avery, via the Internation League for the Protection of Horses after Blaze had been abused and starved. They meet Francoise D'arth, a French woman who trains the El Caballo Danza Magnifico horses. They offer Francoise a chance to see for herself that Blaze looks like her mares.
The girls back at pony club, are training for the Interclub Gold Sheild, which Avery is determined that they win. They are introduced to Morgan Chatswood-Smith and later hear her mum is disappointed that she hasn't performed very well in the try-outs. Issie, Dan, Kate, Ben, Stella and Annabel make the team, with Morgan and Natasha as reserves.
The next day, Francoise comes to see Blaze, and seems to immediately recognize her, agreeing that she is definitely one of their mares.
I would give this book 5 stars because it constantly kept readers on the edge of their seats. It was so good even though it is more character driven rather than plot driven. I would recommend this to anyone aged 8 or over and its great to read alone or as a family but there are some emotional parts.
Issie and her friends Stella and Kate are taken to the circus for Issie's 13th birthday to see El Caballo Danza Magnifico (the Magnificent Dancing Horses), where she discovers that the Anglo-Arab mares they use in the 'Dance of the Seven Veils' look a lot like the mare she nursed back to health, Blaze, the horse she was given by her trainer, Tom Avery, via the Internation League for the Protection of Horses after Blaze had been abused and starved. They meet Francoise D'arth, a French woman who trains the El Caballo Danza Magnifico horses. They offer Francoise a chance to see for herself that Blaze looks like her mares.
The girls back at pony club, are training for the Interclub Gold Sheild, which Avery is determined that they win. They are introduced to Morgan Chatswood-Smith and later hear her mum is disappointed that she hasn't performed very well in the try-outs. Issie, Dan, Kate, Ben, Stella and Annabel make the team, with Morgan and Natasha as reserves.
The next day, Francoise comes to see Blaze, and seems to immediately recognize her, agreeing that she is definitely one of their mares.
I would give this book 5 stars because it constantly kept readers on the edge of their seats. It was so good even though it is more character driven rather than plot driven. I would recommend this to anyone aged 8 or over and its great to read alone or as a family but there are some emotional parts.
August 15, 2019
This book made me think about resilience when Issie has to give back her horse. The writer is teaching us about resilience because Issie gets really sad when Blaze has to go. In my opinion, resilience is important so if something happens that you don't like, like having to do a subject you don’t like or someone dies you can get back up and bounce back.
November 3, 2021
Si te encantan los caballos, como a mí, y buscas una lectura amena, divertida y rápida, estos trece libros son una opción estupenda para esos días en los que nos apetece leer algo facilito.
Están recomendados para una edad de nueve años o más, pero no por eso se trata de una saga infantil. De hecho, yo el último libro lo he leído hace tres o cuatro semanas y me ha encantado. Ha sido una lectura muy fresca.
Cada uno de los libros cuenta una aventura distinta de Isa, la protagonista, siempre con relación al mundo de la equitación.
Por lo tanto, podrían leerse como volúmenes independientes, pero tened en cuenta que pueden aparecer datos de libros anteriores. Por eso, yo recomiendo leerlos por orden. De esa manera, entenderéis mejor la historia, la evolución de la protagonista a medida que crece y su relación con los distintos caballos, yeguas y ponis que aparecen en cada uno de los libros.
¿Alguien en la sala que conozca estos libros? ¿Qué os parecen?
Están recomendados para una edad de nueve años o más, pero no por eso se trata de una saga infantil. De hecho, yo el último libro lo he leído hace tres o cuatro semanas y me ha encantado. Ha sido una lectura muy fresca.
Cada uno de los libros cuenta una aventura distinta de Isa, la protagonista, siempre con relación al mundo de la equitación.
Por lo tanto, podrían leerse como volúmenes independientes, pero tened en cuenta que pueden aparecer datos de libros anteriores. Por eso, yo recomiendo leerlos por orden. De esa manera, entenderéis mejor la historia, la evolución de la protagonista a medida que crece y su relación con los distintos caballos, yeguas y ponis que aparecen en cada uno de los libros.
¿Alguien en la sala que conozca estos libros? ¿Qué os parecen?
November 23, 2022
Another nice addition to the series, following on from the themes of Mystic and the Midnight Ride.
Formulaic in the necessary way for the recommended reading age, but continues with slightly more mature themes, this time including equipment sabotage, intentional rider injury, and potential injury to a horse.
Formulaic in the necessary way for the recommended reading age, but continues with slightly more mature themes, this time including equipment sabotage, intentional rider injury, and potential injury to a horse.
November 13, 2022
Esta saga es maravillosa, pese a que sea un libro infantil, la puedes leer con cualquier edad y disfrutarla como un niño pequeño. En mi caso, eso ocurrió. Es perfecta para un bloqueo lector o simplemente querer escapar de la realidad.
June 28, 2019
It is a really good book that anyone who loves horses/animals will really love! I would defiantly recommend this.
June 25, 2023
part 2 of healing my inner horse girl
July 19, 2023
Súper recomendado para niños de 10-12 años. Fue mi infancia.
August 15, 2024
I think this is the book that gave 9 year old me intense nightmares about someone taking away my pony (who didn't exist yet)
December 31, 2024
2.5 stars 🌟
June 29, 2025
reliving childhood for a bit of comfort 💗🐎
February 23, 2021
amazing book
October 15, 2024
This was my favourite book of the series, I loved how so much happened, it was like there were two different plots — Francoise, Issie and Blaze; the problems at the pony club.
August 29, 2013
This wasn't my favorite book in the series, and as I said in my review of the first book, if you don't like horses, minor-mysteries, or books aimed more at children then this isn't the book for you.
This book sits proudly on my shelf alongside around 6 other books in the series, but I'm thinking of giving them away since really after you've passed the age of around 12 they start getting a big too childish.
As are the other books there is a good plot, and it;s well written. 4 stars from me.
This book sits proudly on my shelf alongside around 6 other books in the series, but I'm thinking of giving them away since really after you've passed the age of around 12 they start getting a big too childish.
As are the other books there is a good plot, and it;s well written. 4 stars from me.
September 9, 2013
I love this book! I think it's cool that Blaze used to be one of the dancing horses, and was one of the best stars! And Issie gets her in the end, I loved it! I still don't know who bought her Blaze though...
August 6, 2015
Really weird book. Predictable and REALLY REALLY BADLY WRITTEN. The only reason I didn't chuck it in the trash on the first page, because it's a great example of how not to write a book. In every aspect. Hated it.
February 2, 2011
One of my favourites in this series. When Blaze nearly gets stolen I really wanted to find out what happened ...
August 18, 2011
It wasn't as good as the first book in the series (Mystic and the Midnight Ride), but Blaze is BEAUTIFUL. I love her personality as a horse!
September 26, 2012
Not just this book but all the Stacy Gregg books are packed full of adventure , This is why I love her books I rate all of her books 5/5 Because they are about the things I LOVE !!!
September 4, 2013
very fun and exotic , loved it
November 29, 2015
Drama? Check. Mystery? Check. Suspense? Check. The supernatural? Check. Hollywood ending? Check.
September 8, 2016
I would say that Isadora is a pretty good rider,beacause blaze was in such good shape after a while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews