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Rings of Fire
When it comes to fear, horses and humans are not so different; emotions can overtake reason. The rubber snake might as well be a real snake—the nightmare reality—when they elicit the same response. Blind fear will make both horse and rider try to outrun lions, even when those lions are made of paper. Blind fear can send you straight over a cliff, and even if you manage to pull up before the edge, that is no way to live life.
It is only through training, training, and more training, and then testing that training, that you learn to turn and face fear, find courage, and welcome the ride, wild though it promises to be.
These are the rings of fire, the trials that lie ahead for all of us, whether they be taking command of a spooky horse or navigating more human problems. Once trained, with worthy companions marching with you, shoulder-to-shoulder, you are ready for the ride.
Welcome to The Dressage Chronicles IV: Rings of Fire.
It is only through training, training, and more training, and then testing that training, that you learn to turn and face fear, find courage, and welcome the ride, wild though it promises to be.
These are the rings of fire, the trials that lie ahead for all of us, whether they be taking command of a spooky horse or navigating more human problems. Once trained, with worthy companions marching with you, shoulder-to-shoulder, you are ready for the ride.
Welcome to The Dressage Chronicles IV: Rings of Fire.
- GenresHorses
397 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2017
60 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 13, 2022
Nov 12, 825pm ~~ Review asap.
9pm ~~ This is the fourth and final book of this series, and my least favorite. We do get all issues resolved in one way or another, but for me it felt much more like a long episode of a soap opera than a fitting conclusion to the other three books.
I had a harder time getting into the story, and got a bit bored at times with all the dramatics. Besides that, there was much less focus on the horses in this book. There was a very strong sense of simply getting all the loose ends tied up.
And because I had a harder time losing myself in the story I was more irritated by some of the shoddy proofreading. I had noticed in all three of the other titles that quotation marks seemed to appear in odd places, making a character apparently continue speaking when they were actually silent. But in this book I became much more irritated by that.
Even though I raced through the book, that was thanks to insomnia, not to being captivated. Kind of a shame to finish this way, but Lizzy at least has her future settled at last. I hope she will enjoy it.
Note: The GR database does not show (at this date) a page count for the paperback edition of this book. There are actually 397 pages here, if anyone is interested in knowing such details.
9pm ~~ This is the fourth and final book of this series, and my least favorite. We do get all issues resolved in one way or another, but for me it felt much more like a long episode of a soap opera than a fitting conclusion to the other three books.
I had a harder time getting into the story, and got a bit bored at times with all the dramatics. Besides that, there was much less focus on the horses in this book. There was a very strong sense of simply getting all the loose ends tied up.
And because I had a harder time losing myself in the story I was more irritated by some of the shoddy proofreading. I had noticed in all three of the other titles that quotation marks seemed to appear in odd places, making a character apparently continue speaking when they were actually silent. But in this book I became much more irritated by that.
Even though I raced through the book, that was thanks to insomnia, not to being captivated. Kind of a shame to finish this way, but Lizzy at least has her future settled at last. I hope she will enjoy it.
Note: The GR database does not show (at this date) a page count for the paperback edition of this book. There are actually 397 pages here, if anyone is interested in knowing such details.
January 23, 2019
I hope Karen is busy writing more in this series
I have read all 5 in 5 days and now I am sad and depressed because my new friends have gone away. Will Lizzie get to GP? On which horse? Will the frozen Italian food be a hit? Will Margot marry Doc?
There is so much more to write about.
I have read all 5 in 5 days and now I am sad and depressed because my new friends have gone away. Will Lizzie get to GP? On which horse? Will the frozen Italian food be a hit? Will Margot marry Doc?
There is so much more to write about.
June 9, 2024
Fantastic Series!
This series is highly recommended! Wonderfully written by an author who truly loves and understands the world of dressage.
Lizzie is so beautifully drawn as the main character. Each segment of her progression incorporates her loving personality and her intuition as both friend and rider.
The large cast of accompanying characters are very individual and keep the reader wondering who will remain in the “family” and who will betray it.
Each horse is also drawn with their strengths and weaknesses. Their personalities are diverse and recognizable!
I have never read a series that incorporates such fine writing with attention to detail and unfiltered honesty. Highly recommended!
This series is highly recommended! Wonderfully written by an author who truly loves and understands the world of dressage.
Lizzie is so beautifully drawn as the main character. Each segment of her progression incorporates her loving personality and her intuition as both friend and rider.
The large cast of accompanying characters are very individual and keep the reader wondering who will remain in the “family” and who will betray it.
Each horse is also drawn with their strengths and weaknesses. Their personalities are diverse and recognizable!
I have never read a series that incorporates such fine writing with attention to detail and unfiltered honesty. Highly recommended!
November 26, 2018
Loved every minute of this series of books
Once I started reading the sample i was hooked. Although I know nothing about dressage and that world, I was drawn into the story and couldn't wait for bedtime = reading time. Sometimes couldn't put it down till 3 in the morning. The characters are enthralling, not just the people but the horses too. I laughed, I cried, I was at the edge of my seat ... A feel good story, with all the ups and downs and dramas of life. Now I need to watch and learn about dressage.
Once I started reading the sample i was hooked. Although I know nothing about dressage and that world, I was drawn into the story and couldn't wait for bedtime = reading time. Sometimes couldn't put it down till 3 in the morning. The characters are enthralling, not just the people but the horses too. I laughed, I cried, I was at the edge of my seat ... A feel good story, with all the ups and downs and dramas of life. Now I need to watch and learn about dressage.
February 17, 2021
The whole four book saga is exceptional. As an avid horse lover, in my latter years, I still can't get enough of horses and riding and oh how I wish I was a better rider!
Karen has a most wonderful way of transporting the reader right into the heart of the story and characters and I can cheerfully say this saga has given me so much, especially with this dreadful year of covid, plus personal injuries and stress. It has taken me away from all the tough things and given me dreams that I won't let go anytime soon. 😍😍
Karen has a most wonderful way of transporting the reader right into the heart of the story and characters and I can cheerfully say this saga has given me so much, especially with this dreadful year of covid, plus personal injuries and stress. It has taken me away from all the tough things and given me dreams that I won't let go anytime soon. 😍😍
August 17, 2019
I just read all four books in this series in five days! I found the writing in the first book a little stilted but the plot and the dressage content kept me going and left me wanting to read the rest. The writing improved greatly as the series progressed. I got very involved with all the characters and the horses. I laughed and I cried and was so sad to come to the end of the series. I wanted the story and the characters to just keep on going.
November 29, 2021
Focus and forward, both horses and people in classic competition
Horses and their personalities, fiery mix. Add people and you just want a roll in a muddy paddock. Horsemanship in the classic sense, plus descriptions that bring equine sights, smells, feelings, emotions and presence to life.
Horses and their personalities, fiery mix. Add people and you just want a roll in a muddy paddock. Horsemanship in the classic sense, plus descriptions that bring equine sights, smells, feelings, emotions and presence to life.
November 14, 2023
You would have to work hard to convince me that this series is fiction!
The characters and scenarios are so realistic. The passion and excitement of dressage and the love of the horse and the art is apparent. The characters are well fleshed and you can really get to know and appreciate their stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.
The characters and scenarios are so realistic. The passion and excitement of dressage and the love of the horse and the art is apparent. The characters are well fleshed and you can really get to know and appreciate their stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.
July 29, 2024
Couldn’t put it down
I just spent several days reading all 4 sequels of this entertaining story of horses, people, ambition, money in the world of dressage. Loved the characters (some), and how their interactions produced much suspense and drama. Not everyone at the barn is a horse lover, but many are ruthless users. It was time we’ll spent, could go for another 4 sequels
I just spent several days reading all 4 sequels of this entertaining story of horses, people, ambition, money in the world of dressage. Loved the characters (some), and how their interactions produced much suspense and drama. Not everyone at the barn is a horse lover, but many are ruthless users. It was time we’ll spent, could go for another 4 sequels
November 2, 2017
Awesome read
I have been waiting for this book for a while and it was as enjoyable as I could have hoped. I burned through it in less than 48 hours because I love the characters, both two legged and four.
I have been waiting for this book for a while and it was as enjoyable as I could have hoped. I burned through it in less than 48 hours because I love the characters, both two legged and four.
February 26, 2020
Excellent
I love them all, but this is my favorite so far. The challenges the characters faced were so real, I cried and laughed with them. The end results were what I had hoped, but nonetheless unexpected. What an enjoyable ride.
I love them all, but this is my favorite so far. The challenges the characters faced were so real, I cried and laughed with them. The end results were what I had hoped, but nonetheless unexpected. What an enjoyable ride.
November 10, 2025
My favorite book from the series! I loved reading about the friends that turned into family and what it took for them to get there. Still don’t think some people got what they deserved but things worked out as they should’ve otherwise.
March 6, 2017
A beautiful finish to a great series. My only grievance was the abrupt ending that left questions on my part as to how the characters go there. Perhaps a short story in the making?
March 8, 2017
One of the best horsey fiction series currently available- and I'm no dressage queen.
Had to binge read the newest chronicle of life at Equus Paradisio, and it didn't disappoint.
Had to binge read the newest chronicle of life at Equus Paradisio, and it didn't disappoint.
May 27, 2017
Wow! More please.
July 26, 2017
Great series. Loved them all.
December 17, 2017
Must read for all horse lovers!
February 9, 2018
What a wonderful and honest dressage series. A wonderful ending to the series although I wish it would have continued. I'm glad the author did not leave any unfinished ends!
January 29, 2018
I devoured this book! What a fabulous continuation of the story with fantastic, authentic descriptions of the riding and horses. I want more!!
February 17, 2020
Best in series
Wonderful book. I loved every bit of it. I'm sorry it's over. I don't know if the series continues or not. Guess I'll find out soon.
Wonderful book. I loved every bit of it. I'm sorry it's over. I don't know if the series continues or not. Guess I'll find out soon.
January 13, 2022
An absolutely stunner of a series. Superb writing by a very talented author. I was so sorry that Ms McGoldrick stopped after 4 volumes. I do hope to see more in this series. In any event, I will gobble up all of her tomes to date.
February 7, 2023
I loved this series. It has a great story line and horses. She could keep this storyline for a couple more books. The ups n downs of eventing and the process of training horse n rider.
February 25, 2017
Excellent ' horse' story for adults!
This series is very well written, by an author who knows what she is writing about through her own experiences, and touches that little girl inside us all who marveled over horses at the pony rides. This is a nice story of some working students,their trainer and owners of the farm all work and live on. Great plots and characters, with all action well described so I felt like I was there watching. Encourage all animal lovers to try this series out.
This series is very well written, by an author who knows what she is writing about through her own experiences, and touches that little girl inside us all who marveled over horses at the pony rides. This is a nice story of some working students,their trainer and owners of the farm all work and live on. Great plots and characters, with all action well described so I felt like I was there watching. Encourage all animal lovers to try this series out.
February 22, 2017
Lovely book!
Lovely book that closes out a great series. Wonderful job!! Cannot wait to see more work from you. Hope to follow a few of the characters on with their adventures.
Lovely book that closes out a great series. Wonderful job!! Cannot wait to see more work from you. Hope to follow a few of the characters on with their adventures.
February 20, 2017
All's Well That Ends Well
This final, well written book in the DRESSAGE CHRONICLES series does not disappoint. From the believable, well a developed human and equine characters to the plot that ends happily but realistically, this has been a wonderful series. Usually, one must choose between good stories and good writing for equestrian novels, but Karen McGoldrick is both an equestrian insider and gifted and literate writer. I look forward to more from her!
This final, well written book in the DRESSAGE CHRONICLES series does not disappoint. From the believable, well a developed human and equine characters to the plot that ends happily but realistically, this has been a wonderful series. Usually, one must choose between good stories and good writing for equestrian novels, but Karen McGoldrick is both an equestrian insider and gifted and literate writer. I look forward to more from her!
April 16, 2023
The best book yet!
As an AA dressage rider at the bottom rung, I find Karen's books to be informative, entertaining and a great read! I just couldn't put this one down and I'm so overjoyed with how it all turned out! I fretted, chewed my cuticles, and cried with joy along with the characters. Thank you for a fantastic book and a series that not only fed my horse book addition, but my passion for dressage too!
As an AA dressage rider at the bottom rung, I find Karen's books to be informative, entertaining and a great read! I just couldn't put this one down and I'm so overjoyed with how it all turned out! I fretted, chewed my cuticles, and cried with joy along with the characters. Thank you for a fantastic book and a series that not only fed my horse book addition, but my passion for dressage too!
March 4, 2021
The whole series is kind of meh, and this was probably the weakest of the quartet but good reasonable equestrian books are so hard to find!!!!
October 25, 2017
A fun read
A great read for any dressage enthusiast and a slew of characters that you can find around any dressage court.
A great read for any dressage enthusiast and a slew of characters that you can find around any dressage court.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews