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Prince of Ponies
War destroyed their worlds, now two young girls and their remarkable horses are fighting once more – this time to win.
When twelve-year-old Mira stumbles across a white stallion in a forest in Berlin, she doesn’t realise that this horse will take her on an incredible journey. Together, they’re going to ascend the starry heights of Grand Prix show jumping, and sweep back in time to Poland in 1939 where another young girl is risking everything to save the horse that she loves…
Prince of Ponies is a story of courage and the will to win against all odds.
When twelve-year-old Mira stumbles across a white stallion in a forest in Berlin, she doesn’t realise that this horse will take her on an incredible journey. Together, they’re going to ascend the starry heights of Grand Prix show jumping, and sweep back in time to Poland in 1939 where another young girl is risking everything to save the horse that she loves…
Prince of Ponies is a story of courage and the will to win against all odds.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2019
About the author
Stacy Gregg
84 books216 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 30 reviews
May 23, 2020
Stacy Gregg is credited with having reinvigorated the pony genre with her series Pony Club Secrets, quickly becoming one of my favourite writers in the process. Her latest stand-alone novel, Prince of Ponies was another highly enjoyable read. We follow two stories, one set in Poland in 1939, the other 2019 in Berlin.
I find it very easy to get completely caught up in these books -- I can so easily imagine how much I would have loved them if they'd been around when I was a kid! This one details Hitler's annexing of Poland, the approaching Russian Red Army, and the Polish Arabian stud farm caught in the middle. The horses were useful to Hitler -- the people were not. A young Polish girl named Zofia finds herself forever linked to one the stallions, Prince.
The modern day story follows a young Syrian refugee, Mira, who now lives in Berlin. She is transcribing the now elderly Zofia's story for her, in exchange for riding lessons. She too finds an unexpected future opening up for her as she finds herself linked to a beautiful stallion Emir.
As ever this was wonderfully readable, fun and educational too. A great read for kids who are horse enthusiasts, or older readers who enjoy this genre.
I find it very easy to get completely caught up in these books -- I can so easily imagine how much I would have loved them if they'd been around when I was a kid! This one details Hitler's annexing of Poland, the approaching Russian Red Army, and the Polish Arabian stud farm caught in the middle. The horses were useful to Hitler -- the people were not. A young Polish girl named Zofia finds herself forever linked to one the stallions, Prince.
The modern day story follows a young Syrian refugee, Mira, who now lives in Berlin. She is transcribing the now elderly Zofia's story for her, in exchange for riding lessons. She too finds an unexpected future opening up for her as she finds herself linked to a beautiful stallion Emir.
As ever this was wonderfully readable, fun and educational too. A great read for kids who are horse enthusiasts, or older readers who enjoy this genre.
September 2, 2020
Author Stacy Gregg’s historical fiction book will enlighten and capture the interest of young readers with a story about the fate of the priceless thoroughbred horses from Europe whose lives were threatened by the outcome of World War II.
Set in Poland and Germany, this novel weaves together the stories of two very different people. Zofia Bobinski grew up during the Nazi occupation of Poland. As a young girl, she was taken in by a Nazi officer in charge of overseeing the acquisition of Poland’s thoroughbred horses. Mira is a young girl who escaped the civil war raging in Syria, and now lives in Germany.
By chance, Mira encounters Zofia while walking a dog through a forest near Berlin. The two become unlikely friends. Zofia, in fact, becomes a mentor to Mira who shares her love of horses and riding. As their friendship grows, the details of their lives are shared.
It’s an unforgettable story of courage, friendship, and perseverance that will hold your interest until the very end! The epilogue provides the true story of the amazing horses. Middle school and even adult readers who love horses, especially show jumping and dressage, will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Children’s Books, and author Stacy Gregg for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this absorbing novel.
NOTE: Adults who are interested in this topic would also enjoy reading The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts whose nonfiction book sheds light on this little known aspect of World War II.
Set in Poland and Germany, this novel weaves together the stories of two very different people. Zofia Bobinski grew up during the Nazi occupation of Poland. As a young girl, she was taken in by a Nazi officer in charge of overseeing the acquisition of Poland’s thoroughbred horses. Mira is a young girl who escaped the civil war raging in Syria, and now lives in Germany.
By chance, Mira encounters Zofia while walking a dog through a forest near Berlin. The two become unlikely friends. Zofia, in fact, becomes a mentor to Mira who shares her love of horses and riding. As their friendship grows, the details of their lives are shared.
It’s an unforgettable story of courage, friendship, and perseverance that will hold your interest until the very end! The epilogue provides the true story of the amazing horses. Middle school and even adult readers who love horses, especially show jumping and dressage, will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Children’s Books, and author Stacy Gregg for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this absorbing novel.
NOTE: Adults who are interested in this topic would also enjoy reading The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts whose nonfiction book sheds light on this little known aspect of World War II.
September 6, 2022
Estoy sorprendido por lo mucho que me gustó!
Esperaba una historia tierna, infantil y ligera entre lecturas más pesadas pero encontré una historia ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, retratando un tema poco tratado y con mucho sentimientos dentro.
Realmente los libros infantiles siguen sorprendiéndome.
Esperaba una historia tierna, infantil y ligera entre lecturas más pesadas pero encontré una historia ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, retratando un tema poco tratado y con mucho sentimientos dentro.
Realmente los libros infantiles siguen sorprendiéndome.
May 3, 2024
A very enjoyable account of the "capture" of the Polish Arabians during WWII is told in parallel with a story about a Syrian refugee living in Germany who documents the experiences of Sofia during the German invasion in exchange for learning to ride her spirited and talented Arabian stallion, Emir.
As with most horsey stories for tweens, there is an element of wishful thinking. I did find the WW2 story interesting as although I knew about what happened with the Viennese Lipizzaners at that time, I didn't know about the other breeds that went through similar experiences.
The references to real people and events, both historic and modern-day, is a nice touch.
As with most horsey stories for tweens, there is an element of wishful thinking. I did find the WW2 story interesting as although I knew about what happened with the Viennese Lipizzaners at that time, I didn't know about the other breeds that went through similar experiences.
The references to real people and events, both historic and modern-day, is a nice touch.
June 10, 2020
Stacy Gregg is NZ’s answer to Michael Morpurgo. Stacy is a captivating storyteller who weaves the plight of animals and humans together with history, adventure and suspense. Prince of Ponies is one of her best.
Prince of Ponies has a duel storyline, one in the present and one in Poland during the Second World War. Mira is a Syrian refugee now living in Berlin. She is bullied at school and her mother appears to be busy working (she is not mentioned much). However, Mira’s life is changed when she meets a spirited pony while walking in the woods. The pony leads her to Zofia, an old woman with an astounding story to tell. Mira agrees to write down Zofia’s story in exchange for riding lessons. As we discover more about Mira and watch her bond with Zofia and her pony Emir grow, we also discover Zofia’s past and her childhood in a Poland ruled by the Nazis. Mira’s skill as a rider grows to which leads to her competing in her first competition.
There is something in this story for all readers - princely ponies, daring escapes, nail-biting competitions, history, and characters who you are routing for. Having read and loved The Princess and the Foal I really liked the cameo of Princess Jana. This was a nice connection between Stacy’s books. I also love the epilogue which connects the story to the history behind it. Stacy always makes this information accessible to her readers.
My only niggle about this book is the cover. Much like Stacy’s other books I really wish the covers were more neutral to encourage boys to read them.
Prince of Ponies has a duel storyline, one in the present and one in Poland during the Second World War. Mira is a Syrian refugee now living in Berlin. She is bullied at school and her mother appears to be busy working (she is not mentioned much). However, Mira’s life is changed when she meets a spirited pony while walking in the woods. The pony leads her to Zofia, an old woman with an astounding story to tell. Mira agrees to write down Zofia’s story in exchange for riding lessons. As we discover more about Mira and watch her bond with Zofia and her pony Emir grow, we also discover Zofia’s past and her childhood in a Poland ruled by the Nazis. Mira’s skill as a rider grows to which leads to her competing in her first competition.
There is something in this story for all readers - princely ponies, daring escapes, nail-biting competitions, history, and characters who you are routing for. Having read and loved The Princess and the Foal I really liked the cameo of Princess Jana. This was a nice connection between Stacy’s books. I also love the epilogue which connects the story to the history behind it. Stacy always makes this information accessible to her readers.
My only niggle about this book is the cover. Much like Stacy’s other books I really wish the covers were more neutral to encourage boys to read them.
December 6, 2019
WOW, just WOW! This book was absolutely amazing, absolutely loved every part of this book, I enjoy reading about WW2, and WW2 with horses and written by Stacy Gregg was just amazing! Thanks Stacy!
October 2, 2022
Son dos historias, dos niñas y sus caballos, pero al final es una realidad, la migración obligada por la guerra, cómo ambas encontraron el poder, la autonomía a lomos de un caballo en dos épocas bastante distintas. Es bastante suave porque me lo imagino para un público bastante joven, nos habla de la guerra pero de una forma general, sin entrar en detalles truculentos, lo que la hace una lectura bastante ágil.
April 12, 2023
Este libro habla sobre la segunda guerra mundial pero no es lo que habitualmente se habla de las personas que sufrieron sino de los animales. Y de los animales me refiero a los caballos. Los caballos que fueron robados y saqueados para experimentar con ellos.
Zofia es el personaje que perdió asus padres en su infancia y vivo la segunda guerra mundial pero no estaba sola, tenía a Príncipe. Su caballo que era terco y que no se dejaba domar por nadie. Pero solos y sin nadie más que ellos dos, aprendieron a sobrevivir. Y se convirtieron en amigos y Zofia en una amazona domadora.
Una día conoce a Mira quien le propone un trato, Zofia le enseñaría a Domar caballos y entrenarlos a cambio le pide que escribía su historia.
Zofia es el personaje que perdió asus padres en su infancia y vivo la segunda guerra mundial pero no estaba sola, tenía a Príncipe. Su caballo que era terco y que no se dejaba domar por nadie. Pero solos y sin nadie más que ellos dos, aprendieron a sobrevivir. Y se convirtieron en amigos y Zofia en una amazona domadora.
Una día conoce a Mira quien le propone un trato, Zofia le enseñaría a Domar caballos y entrenarlos a cambio le pide que escribía su historia.
October 5, 2019
Stacy Gregg has done it again. She has created another wonderful story (yes, based around horses but you don’t have to be a fanatic!!) that keeps you wanting more.
Twelve year old Syrian refugee, Mira, stumbles across a white stallion in a Berlin forest... and it sets her on a path which teaches her about some of the horrors of World War 2 as well as teaching her how to ride a horse to the top level.
Stacy alternates Mira’s story with that of Zofia... a Polish refugee running from both Hitler and the Russian Red Army...
Twelve year old Syrian refugee, Mira, stumbles across a white stallion in a Berlin forest... and it sets her on a path which teaches her about some of the horrors of World War 2 as well as teaching her how to ride a horse to the top level.
Stacy alternates Mira’s story with that of Zofia... a Polish refugee running from both Hitler and the Russian Red Army...
December 17, 2021
Antes de leer este libro pensaba q iba a ser una historia simple y sin ningún tema interesante. Pero es todo lo contrario ,incluye temas q muy actuales, como el acoso escolar o la situación de los inmigrantes . Además muestra una perspectiva distinta de la segunda guerra mundial.
Recomiendo este libro a aquellas personas q les gusten montar a caballo y estos animales , porque se aprenden mucho vocabulario ecuestre y distintas técnicas para entrenar y competir .
Recomiendo este libro a aquellas personas q les gusten montar a caballo y estos animales , porque se aprenden mucho vocabulario ecuestre y distintas técnicas para entrenar y competir .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 2, 2021Stacey Gregg again brings the stories of past historical events to life alongside current happenings. Looking into the life of a woman who lives through WW2 living with the Nazi's to current day Syria conflict - the connection over a horse brings 2 souls together on a tale of building self confidence and never giving up on yourself.
March 14, 2026
what a lovely book. i know i would have absolutely devoured gregg’s stories as a kid!! even now, i quite enjoy them as an easy read - and the combination of historical fiction and horses is always a winner!
loved the dual timelines in this one and the friendship between zofia, frieda, and mira <333
loved the dual timelines in this one and the friendship between zofia, frieda, and mira <333
November 14, 2020
My 8 year old and I loved reading this one together and we can't wait to read more from Stacy Gregg. We love books that we both enjoy and this one was definitely a cute story that as a parent I enjoyed and any time my reluctant reader is happy with a book, I'll buy every book in the series
November 4, 2019
Inhaled in one sitting. Fabulous story which had me galloping along with it.
August 27, 2020
What a great book
October 29, 2020
A very very interesting and engaging book, great for history and horse story lovers of all ages and interests.
March 30, 2021
Very educational. I adore the way Stacy uses real people as her characters. I would recommend it to any one who loves horses, a dual timeline and historical fiction.
April 17, 2022
Una gran historia de valentía.
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January 1, 2023A good movie companion to this book would be The Miracle of the White Stallions (made by Disney in 1963).
December 29, 2025
Listened to this book with my daughter. A really neat story. Well written and interesting.
January 6, 2022
-Reseña próxima-
August 21, 2025
very good!
August 10, 2021
🐎 Dos niñas, dos caballos , un perro y una extraña anciana , una historia que escribir y muchos años de diferencia entre Polonia de 1945 y Berlín de 2019.
🐎 Unas clases de equitación para montar a Emir (el caballo indomable) a cambio de escribir una historia, su historia.
La de Zofia y Príncipe (el príncipe de Polonia) uno de los caballos más puros de la raza aria.
Él corría un gran peligro, lo tenía que salvar y salvarse ella a la vez.
🐎 Una preciosa y dura historia de una niña de 9 años a la que los nazis le arrebataron a sus padres y sale adelante gracias a un domador de caballos alemán y un precioso caballo.
🐎 Dos personas unidas por un caballo y dos guerras crueles y dolorosas con un mismo objetivo, ganar el Grand Prix .
La relación entre Mira y una Zofia anciana y muy sabía es preciosa, juntas viviran una increíble aventura.
🐎 Un libro increíble que tuve la inmensa suerte de ganar en un sorteo.
Mil gracias @123eraseunavez por hacerlo llegar a mis manos, siento el haber tardado un poco en ponerme con él y más después de haberlo leído, es súper bonito.
Me ha enamorado pero a la vez me ha entristecido.
🐎 Está pensado para ser una lectura juvenil pero yo la pondría para niños, jóvenes y adultos.
Una lectura obligada para entender lo que se vivió y pasó en esta cruel y terrible guerra de una forma suave y fácil de entender para todos.
Muy fácil de leer, ameno y entretenido, a la vez que profundo y triste.
Súper bonito, me ha encantado y me ha llegado al corazón.
🐎 -Es mi mejor amigo. Lo es todo para mi. Es mi Emir. Y juntos vamos a hacer historia.
- Cierra los ojos y confía en mí. Ningún niño debería ver lo que está pasando aquí...
🐎 Unas clases de equitación para montar a Emir (el caballo indomable) a cambio de escribir una historia, su historia.
La de Zofia y Príncipe (el príncipe de Polonia) uno de los caballos más puros de la raza aria.
Él corría un gran peligro, lo tenía que salvar y salvarse ella a la vez.
🐎 Una preciosa y dura historia de una niña de 9 años a la que los nazis le arrebataron a sus padres y sale adelante gracias a un domador de caballos alemán y un precioso caballo.
🐎 Dos personas unidas por un caballo y dos guerras crueles y dolorosas con un mismo objetivo, ganar el Grand Prix .
La relación entre Mira y una Zofia anciana y muy sabía es preciosa, juntas viviran una increíble aventura.
🐎 Un libro increíble que tuve la inmensa suerte de ganar en un sorteo.
Mil gracias @123eraseunavez por hacerlo llegar a mis manos, siento el haber tardado un poco en ponerme con él y más después de haberlo leído, es súper bonito.
Me ha enamorado pero a la vez me ha entristecido.
🐎 Está pensado para ser una lectura juvenil pero yo la pondría para niños, jóvenes y adultos.
Una lectura obligada para entender lo que se vivió y pasó en esta cruel y terrible guerra de una forma suave y fácil de entender para todos.
Muy fácil de leer, ameno y entretenido, a la vez que profundo y triste.
Súper bonito, me ha encantado y me ha llegado al corazón.
🐎 -Es mi mejor amigo. Lo es todo para mi. Es mi Emir. Y juntos vamos a hacer historia.
- Cierra los ojos y confía en mí. Ningún niño debería ver lo que está pasando aquí...
June 15, 2021
En este libro tenemos a Mira, una niña aventurera que ha perdido demasiado que se encuentra a un precioso caballo blanco con el que empezará a vivir aventuras y a intentar ganar el Grand Prix. La historia se entrecruza con la de otra niña que durante la guerra se jugó la vida para salvar a su caballo.
Sabe que se llevarán a su caballo para luchar en la guerra y la separarán de él y no está dispuesta a permitirlo y se lo jugará todo por seguir a su lado. Es un libro muy bonito y humano con mucha parte dramática que te muestra la guerra desde un punto más infantil pero igual de duro.
Me ha encantado la forma de narrar y de ver ambas vidas de las niñas que a pesar de separarse por muchos años, tienen en común su amor por los caballos pero también su lucha, la valentía de ambas y como sobreponerse a los obstáculos y las malas que que nos pasen.
Realmente me parece un libro precioso para los jóvenes, una forma de ver la guerra diferente y emotiva. Te provocará sentimientos de coraje, de tristeza pero sobre todo de lucha constante. La edición del libro es preciosa.
Sabe que se llevarán a su caballo para luchar en la guerra y la separarán de él y no está dispuesta a permitirlo y se lo jugará todo por seguir a su lado. Es un libro muy bonito y humano con mucha parte dramática que te muestra la guerra desde un punto más infantil pero igual de duro.
Me ha encantado la forma de narrar y de ver ambas vidas de las niñas que a pesar de separarse por muchos años, tienen en común su amor por los caballos pero también su lucha, la valentía de ambas y como sobreponerse a los obstáculos y las malas que que nos pasen.
Realmente me parece un libro precioso para los jóvenes, una forma de ver la guerra diferente y emotiva. Te provocará sentimientos de coraje, de tristeza pero sobre todo de lucha constante. La edición del libro es preciosa.
July 17, 2020
Prince of Ponies is a wonderful story about horses, World War II and growing up as a refugee. It is told from 2 points of view and time: Zofia, growing up in Poland during WWII and Mira, a Syrian refugee who met Zofia and her horse in 2019. My daughter has read all of Stacy Gregg's books and loves them, but this is the first one I have read and I think it's a great book for kids interested in horses or learning about the history of World War II, and I also really enjoyed it as an adult so it would be a great story for parents and their children to read together! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2021
Una joya de libro publicado hace muy poco creado por Stacy Gregg acerca de la valentía y la voluntad para salir adelante a pesar de todos los obstáculos que la historia presenta, donde enseña el esfuerzo para enfrentar la vida y sus dificultades. Muy recomendado por mí a pesar de que es un gran desafío para leer y un poco difícil de comprender, pero muy atractiva para los niños que estén interesados en este género literario. Tengo la certeza que los lectores se sentirían muy atraídos en seguir leyéndolo.
August 29, 2020
Love it
June 23, 2023
Libro recomendado para lectura ligera y tranquila, pone mucho contexto en historia.
January 11, 2024
Amazing
Such a beautiful book
I ❤️ Stacy gregg
Such a beautiful book
I ❤️ Stacy gregg
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews