Horse Show Surprise by Nina Carberry

Drawing on her own childhood for inspiration, Carberry encourages her young readers to sit proud in the saddle and confidently take the reins of their life. For those unfamiliar with equestrian sports, Vieira’s delightful drawings act as a visual dictionary, illustrating the various facets of horse riding and horse welfare.  

The story focuses on good friends, Grace and Aaron, two young horse riders who dream of competing at the Dublin Horse Show. Despite their hard work and dedication, they must mount many obstacles (both physical and metaphorical) in their quest to achieve showjumping glory. 

Carberry’s inclusive narrative is a realistic account of the competitive world of eventing. Vieira’s effective use of earthy tones on the front cover illustration will appeal to both horse-lovers and those unfamiliar with this majestic animal. Inside the book, his monochrome images effectively portray the strong bond between the young protagonists and their equine companions. Using a blend of full-page spreads and vignettes, Vieira captures the highs and lows of this fascinating sport.

This accessible tale includes a glossary of equestrian terms for those new to horse riding.