Horse Shy (The Saddle Club #2)
#2 of 94 in Saddle Club Series
on Goodreads (1,522)
What’s inside...
When a tragic accident occurs during the Mountain Trail Overnight due to a student's carelessness, Carole loses her passion for riding and considers giving it up forever. Her friends Stevie and Lisa must remind her of the strength of their friendship and the essence of the Saddle Club to help her overcome her grief.
Character compass
Carole Hanson
Lisa Atwood
Stevie Lake
Max Regnery
Veronica Diangelo
Discussion points
What do you think made Carole feel shy about the horse? How would you feel in her situation?
Can you describe a time when you had to work as a team like The Saddle Club members did? What was challenging and rewarding about it?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story? How do Carole, Stevie, and Lisa support each other?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, share your own stories of overcoming fears or working with friends to achieve a goal. This personal connection can make the themes more relatable for your child.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite scene. This can help them express their understanding and thoughts about the book's events and characters.
Encourage your child to think about the traits they admire in Carole, Stevie, and Lisa. Discuss how these traits might be helpful in their own life.
After reading the book, encourage your child to predict what might happen in the next Saddle Club book, fostering their imagination and anticipation for continued reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Horse Shy', the members of the Saddle Club must work together to organize a rummage sale to raise money for their horse show. Through cooperation, they successfully reach their goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve a common objective, which is applicable in school projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in the book take on the responsibility of caring for their horses, which teaches them about commitment and reliability.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the significance of being responsible for their own pets or chores at home, understanding the dedication required to take care of another living being or an important task.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: One of the main characters, Stevie, works to overcome her fear of jumping her horse in shows. This subplot highlights the theme of facing and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to confront their own fears, whether they are related to school, such as public speaking or trying out for a sports team, showing them that courage can lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The story demonstrates the consequences of not being truthful, especially when one of the characters lies about an incident. This dishonesty leads to misunderstandings and mistrust among friends.
Real-World Application: It serves as a lesson for children on the importance of honesty in building and maintaining trust in relationships with friends and family.