The Wild Mare
#3 in Horse Tales Series
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
In Idaho, an orphaned filly, rescued by and then separated from a young cowboy, has adventures with various owners and bands of wild horses before being reunited with her old benefactor.
Discussion points
How do you think the mare felt when she was trying to protect her foal? What would you have done in her place?
What are some ways the characters in the story showed courage? Can you think of a time you were courageous?
Why is the relationship between the mare and her environment important? How do we impact the environment around us?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Have you learned something similar from your own experiences?
If you were to tell this story to a friend, what parts would you emphasize and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the shoes of different characters, especially the mare and her foal.
Highlight instances of problem-solving in the story, discussing with your child how they might handle similar situations.
Discuss the setting of the story and how it influences the characters, drawing parallels to the child's own environment.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to engage sensory imaginations and enhance your child’s attention to detail.
Praise your child's responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Wild Mare', the protagonist learns the importance of being responsible while caring for a wild mare.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their actions and duties, such as completing homework or chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases the character's journey to understand and empathize with the mare's feelings and fears.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate of others' emotions in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces challenges but learns the value of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in school, sports, or friendships.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book highlights the beauty and respect for the wild, as seen through the mare's connection to her natural habitat.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and care for the environment around them.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates courage when dealing with the wild mare and in facing his own fears.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears and try new things, building confidence.