The Georges and the Jewels

Abby Lovitt lives on her family's California horse ranch in the 1960s, where she helps train horses for sale. Her father insists on calling all the geldings "George" and all the mares "Jewel" to avoid getting attached to them before they're sold. The twelve-year-old narrator must balance her seventh-grade school life with the demanding work of horse training, including a difficult mount that keeps throwing her off. Her strict religious upbringing and her father's firm beliefs about horses shape her understanding of both worlds. Between navigating friendship dynamics at school and working to gain the trust of an unpredictable horse, Abby learns about patience, perseverance, and understanding different perspectives. A mysterious stranger who arrives at the ranch adds complexity to her already full life. The story explores the intersection of family obligations, personal growth, and the deep connections that form between humans and animals - even when trying to maintain emotional distance.

Readers describe this as a realistic portrayal of life on a horse farm, with accurate details about riding, training, and horse behavior. Many appreciate how it captures both the joys and frustrations of working with horses. Readers liked: - The authentic 1960s small-town California setting - Complex family dynamics and coming-of-age themes - Clear explanations of horse training methods - The main character's genuine voice Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Religious themes feel heavy-handed to some readers - Limited appeal for non-horse enthusiasts - Some found the ending abrupt Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (80+ ratings) "Perfect for young horse lovers who want substance beyond the typical pony book," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader counters: "The detailed horse training sections might lose readers who aren't already invested in equestrian life."

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The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans A Montana horse trainer helps a traumatized horse and its rider heal from a tragic accident through natural horsemanship methods.

Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen An Olympic-caliber rider returns to her family's horse farm after an accident and rediscovers her connection to horses while training a difficult stallion.

The Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell A naturalist chronicles life on a remote Scottish farm while caring for animals and connecting with the rural landscape.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell The life story of a horse passes through multiple owners, revealing the relationships between humans and horses in Victorian England.

🐎 Author Jane Smiley grew up riding horses and worked as a trail guide before becoming a writer, lending authentic details to her equestrian scenes. 📚 The novel draws from Smiley's own experiences growing up in 1960s Missouri and the cultural expectations placed on young girls during that era. 🏆 Jane Smiley won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992 for her novel "A Thousand Acres," a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear. 🐴 The practice of naming all male horses "George" and female horses "Jewel" in the book reflects a real tradition some horse traders use to avoid getting emotionally attached to animals they plan to sell. 🌟 This book is the first in a trilogy about young equestrian Abby Lovitt, followed by "A Good Horse" and "True Blue."