The Everything Book of Horses and Ponies by D.K. Publishing (link)

This non-fiction guide to horses and ponies will educate and entertain your child at the same time. It provides a brief introduction to horse care and terminology, as well as introduces some interesting horse facts. This is a great book for teaching children about their favorite animals with colorful photographs of real-live horses and ponies.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble (link)

This classic winner of the 1979 Caldecott Medal tells the story of a young Native American girl who forms a special bond with a herd of wild horses. The artwork is bold and colorful, and the story is engaging and whimsical. It’s a must-read for any horse-crazy child, and many adults will likely remember it as a classic from their childhoods as well.

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett (link)

This beautifully illustrated children’s classic tells the story of a plucky little pony named Fritz who dreams of becoming one of the beautiful horses in the walled city beyond his village. Fritz is endearing and hard-working, and he ends up saving the day using his bravery and heart. With intricate illustrations and the heartwarming message that “beauty is only skin deep,” Fritz and the Beautiful Horses has always been one of my personal favorites (and I bet you’ll love it too!.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (link)

This “modern fable for all ages that explores ‘life’s universal lessons’” is a winner that you’ll be sure to enjoy right alongside your kids. It ponders such themes as friendship, self-esteem, and kindness. While younger children may need some help reading the illustrative script, the language is simple and easy to understand. This is a classic that can be enjoyed for years, even well beyond the childhood years.

Billy and Blaze by C.W. Anderson (link)

The first book in the classic “Billy and Blaze” series, this book tells the story of a beautiful friendship between Billy, “a little boy who ‘loved horses more than anything else in the world,’” and Blaze, his very own pony. A sweet and heartwarming adventure, this is a perfect choice for introducing your horse-crazy early reader to chapter books. There are 11 books total in the Billy and Blaze series, and you might just be compelled to read them all!

Black Beauty by Igloo Books (link)

Anna Sewell’s 1877 classic novel has been adapted and retold for generations, offering a horse’s perspective on animal welfare in the Victorian era. While the original tale may be better suited for older children, this bright picture book retelling can give young children a glimpse of the story in a condensed way. The illustrations are whimsical and fun, and it gives a simplified version of the original that provides an introduction to the classic story of Black Beauty’s life.

The Smallest Horse by Lorie List (link)

Trixie the miniature horse longs to have a special job on the ranch, but she is just too small to herd cattle or lead a trail ride. Her friends insist that she has her own unique talents, and she begins to realize what makes her special through the course of this delightful book. With sweet illustrations and a feel-good message about finding your strengths, The Smallest Horse is a winner for any young pony-loving child.

If I Ran the Horse Show: All About Horses by Bonnie Worth (link)

If your child loves horses and Cat in the Hat, they’ll love this book! Cat in the Hat and his friends provide tons of factual horse information in a fun and engaging way. While the book itself is more about general (but detailed!) horse information, rather than what goes into running a horse show, equine lovers of all ages will get something from this fun and educational book.

My Pony by Susan Jeffers (link)

This heartwarming tale is for all the horse lovers out there who have always wanted their own ponies.  With sweet illustrations, My Pony tells the story of a child who longs of a pony of her own. Even though she can’t have one in real life, she learns she can create her dream pony right in her imagination and conjures it up through artwork. This book is a must-read for any kid with a passionate dream, especially if that dream may seem out of reach. 

Hello, Horse by Vivian French and Catherine Rayner (link)

Hello, Horse is an adorable story about a pair of friends and a horse named Shannon. This is a great little story for anyone whose child seems interested in horseback riding lessons, but may be somewhat apprehensive. In this story, Shannon takes a little boy for his first ride, and shows him how to be a good equestrian. The book is filled with whimsical illustrations and sprinkled with fun horse facts throughout.