Prince of Ponies by Stacy Gregg
Harper Collins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008332310.
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Themes: Horses; World War II; Refugees. This
is not a sickly-sweet pony club story, rather it is a mature story
based on historical fact that combines the history of some famous
horses that were almost part of Hitler's equine breeding programme.
It also includes the fictional story of their youthful Polish
rescuer - Zofia; and then her protege, the Syrian refugee - Mira. Prince
of Ponies begins with Zofia's account of her introduction to
the Arabian stallion - Prince of Poland - during a time of great
stress as the Germans were taking over her home in Poland in World
War II. The bond that was forged between rider and horse gave her
opportunity to survive and then flee from Hitler's advancing program
of destruction. The account of Zofia's early life is related to Mira
so that she can record this history and she is also trained to ride
the horse - Amir, from the breeding line of the original stallion.
Mira's own life of struggle as a Syrian refugee living in Germany is
a side issue to the training and performance of the horse and its
youthful rider. With a hint of the bullying that Mira must face in
her school context, this is also a story about rising above the poor
treatment inflicted by others.
This book is reminiscent of stories written by Michael Morpurgo
where a serious historical incident is woven into a powerful story.
It is written as the story of Mira, but includes the recount of
Zofia as a separate narrative. The relationship between the much
older Zofia as riding coach and the young Mira is unusual, but
connects the two narrative elements. This is a book that is worthy
of recommendation for the historical quality of the story, but horse
lovers and enthusiasts of dressage and show-jumping will also be
impressed by the detail of this in the book. The growth and maturing
of the young protagonist as she overcomes difficulties and fears
will also appeal to readers.
Recommended to readers aged 11+ (Not just for lovers of horses!)
Carolyn Hull