Dandy the Mountain Pony

Whether you are pony crazy or have never met a pony in your life, the Showtym Adventures can, and will resonate with anyone. Dandy, The Mountain Pony is the first book in the series written by Kelly Wilson.

The book starts with 9-year-old Vicky and her lease pony Cardiff. We find out that Cardiff is being sold, and as Vicky’s family is poor, they cannot afford to buy Cardiff. Vicky desperately wants a pony of her own, and soon enough, she finds an opportunity to tame a wild pony, Dandy. Can she ever get the wild stallion to settle and become a tamed pony? Will they become the perfect pair?

The main theme of this book is definitely perseverance and patience. As Vicky’s dad says, “Taming wild horses is much more difficult than it sounds in the books you read.” But Vicky is still determined. The task is made even harder by the fact that Vicky’s horse is the most difficult of the herd, a spirited troublemaker that doesn’t seem to ever want to be domesticated. The long scenes in the middle of the book also enhance the patience that Vicky needs to learn to master.

On the other hand, the book sometimes gets too embroiled in the taming of Dandy, occasionally adding scenes which don’t move the story along and keep it interesting for non-horse lovers like myself. Though I say that the scenes enhance the patience it took for Vicky to tame Dandy, they also bog the story with unneeded slow and descriptive scenes, which could be adapted for a punchier, more flowing piece that keeps people entertained, instead of bored and skipping ahead to find good bits.

Everyone knows the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” And it’s true, for most things at least. But as Claire Mabey, author of The Raven’s Eye Runaways, said, “Covers are very carefully tailored to give a good impression, so you can notice the cover and that’s okay.” I think Dandy, The Mountain Pony and all the books after have an amazing cover. The dainty details in the horses and the pretty backgrounds give a pretty aesthetic and a beautiful first impression. Showtym Adventures covers can draw even the most obstinate into wanting to read the books.

The Wilson sisters are well known in New Zealand horse world. They are all top-notch equestrian women, having competed in many equestrian competitions, such as the Pony Grand Prix, World Cup, Horse of the Year, and Road to the Horse. They have also worked with the wild horses of New Zealand (Kaimanawas), Australia (Brumbies) and America (Mustangs). Kelly is less competitive than her sisters, focusing more on taming wild horses, photography, motivational speaking and writing, but she is still wildly successful. Kelly’s experience makes reading Showtym Adventures a pleasure. The books are a partial biography of Kelly’s younger years, and she blends facts seamlessly into a compelling story, which delights as well as educates.

Though very much a book for pony lovers, I would still recommend this book to anyone from 7 to 14. With no violence and a quaint plot about overcoming wild nature, Dandy, The Mountain Pony is really something special. The fun doesn’t end there either! If you want more, there are 7 more amazing Showtym Adventures books for you to enjoy.

- Sophia is 11 and lives in Wellington