To the Rescue by Kirsten Hall & Martha Doty

Theresa is lucky enough to have this horse due to its malfunctioning at the Horse Riding Academy. You see, Theresa is the only person who can control this horse with a mind of its own and so her parents buy it for the lucky girl after academy owner, Rita, finally gives up. Things are going along just fine until one day,whilst out and about, Sheriff detours from their regular route and Theresa can't control him. Whatever is going on? This is a fairly predictable story but I am sure horse lovers will enjoy it. Once again, illustrations by Martha Doty add greatly to the miniature book in the Horseshoe Canyon series.

Lost in the Canyon by Kirsten Hall & Martha Doty

Mazzy, Thana's horse, is the Houdini of the horse world, and is forever sneaking away after figuring out how to unlock his stall. But, still she loves him and they spend a lot of time together. One day Thana ventures out to play a game of It with her friends. Suddenly, she is alone and in unfamiliar territory. The illustrations by Martha Doty are the best aspect of this book in the Horeshoe Canyon series.

From Midnight to Daybreak by Kirsten Hall & Martha Dory

Eight year old Amy is desperate to own a horse and she has her eye on the family's black Arabian stallion. No matter how many hints she drops, she isn't having any success as her father believes the horse to be too headstrong for such a young girl. Amy's birthday is coming up so she is putting the pressure on her parents. The big day comes, she receives an amazing cake, her hopes are high, but it seems she is not going to get a birthday present she so desperately wants.  Then, the following morning, her parents wake her early to an unexpected surprise. The illustrations by Marta Doty will not disappoint and appear on each double page of text. This is a relatively short and simple, but not "babyish" text for a middle or upper primary student needing a break from a longer novel.The title is a beautiful play on words and very apt for the book.

The Star of the Show by Kirsten Hall and Martha Doty

This is one of four little hardback books in the Horseshoe Canyon series. It is an easy read with a simple plot , but enjoyable all the same. Tyler helps his best friend with his Palomino called Star and is just learning the ropes of horse-riding. William has been practising for the annual rodeo competition and Tyler is intrigued with the barrel race. One day, whilst practising,  William breaks his foot, and suddenly Tyler finds he has the opportunity to compete. The beautiful oil painting-style illustrations by Martha Doty support the text well. The text would be suitable for grade 3-6 readers.