Riding High: #1

In the first book of the Blue Ribbon series, readers meet 16-year-old Kate Wiley. Riding and training her horse, Night Owl, is the most important thing in Kate's life; coached by her mother, a former riding champion, Kate is one of the best young riders in Connecticut. However, as the new riding season approaches, her confidence wavers. The special bond between Kate and Night Owl seems to be broken and he hardly responds to her instructions; Kate's mother is undergoing surgery and cannot help her train; kids at school--including handsome Pete--will be at her first show of the season; and finally, she learns that she will be competing against the graceful new girl, Dara. Kate's worries so overwhelm her that she is about to withdraw from the show when Dara surprises her with a friendly gesture and valuable advice. This is light, entertaining reading for horse lovers. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)