Review: CHRISTINE - A Day To Go Hunting

A Day To Go Hunting is this week's book. Although about hunting, it is not connected to the Chill Valley Hunt series. It was first published in 1956.

The blurb (taken from the first image) reads:-

A DAY TO GO HUNTING is no ordinary pony story but an exciting and absorbing novel for girls and boys. It all takes place in one day - the day of the meet. Most of the local riders are there: John, a farmer's son; Angela, Tony, eleven-year-old Mark; the Trumans and their parents; Lucy, Graham, Adam; the proprietress of the riding school and Jan, her working pupil. Hounds find almost at once and run across the Vale. A fog descends, things begin to go wrong and suddenly catastrophe looms up. Through the course of this eventful day everyone is affected by what takes - ambitions are realised, new friends made, jobs are lost and found; above all, several learn more about themselves in the crisis which calls forth their latent qualities. The story ends as they return home - all of them wiser, happier and more than a day older than at the start.


The blurb, taken from the paperback edition (second image) reads:-

Excitement ran high all around the county, even though the morning was cold and wet, for it was a day to go hunting. There was havoc at the riding school and Midnight had thrown a shoe. Poor Mark had been looking forward to the hunt for so long, but Merrylegs had disappeared from her paddock!

Just as the hounds were moving off, the sun broke through the clouds. It was going to be a perfect day. But Jane was nervous of the hard and slippery ground, and with good reason. Her young thoroughbred, Trooper, rides too fast at a fence and goes down. Then the hounds pick up a false scent and get into a park full of deer. Everyone knows the park is out of bounds. And worse still, a thick, swirling mist comes down. What a day to go hunting!

The first edition is illustrated by Sheila Rose. The second (paperback) edition is not illustrated. 

It begins with the setting of the scene, and we are introduced to several of the characters. In the first edition there is a handy list of characters at the beginning of the book so the reader is not too confused.  

Then there's the actual hunt which takes place with several disasters around. A fog distends, people get lost and animals injured. The story is long winded with one disaster to the next. It is too drawn out and is not one of Christine's finest. I personally feel it would have been better off as a short story or novella. It didnt grab it as it was too much of a ramble with lots of padding.  The sheer amount of incidents are unbelievable .

It is unlikely to be republished due to the fact there is a lot of hunting content. That is a good thing, as aside from the hunting content it is generally a weak story. If you dont like reading about hunting then this isnt for you as there is not enough to be going on to make it worthwhile. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - Pony Club Camp

Pony Club Camp is the fifth and final book in the Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). Despite it's title, it is not related to the books Pony Club Cup, Pony Club Challenge and Pony Club Trek. It was first published in 1957. It was republished in 2021 as an ebook and in 2022 as an paperback by Jane Badger Books. It was illustrated by Sheila Rose although the illustrations do not appear in the ebook. 

The blurb reads:-

For the Pony Club member it is the high spot of the summer. Out come the tents and sleeping bags and torches. Into boxes go grooming kits, headcollars, mugs and plates, haynets, pyjamas, and buckets. Children and ponies arrives in one glorious great confusion as camp begins at last.

The first night is full of surprised! A week of mounted games, jumping, schooling, picnic rides and midnight feasts is crowned by the Pony Club Gymkhana - and some very surprising results.

The blurb reads:-

This is the latest if Josephine Pullein-Thompson's well known pony stories. Many of the characters who appear in her earlier books such as One Day Event and Pony Club Team appear again here. The story revolves round a fortnight camp which is run by Major Holbrooke and in which a variety of all ages and sizes come to learn more about their difficult and enthralling hobby.

Although the first blurb refers to the later paperback edition I am using the full text in order to conduct my review: so as a consequence there may be references to things that are missing from paperback editions (bar Jane Badger's edition who uses the original text). I no longer own a edited edition to check. 

The beginning of the book sets the scene. Noel and Henry who have left school (there is talk of Henry and the army) are promoted to camp instructors by the Major. There is a mad dash by the rest of the members to find the money for the camp; naturally they are all excited. A Mrs Quayle (interestingly enough there is a Alison Quayle in the Woodbury Pony Club series. Though it has to be pointed out they are 2 completely different  characters. A fact of note is that both Quayle's appear in the last book in the series) is introduced as head of the Pony Club Camp. 

The second chapter is taken up by the setting up of the camp. Henry organises them by way of a whistle which proves effective. There is some new junior members appear such as Merry, the Barkhams and Judith Quayle. 

The next chapter is taken by practical tasks of the camp. Personally speaking i found it ok, nothing offensive. It certainly sets the scene. 

Chapter 4 is mainly taken up by the riding part. As per typical fashion as seen in the previous books, both rides (Noel is in charge of one and Henry the other) are completely useless.  They do some schooling and mounted games. 

The fifth chapter is taken up with practical horse care with some schooling from Noel. As per typical Josephine style there is some schooling technique but it's so brilliantly woven in you dont notice you're being taught.  There's also a scavenger hunt taking place with interesting results.  

Chapter 6 is taken up with a Sound Hunt. It's full of adventure. Interestingly Gay Milwood says it would be super if Noel and Henry married,  the first hint of romance in the book. 

The next chapter is taken up with the preparation for the forthcoming inspection by 3 friends of the Major (something announced towards the last of the previous chapter). It is remarked by Gay how Noel and Henry would make a good couple; there are plans by her to get them together.  There is jumping of which there is mixed results.  There is also practice for an activity ride.  The inspection commences and there is also Pony Club C and B tests taking place.  That is done with mainly excellent results.

The eighth chapter is taken up by practising for the ride that is going to take place that afternoon. It is referred to as Parents Afternoon and Gymkhana.  The Mounted Games takes place during the chapter, with rosettes won. There is also a jumping competition and a relay race. All of which are witnessed by parents. 

The ninth chapter is taken up by a ride on the Downs. Noel and Henry reminisce over events that took place in previous books. Gay talks about marriage, particularly by young people. This is rebutted by the Major. There is a party in this chapter too, which is enjoyed by all members. 

The 10th and final chapter is about the end of the camp. All members want to do it again as they are sad to leave. There are prizes given and that is the end of the book. 

It is generally a good book and gives a hint of an experience of Pony Camp. There is alluded to whether a kiss appeared in this book between Noel and Henry. Personally speaking I like to think it happened even if it was just a peck on the cheek. It's because of the romance that Josephine did not write any more books in this series as it was generally frowned upon at the time it was published. Still worth reading as it's not too explicit if you dont enjoy romance.  

Review: CHRISTINE - The Horse Sale

The Horse Sale was first published in 1960, the same year as Ride By Night. The image to the left is of the first edition, which contains lovely drawings by Sheila Rose. This cover by many is considered to be one of the finest covers that Christine's ever had. Although it has been republished, to me, the two subsequent republications are not as good as this one.

The blurb reads:-

HORSE SALE: April 20th: Wetford Market.

What was the real meaning of this notice and who was going to be affected by it? Olga found to her horror that her beloved gelding Crusoe would have to go; how could she live without him? And the Riding School decided to send it's newest horse, Jupiter. But apart from the inevitable buying and selling what was special about this sale on April 20th? What it to be a day only of broken hearts and empty paddocks?

"Everyone seems to be here," thought Olga, as she gazed at Crusoe for what was probably the last time. And everybody was there - some to buy, some to sell and some to watch. And the outcome...Well Christine Pullein-Thompson surprises us all at the last moment, and you are sure to be amazed at what happens at the end of that extraordinary day.

It is told from the perspective of several characters all of which are going to be heavily effected by the sale. The majority of the characters do not want the sale as the effects are negative on their lives. But Christine has done a few characters whose sale is a positive one. It's a wonderful telling of yin and yang for every negative there is a positive.

There's 12 chapters in my edition which is the first edition. The first chapter sets out the characters of the story which is well written and sets the scene. The majority of the story is all about the preparation of the characters for the sale which is as equally well written. The last few chapters are taken up with the sale and it's effects on the characters concerned both during and after the sale.

It's one of Christine's best works. It's one that explores relationships both horse and human but mostly human. Like all good books everything works out ok in the end but not in a predictable way. The only thing that dates it is one character tries to sell a fridge these days it wouldn't work as due to the way modern life is people wouldn't survive without at the very least a fridge. But we can forgive this little foible.

If you aren't bothered about edition this book isnt terribly hard to find. I urge you to try and read this for the description of characters makes it well worth reading.

Review: DIANA - Horses At Home & Friends Must Part

Horses At Home/Friends Must Part is this weeks book.

It is actually 2 short stories combined into one volume, I have never seen them printed separately. It was first published in 1954.

The first picture on the right is the first edition and the second picture to the right is an Collins Pony Library edition, but there is not a blurb on those. I like the Collins Pony Library editions, they seem to have nice illustrations on the cover. The first edition is illustrated by Sheila Rose, but the Collins Pony Library edition is not illustrated.

The blurb reads:-

When Nicholas's and Clare's aunt was suddenly rushed into hospitial, everyone wanted to know what was to happen to her two famous show jumpers.

Nicholas had a suggestion.

"But it would be so easy, and Aunt couldn't afford to pay all that money to have them kept in a livery stable. Please let us have them. Please. We'll be dreadfully careful."

Their mother wavered. "Alright then. I give up. We'll have them for a day or two and see how you get on." And the children set about making the HORSES AT HOME...........

Horses At Home is the first story: it tells the story of Nicholas and Clare's famous showjumping Aunt (called Gay), who due to an illness, means that they are left to care for them. They quite often find themselves out of control (overhorsed springs to mind here), which leads to some incidents. Fortunately nothing deadly serious happens, and they get their reward when Aunt Gay is much better. To me, this has elements of Pat Smythe's (the showjumper) real life, and to a certain extent her books, but it is still a lovely story.

Friends Must Part is the second: it tells about Andy and her relationship with her pony and the people who live across the road. She has a pony called Peppermint, but is later replaced with a pony called Gingersnap. Unfortunately when she goes to buy Gingersnap her sister, Brandysnap is for sale. The people across the road chose Brandysnap, when in reality Andy wanted her first. There is a feud over this, which isnt helped with the 2 ponies wanting to be with each other. Fortunately, this is solved towards the end of the book.

I personally think that Horses At Home is the better story: perhaps why this is first. But they are both great stories and one of the easiest to get into. It is a pleasant light book which should appeal to everyone: however being 2 short stories there are some bits missing, and could be better if it was 2 normal length books. Still this is one of my favourite Diana books.

Review: DIANA - A Pony For Sale

I must admit that there was no logic to choosing this book. This week I have been contending with some stupid, no rather incompetent, people who have been installing a new central heating system. Despite being told that it would take 3 days (Thursday was the day it was due to be finished), I am still sitting here with unfinished work. Thankfully I did not pay for the work (nor the system) otherwise I would be asking for some of my money back. Not to mention the toilet seat being broken in the process and my indoors only cat being let out numerous times. Anyway the consequence of all this work meant that I had to put all the books away (during which a hard back book fell on my head from the top shelf. It hurt - I blame the horses in the book!) and so I grabbed any Diana book so I could write a review.

The blurb reads (taken from the one with the photographic cover):-

"Steady, steady," I whispered, but Martini book into a canter. And then a terrible thing happened; a dog ran out of some bushes, sending Martini into a frenzy of fear. She plunged forward, snatching wildly at the reins and throwing me onto her neck. I grabbed the mane as she broke into a gallop. "Please stop. Please, Martini. Whoa, whoa, steady," I pleaded.

But it was no use. I was being run away with, and there was absolutely nothing I could do....


The photographic edition is not illustrated. However the first edition (illustrated cover) is illustrated by Sheila Rose.



A Pony for Sale is one that I quite enjoy. It is an interesting tale about a pony and the 4 riders she endures (written from the rider's point of view). Interestingly for the PT's her first rider is a male, something that is not common in many pony books. Like most ponies in life, the riders are good and bad, but it shows you the importance of never selling a pony to someone you have doubts about. There isnt any incidences of starvation, but one owner is rather succumbed to rapping her.

All in all it is an very good book, the issues raised in this one are still relevant today as it was in 1951 (when this book was originally published), and it hasnt lost it's charm. Although thankfully rapping is not as commonplace, but it does raise awareness about how the nicest and best schooled of ponies can fall into the wrong hands.

Also, thanks to everyone who has emailed me about comments re:my blog.