Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School | Sinead and Strawberry: Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School

By Elaine Heney

Nine year old Sinead lives in Waterford with her much loved Irish Connemara pony Strawberry. After falling off Strawberry yet again, her parents decide that Strawberry is too dangerous and will have to be sold. But when Sinead finds a Golden Saddlestone Ticket and wins a place at the famous Connemara Pony Listening School in Galway, her parents give Strawberry one last chance. Can Sinead save Strawberry? Or will she lose Strawberry forever? Join Sinead and Strawberry in this Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School Adventure to find out!

 

This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids aged 7 upwards.

 

Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between child and pony - that can last a lifetime. This book includes educational horsemanship and horse training lessons, including tips on feeding, vet care and saddle fit, based on the principles of good horsemanship. This is the perfect children's equestrian book and gift for young readers, girls, boys and all who love great horse stories to curl up with and enjoy. By listening to the horse everything becomes possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elaine Heney
• Release date: Jun 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223519614

Book preview

Saddlestone Pony Listening School

Sinead and Strawberry

Roisin and Rhubarb

Conor and Coconut

Fiona and Foxtrot

The Connemara Adventure Series

The Forgotten Horse

The Show Horse

The Mayfield Horse

The Stolen Horse

The Adventure Horse

The Lost Horse

The Coral Cove Series

The Riding School Connemara Pony

The Storm and the Connemara Pony

The Surprise Puppy and the Connemara Pony

The Castle Charity Ride and the Connemara Pony

The Shipwreck and the Connemara Pony

The Christmas Connemara Pony

Horse Books for Kids

P is for Pony – ABC Alphabet Book for Kids 2+

Listenology for Kids age 7-14

Horse Care, Riding and Training for kids 6-11

Horse Puzzles, Games & Brain Teasers for kids 7-14

Horse Books for Adults

Equine Listenology Guide

Dressage Training for Beginners

The Listenology Guide to Bitless Bridles

Horse Anatomy Colouring Book

Meet your new friends

I’m so excited! We're going to the Saddlestone Pony Listening School in Ireland.  You are about to meet Sean, Sinead, Fiona, Aoife and Eamon the vet. This is how to pronounce their names:

●  Sean Gallagher - Shaw-n  GALL-a-her

●  Sinead - Shi-NAYD

●  Fiona - Fee-O-nuh

●  Aoife - EE-fa

●  Eamon - AY-mon

Chapter 1

Early in the morning on a beautiful sunny day in Ireland, Sinead clambered onto the back of her beloved Connemara pony, Strawberry. In the heart of Waterford, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air from their whitewashed cottage, and the green hills stretched for miles. As Sinead and Strawberry trotted through the green fields, the world seemed to hold its breath. But not for long.

Suddenly a rabbit darted out of the grass and jumped in front of Strawberry's front hooves. With an unexpected jerk, Strawberry suddenly bolted, and Sinead, caught off-guard, found herself slipping off the saddle. With a soft thud, she landed on the cushioning bed of green beneath her. It wasn't the first time Sinead had found herself in the grass, but every fall was a painful reminder of Strawberry's unpredictable side.

Sinead’s Dad, busy checking the cattle in the field next door, saw what had happened. Are you alright, Sinead? he yelled, concern in his words. He sounded worried, and Sinead thought, a little annoyed. Sinead’s Mum hearing the noise, ran out to see what was going on.

Sinead's parents found her sitting on the ground, her pants covered with mud, with Strawberry nibbling gently at her hair. 

It wasn't the first time they'd found their daughter lying on the ground, having taken a tumble from Strawberry's back.  Dad gave the pony a hard stare.

Again, Sinead? Mum shook her head, her face creased with worry.

It's not Strawberry's fault, Mum, Sinead said, hugging her knees. She got spooked by a rabbit. She's just playful, that's all.

Sinead, her mother began, nervously wringing her hands.

I really think that Strawberry is just too much for you to handle. She is hard to stop, goes too fast and I can’t even remember how many times you’ve fallen off her. It’s only a matter of time before you get seriously hurt. Maybe we should find you a pony who is less... lively.

Sinead felt a lump forming in her throat. But Mum, she protested, Strawberry just needs time. She's not bad, just playful!

Playful is not the word I’d use, her father interjected.  She's getting too dangerous. We can't bear to see you getting hurt.

I wouldn't let Strawberry hurt me, Dad, Sinead said, her voice quivering.

A sigh escaped Dad's lips. Sinead, he glanced at mum.  We think we should sell Strawberry.  We will get you a quieter pony, something not so, spooky.

The words hit Sinead like a physical blow. Sell Strawberry? A world without her pony was unthinkable.

She felt a hot sting of tears behind her eyes as she threw her arms around Strawberry's warm neck. The pony nuzzled her gently, understanding her sorrow in a way only animals could.  She didn’t want another pony. Another pony wasn’t Strawberry.

Would you get rid of me if I were naughty too? Sinead asked her voice barely a whisper, muffled by Strawberry's soft mane.

She turned a tearstained dirt-streaked