Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School | Conor and Coconut: Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School, #3

By Elaine Heney

9 year old Conor lives in Donegal with his three year old Connemara pony Coconut. He loves all animals and dreams of becoming a vet when he grows up. When Conor wins a place with Coconut at the Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School in Galway, he can't believe his luck! 

 

But disaster strikes on the first day, when the principal Mrs. Thundercare says that Conor can't ride Coconut at Saddlestone. Will Conor have to say goodbye to Saddlestone and give up his dream of becoming a vet? Enjoy the twists and turns in this exciting Saddlestone adventure.

 

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 working with young horses, the equine age of maturity, picking up hooves, building confidence and lots more, 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: Jul 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223624882

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ouch! Conor cried out as he landed with a heavy thud on the ground. He lay there for a moment, catching his breath. Then slowly he sat up, his hands checking his arms and legs for any scratches or bruises.

As his eyes adjusted, the first thing he saw was a huge, soft, grey nose. Coconut, his three year old Connemara pony was standing in front of him, his reins trailing on the grass.

Coconut’s round, brown eyes were staring directly at Conor. It was as if he was asking, Why are you sitting on the ground?

Conor loved Coconut a lot, but Coconut would often be scared by things like the bird that had just flown from a bush, surprising them both and causing Conor to fall off.

Slowly, Conor got up from the ground, dusting off the dirt from his clothes. He moved over to Coconut and wrapped his arms around the pony's neck, giving him a big, comforting hug.

He then looked at Coconut.

Did you get a fright Coconut? That's okay. That bird scared me too.  Let's try again.

His voice was full of determination and care. After all, he knew falling off and getting back up again was just part of the learning process. At least he hoped it was...

Conor was nine years old and he loved living in Donegal with his three year-old Connemara pony, and his family.

Conor adored Coconut. He loved watching Coconut’s nostrils flare wide when he cantered around the field like he was trying to breathe in the entire world.

Coconut’s ears would flick back and forth like they were trying to catch every sound when something new caught his attention. And when Conor brushed Coconut's coat till it shone like a polished stone under the sun, the pony would snort with pure delight.

But Conor’s parents weren’t horse people. In fact, he was the only person in his whole family who wanted to learn how to ride.  

After nearly a year of beginner lessons at the local riding school, Conor had begged his parents for a pony of his own.

Three months ago, Conor’s Mum and Dad had bought Coconut at the horse sales in Ballyshannon. Coconut was Conor's first-ever pony, and he loved him more than anything.

Conor's parents had thought it was a good idea to buy a young pony, so Conor and Coconut could learn both together. But sometimes Conor wished that Coconut was a little braver and didn’t spook as much!

One afternoon, Conor was sitting by Coconut, a gentle hand running over the pony's mane.

You know, Coconut, he said, looking at the pony's curious eyes. You're the best friend I've ever had. We're going to have lots of adventures together!

Coconut, seeming to understand, nuzzled Conor's arm gently, causing the boy to laugh.

That's right, Coconut, Conor replied, grinning widely, We're a team, you and me!

Chapter 2

When Conor grew up, his dream was to go to university in Dublin and become a vet and help sick animals. His favourite magazine to read each week was the #1 pony magazine in Ireland, called PonyTime.

Conor would spend hours flipping through the pages, engrossed in tales of pony heroes, adventures, veterinary tips and heart-warming stories.

Every afternoon after school, Conor would run down to the paddock and spend hours with Coconut, telling him everything that had happened at school that day.

Coconut, I loved science class today. It was all about dogs and how to help them when they are feeling sick. When I grow up, I really want to be a vet. Then I can help lots of animals to feel better – including dogs and ponies!  

Conor showed Coconut the pages of his PonyTime magazine, filled with stories of brave ponies and clever vets. Conor could spend hours imagining himself in those stories, helping ponies just like Coconut.

One sunny day, Conor was