By Leigh Ballard
As a former amateur steeplechase jockey and a lifelong horsewoman, Anne Hambleton knows about the lives of Thoroughbred horses. Raja: Story of a Racehorse is her debut work of fiction for young people, and it captures the imagination by being largely from the point of view of the horse. Raja’s life story is traced from foalhood on the breeding farm of an ultra-wealthy sheik, to success at the racetrack, and then through many trials and misfortunes after his life as a racehorse.
Raja’s story is one that keeps the reader a little on edge wondering what stroke of good luck or misfortune will befall the horse as his story unfolds. Raja is a super talented horse, but as is the case with many highly bred hot-blooded horses, he has his quirks.
He is injured as a stellar racing career is developing, but before he can fully realize his potential at the racetrack. Then, because of political and financial woes of his owner, he is sold.
It is his good luck to find his way to a top level show-jumping barn, where it is discovered that he is also very talented at jumping, possibly even of Olympic caliber. However, his new owner is involved in a disastrous car accident, and he must be sold again.
His tale winds through a series of other owners and experiences, some good and some very bad. He is put through some cruel twists of fate, but he is rescued from certain death, and ultimately his story is one of triumph (much to the reader’s relief.) He has the fortune, because of his extreme talent, to be recognized by people who are connected to each other in the highest circles of competitive horses. They know parts of his history, and this helps him be able to realize the ultimate success he deserves as a well-bred and talented horse.
While this story ends on a positive note, it does give the reader pause to think about the thousands of racehorses that come off the track with nowhere to go. Young readers will enjoy the book for its vivid descriptions and excitement. Adults would also enjoy the read, and probably find it ethically thought-provoking.
For more information, visit: http://rajaracehorse.com/ or Old Bow Publishing at http://www.oldbowpublishing.com/
As a former amateur steeplechase jockey and a lifelong horsewoman, Anne Hambleton knows about the lives of Thoroughbred horses. Raja: Story of a Racehorse is her debut work of fiction for young people, and it captures the imagination by being largely from the point of view of the horse. Raja’s life story is traced from foalhood on the breeding farm of an ultra-wealthy sheik, to success at the racetrack, and then through many trials and misfortunes after his life as a racehorse.
Raja’s story is one that keeps the reader a little on edge wondering what stroke of good luck or misfortune will befall the horse as his story unfolds. Raja is a super talented horse, but as is the case with many highly bred hot-blooded horses, he has his quirks.
He is injured as a stellar racing career is developing, but before he can fully realize his potential at the racetrack. Then, because of political and financial woes of his owner, he is sold.
It is his good luck to find his way to a top level show-jumping barn, where it is discovered that he is also very talented at jumping, possibly even of Olympic caliber. However, his new owner is involved in a disastrous car accident, and he must be sold again.
His tale winds through a series of other owners and experiences, some good and some very bad. He is put through some cruel twists of fate, but he is rescued from certain death, and ultimately his story is one of triumph (much to the reader’s relief.) He has the fortune, because of his extreme talent, to be recognized by people who are connected to each other in the highest circles of competitive horses. They know parts of his history, and this helps him be able to realize the ultimate success he deserves as a well-bred and talented horse.
While this story ends on a positive note, it does give the reader pause to think about the thousands of racehorses that come off the track with nowhere to go. Young readers will enjoy the book for its vivid descriptions and excitement. Adults would also enjoy the read, and probably find it ethically thought-provoking.
For more information, visit: http://rajaracehorse.com/ or Old Bow Publishing at http://www.oldbowpublishing.com/
