The Once Upon a Horse series by Sarah Maslin Nir is a middle-grade fiction collection that intertwines real-life equestrian stories with themes of perseverance, identity, and the deep bond between humans and horses. Each book draws inspiration from true events and figures, offering young readers both entertainment and insight into the equestrian world.

1. The Flying Horse
This debut novel introduces seventh-grader Sarah, a horse-loving girl in New York City, and Trendsetter, a Dutch Warmblood horse from the Netherlands. Their parallel journeys of self-discovery and overcoming challenges converge, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-acceptance.

2. The Jockey & Her Horse
Co-authored with Raymond White Jr., this installment is inspired by the true story of Cheryl White, the first Black female jockey. The narrative follows young Cheryl’s determination to break racial and gender barriers in horse racing, emphasizing courage and the pursuit of dreams.

3. The Star Horse
Centered around Lori Allegria, a shy seventh-grader, and her Norwegian Fjord horse, Billy, this story explores themes of friendship, fame, and finding one’s voice. When Billy is cast in a Hollywood film but goes missing in the Mojave Desert, Lori embarks on a daring rescue mission, discovering her inner strength along the way.

Collectively, the Once Upon a Horse series offers heartfelt narratives that celebrate diversity, determination, and the transformative power of the human-animal connection.