Emma & Buttercup with François Robichon de La Guérinière - The Old Masters

Emma’s Connemara pony, Buttercup, has always been full of energy and surprises. But when Buttercup’s unpredictable spooks lead to dangerous falls, her parents tell Emma that they have to sell her.  

But the unexpected discovery of an old horsemanship book magically transports Emma to the Manège des Tuileries in 18th century Paris, where she gets a lesson from the legendary French horseman François Robichon de La Guérinière.

She learns that true horsemanship is about understanding, not just control. During her lesson, De La Guérinière challenges her to find out what Buttercup is trying to tell her. But the clock is ticking. Can Emma discover why Buttercup keeps spooking? Or will her parents have no choice but to sell Buttercup?

Brimming with horse riding tips, fascinating equestrian history, and a touch of time travel magic, this exciting pony adventure from Co. Meath is perfect for horse lovers aged 8 to 14 and is an ideal gift for birthdays and Christmas.

The Old Masters Series

This book is part of the Old Masters series. The Old Masters series is a remarkable historical time travel series, celebrating the famous historical figures including Antonie de Pluvinel, William Cavendish, the first Duke of Newcastle, and François Robichon de La Guérinière. This captivating pony adventure series is written by award-winning Irish equestrian author, Elaine Heney.

Reviews

The Old Masters Series is a wonderful set of books that teach real life solutions to current problems. Emma's pony, Buttercup, has what appears to be a behavioral issue and this story teaches an important truth: first look at possible medical issues when there are behavioral problems. I love Emma's loyalty to her pony and her friend's loyalty to Emma. Helping each other and supporting each other, and our equine friends, is what life is all about. The Old Masters Series shares the wisdom of the ages. I highly recommend it for everyone who loves horses and ponies and wants to understand them better. Tracey G. 

A wonderful adventure story accurately reflecting real horse challenges. The author uses a common misperception about “bad behavior” to demonstrate thoughtful horsemanship seeking the underlying causes. In this case, the teachings of De La Gueriniere illustrate to Emma how careful study, trusting the horse and her friends, and positive community support can create happy endings.  Robert H. 

Another in a series of books for young readers, this book gives us a slightly different issue to solve…a physical problem a Connemara pony has.  The story shows the reader that horses who exhibit “bad” behaviour aren’t bad at all, that there is usually a reason for it and that it is the responsibility of its guardian to figure out that reason. Well worth the read. Doris Q. 

Lovely, gentle, heartwarming story for pony-mad children. Helen W.