Grace & Chester with William Cavendish - The Old Masters

Twelve year old Grace is excited to compete at Ballywater Show in Tipperary with her Connemara pony, Chester. But when the show committee bans bitless bridles, Lucy’s excitement turns to heartbreak. Determined to fight for fairness, she’s lost on where to start, until a mysterious pink horsebox arrives, and its quirky owner, Lisa, leads her to an old book by 17th century English horseman William Cavendish.

Magically transported back in time, William Cavendish shares his timeless wisdom about kindness, skill, and the art of horsemanship. Armed with newfound confidence, she returns to the present with a bold plan - to host a bitless riding showcase to change people’s minds. But can she convince the Ballywater Show committee before it’s too late?

Brimming with horse riding tips, fascinating equestrian history, and a touch of time travel magic, this exciting pony adventure 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

This book is one of a series of books for young people in which the young riders champion their horses in different ways.  The books feature little lessons in history as well, bringing in a different master from centuries ago in each book, to provide wisdom and knowledge.  The best thing of all these books is the way these young riders advocate for their beloved horses.  If you know any children who love horses, I highly recommend this series. Doris Q. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the details given about bitless bridles. It is also a wonderful example of how courage, conviction and positive demonstrations can bring about positive change. Well done! Tracey G.  

I loved this book!!! The beautiful, atmospheric descriptions of the Irish countryside made me want to go there. The story is enthralling and the overall messages about bitless bridles, learning from history while challenging tradition and perceived wisdom when it negatively affects horse welfare, leading by example, and the little guys being able to bring about change when they are passionate and dedicated enough, are so inspiring and thought provoking. A children’s book and so much more, I think this series of books is life enhancing and could have such a huge, and much needed, positive impact on horse welfare. Helen W.