How to Read the Golden Filly Series
Lauraine Snelling’s Golden Filly series is a classic of young adult Christian fiction, beloved by horse enthusiasts and readers who appreciate stories of resilience, family, and deep personal faith. Across ten novels published between 1991 and 1995, the series follows sixteen-year-old Tricia Evanston as she chases her dream of becoming a professional jockey, trains her prize Thoroughbreds, and navigates profound family challenges in Vancouver, Washington.
Because the series features a continuous narrative arc, readers will get the most out of Tricia’s journey by reading the books in order. However, a major chronological issue exists in standard retail and library databases that can disrupt the reading experience if not corrected.
The Crucial Reading Caveat: Book 4 vs. Book 5
In many official publication records and local metadata listings, Call for Courage is listed as Book 4 and Kentucky Dreamer is listed as Book 5. However, this ordering represents a major continuity error. Chronologically and narratively, the events in these books unfold as follows:
- Kentucky Dreamer (Narrative Book 4): Tricia and her Thoroughbred, Spitfire, head to Churchill Downs where Tricia aims to become the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Derby.
- Call for Courage (Narrative Book 5): Following her historic victory in the Kentucky Derby, Tricia faces intense pressure, setbacks, and family tragedies as she campaigns for the Triple Crown.
Reading Call for Courage first will spoil the climax of Tricia’s Derby run. For the correct storyline progression, always read Kentucky Dreamer before Call for Courage.
Recommended Reading Order
Here is the recommended narrative reading order for the complete Golden Filly series:
- The Race (1991)
- Eagle's Wings (1991)
- Go for the Glory (1991)
- Kentucky Dreamer (1992)
- Call for Courage (1992)
- Shadow Over San Mateo (1993)
- Out of the Mist (1993)
- Second Wind (1994)
- Close Call (1994)
- The Winner's Circle (1995)
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. The Race (1991)
Tricia Evanston is a high schooler with a singular dream: to ride as a professional jockey. Her mother strongly disapproves, preferring she focus on traditional goals, while her supportive father, a veteran horse trainer, is suddenly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Tricia begins training her beloved Thoroughbred, Spitfire, determined to prove her potential on the track at Portland Meadows.
2. Eagle's Wings (1991)
As her father's health continues to decline, Tricia secretly takes on additional work to help support the family. The financial and emotional strain tests her limits as she struggles to balance school, stable chores, and competitive racing.
3. Go for the Glory (1991)
Tricia's career takes a massive leap when she travels to California to ride in the Santa Anita Derby. However, a sudden injury—a broken arm—threatens to sideline her just as she is gaining momentum in the racing world.
4. Kentucky Dreamer (1992)
Tricia makes sports history by preparing for the legendary Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Amidst media scrutiny and intense pressure, she and Spitfire chase the dream of a lifetime.
5. Call for Courage (1992)
With the Kentucky Derby behind her, Tricia aims for the remaining jewels of the Triple Crown. Heavy emotional tolls and family tragedy force Tricia to rely on her Christian faith to find the strength to continue.
6. Shadow Over San Mateo (1993)
Tricia moves to California to race, but her grief over the loss of her father clouds her judgment and causes her to question her faith in God. New rivals on the track test her focus and determination.
7. Out of the Mist (1993)
Still mourning her father, Tricia tries to reconcile her racing success with her inner spiritual struggles, seeking peace and direction as the pressure of the professional racing circuit continues to mount.
8. Second Wind (1994)
Tricia finds a new project that helps her channel her grief. She rallies her community to petition the Portland City Council to save a local thoroughbred racetrack from closure amid rumors of political corruption.
9. Close Call (1994)
Tricia accepts a public relations role as a spokesperson for Chrysler, but a devastating track accident leaves her in need of surgery. While recovering, she experiences a profound spiritual awakening that shifts her perspective on her career and future.
10. The Winner's Circle (1995)
In the emotional finale, Tricia and her new filly, Firefly, recover from their injuries. Tricia faces a persistent stalker she calls 'The Jerk' while completing her final high school milestones, eventually finding peace and realizing God’s plan for her life.
What to Know Before You Start
The Golden Filly series is specifically written for young adult readers (ages 12 and up), though its nostalgic charm and emotional depth make it highly readable for adults who enjoyed it in their youth. The books are explicitly Christian fiction; Tricia’s relationship with God and her reliance on faith are central to how she handles grief, injury, and competitive pressure. Readers should also note that while the books capture the high-stakes thrills of horse racing, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in equine terminology, but they do not detract from the heart of the story.
What to Read Next: The High Hurdles Connection
The Golden Filly series is a self-contained story that ends with The Winner's Circle. There are no sequel series or spin-offs featuring Tricia Evanston. However, readers looking for a similar experience should check out Lauraine Snelling’s companion equestrian series, High Hurdles. This ten-book series follows DJ Randall, a young girl with dreams of show jumping in the Olympics. Like Golden Filly, the High Hurdles books are available in multi-book collections and feature the same blend of Christian faith, family dynamics, and a passion for horses.