Saddle up for a thrilling ride with the Pony Club Secrets series, where horse-mad adventures, magical ponies, and unbreakable friendships gallop off the page! Written by Stacy Gregg, this beloved junior fiction series follows Isadora 'Issie' Brown and her friends at the Chevalier Point Pony Club in a fictional New Zealand setting. Blending authentic equestrian details with a sprinkle of fantasy, these thirteen books capture the heart of pony club life, making them a must-read for young riders and dreamers alike.
From gymkhanas to ghostly stallions, Pony Club Secrets offers a world where every hoofbeat brings a new mystery. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just love a good story, this series invites you to join Issie’s journey of courage, rivalry, and pony-powered magic.
How Pony Club Secrets Began
Stacy Gregg, a New Zealand author and lifelong equestrian, created Pony Club Secrets, drawing from her childhood at the Ngaruawahia Pony Club. As a girl, Gregg trained her dog to showjump until her parents relented and got her a pony named Bonnie. Her love for horses and storytelling fueled the series, which debuted in 2007 with HarperCollins UK. Initially planned for four books, its popularity led to thirteen titles, including a special Christmas story, Issie and the Christmas Pony.
Gregg’s background as a fashion journalist and her knack for vivid, heartfelt narratives shaped a series that feels both grounded and enchanting. Set in the fictional Chevalier Point, the stories weave real pony club experiences with fantastical elements, like mystical horses and daring quests, captivating readers worldwide.
The Heart of Pony Club Secrets
The series kicks off with Mystic and the Midnight Ride, where Issie’s beloved pony, Mystic, faces a tragic fate, only for a new horse, Blaze, to spark hope. In Blaze and the Dark Rider, Issie competes in the Interclub Gold Shield, but sabotage threatens her team’s victory. Destiny and the Wild Horses sees Issie summering in the countryside, where she fights to save wild ponies, including a stallion named Destiny. Storm and the Silver Bridle follows Issie’s global adventure to rescue her stolen colt, Storm, in a race against time.
Pony Club Secrets shines through its themes of friendship, resilience, and the deep bond between horse and rider. The series balances thrilling competitions with emotional depth, showing Issie’s growth as she faces challenges like rivalries and loss. Its New Zealand setting, rich with coastal cliffs and pony trails, adds a vivid backdrop, while fantasy elements—like ghostly ponies and magical connections—give it a whimsical edge. Gregg’s authentic equestrian details make every ride feel real, appealing to horse lovers and adventure fans alike.
The pacing is spot-on, with each book blending comedy, mystery, and drama. The diverse cast, from loyal friends to cunning rivals, keeps the stories dynamic, while the focus on horse-rider relationships sets it apart from typical teen dramas.
Why Pony Club Secrets Resonates
Pony Club Secrets has galloped into the hearts of young readers, reinvigorating the pony genre with its fresh mix of realism and magic. Fans praise its engaging plots and relatable heroine, with Goodreads reviews calling it 'an emotional roller-coaster' perfect for horse-crazy kids and teens. Its emphasis on teamwork and perseverance inspires readers, while its niche equestrian focus has built a loyal following among pony club enthusiasts.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where ponies are heroes and every adventure feels epic. By celebrating the joy of riding and the strength of friendship, Pony Club Secrets continues to inspire new generations to dream big and hold the reins tight.
- First published: August 2007
- Number of books: 13, including a Christmas special
- Setting: Chevalier Point, New Zealand
- Awards: Stacy Gregg won multiple Children’s Choice Junior Fiction awards for other works
Grab Mystic and the Midnight Ride and dive into the enchanting world of Pony Club Secrets today! Whether you’re chasing gymkhanas or magical ponies, Issie’s adventures are waiting to sweep you away.