Fly-By-Night

The title of this review says it all. It was introduced to me by a much-loved children's librarian when it was first published in the US - I lived, breathed and slept Ruth's story and so, so much wanted to be her, or be like her. I could completely relate to being the outsider among other riders, and feeling that I was walking in the dark. The author is to be commended for her very realistic handling of horses, riding, Pony Club - and the attitudes of other people with horses. The story stands alone beautifully, but I underestand it's the beginning of a series. If you can possibly get your hands on a copy of this, do. Do not, as my 10-year-old self (in 1968) was driven to do when we moved out of that library's district - secretly steal it from the shelf. I was so sure I'd never find another copy of this beloved story, I was moved to larceny. I'm not proud of that, but it was the first and only time I stole as a child - that's how much I loved it.

I'm sad that Fly-by-Nigh, and its sequel, The Team, are no longer in print. They should be! These books are so well written and the characters so carefully drawn; they are superior in every way not only to most horse books, but to most modern young adult books as well. This book is accurate as regards British Pony Club, and wonderfully horsey, but it's also realistic. Ruth isn't a perfect rider OR a perfect person. She has flaws and problems, and a life that is sometimes rocky. She, Peter, and Jonathan are real people. Visit them again in The Team, Free Rein, Prove Yourself a Hero, A Midsummer Night's Death, and the Pennington books (Pennington's Last Term, The Beethoven Medal, and Pennington's Heir).

This book is totally unlike any other 'pony-book' I ever read. It is about an 11-year-old girl named Ruth who is crazy about ponies but ponyless, until she spends her entire savings(about$60) on a 2-year-old New Forest gelding named Fly. She struggles to train him by herself- she has no experience- and struggles to keep him on her pay from doing a paper-round. I read this when I was around the same age as Ruth, and immediately identified with her frustrations and her growing love for her pony, whom she is desperate both to keep, and to make somthing of. This is quality childrens' literature, it is beautifully written and Ruth as a character is very much alive and believable (as is Fly's!) I wish it were still in print as I would definately order a copy for my daughter.