Customer Reviews

Colt

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hundreds of horse books exist for children and teens, but this book addresses a unique aspect -- horseback riding programs for those with disabilities. Colt has spina bifida and is terrified of the idea of being on a horse, but once he begins riding, he discovers that it opens new doors for him. Horseback riding soon means a great deal to him. This is a well-written, solid book. Based on my experience volunteering with a similar program, it is also accurate. Plus it contains enough action to hold readers' attention.

I've read a lot of horse books, even books about horses helping the handicapped, but few ring so true and honest as this one.

Colt is afraid of the horse - a big Appaloosa named Liverwurst -but he doesn't want to show it. He acts like a brat rather than admit his fear. Then, people pretend he isn't a brat because he has spina bifida and a wheelchair... which makes him even angrier. Liverwurst has an enormous ugly head and sneezes all over Colt. Not exactly a romantic beginning - but far better.

There's a lot of honest, raw feeling in this book, and plenty of funny moments too. It doesn't follow the classic Magickal kind of plot you might expect. Inconvenient Real Life is a factor. Colt is a real person - and his new stepbrother and stepsister are real people too, with real feelings and fears that are not always directly expressed. But, they love each other and learn to laugh with each other.

This is a whole hearted, enthusiastic 5, possibly a 6, and a great read for adults as well as kids.

Colt is a disabled boy who suffers from spina bifida that makes him unable to get around without a wheelchair most of the time. He also suffers (in his opinion) from getting a new father after his biological dad left him and his mom when the disability was revealed by the doctors.

Overall the story was well done; it made you relate to the main character without feeling sorry for him and really showed that horses and kids can accomplish just about anything together. I recommend this book to any person assisting at a disabled riding stable.

Recommended reading age: 8-12 yrs.

Colt is a great book for horselovers and the handicapped horselovers. This book is about a boy that's handicapped that got a horse for Christmas.

This is a great and moving book about what a person can do if he or she really puts there heart into it.