Horse Laughs and Hard Knocks

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for pre-teens; her latest books are
Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and Tarragon Island.

Each of the 14 stories in this amusing collection revolves around
horses. Told in an earthy, around-the-kitchen-table style, these are the
kinds of yarns neighbors spin while waiting for the kettle to boil.

They are not literary short stories. Character development is minimal
and lush descriptions of setting and mood are in short supply: the focus
here is on the recounting of small adventures. Most successful are those
stories in which Nelson disappears from the role of narrator and lets
his characters converse, make dreadful mistakes, and directly experience
the consequences of their actions without authorial interference. Too
often the stories conclude with a paragraph that states the moral of the
story or lists the lessons learned. The intrusion is both annoying and
unnecessary.

Nevertheless, horse people will recognize themselves and their horses
and recall the exploits of other horsey folks when reading this
collection. Horse Laughs and Hard Knocks would make a good gift for
members of the equestrian set (aged 10 and up) who are looking for a
light and entertaining read.