Libby of High Hopes, Project Blue Ribbon - Tapa dura

When summer begins, Libby starts to practice horseback riding and jumping in earnest, a process made difficult by Saddleshoes, the unruly pony she is assigned to ride. Determined to win a blue ribbon at a horse show, she spends more time at High Hopes Horse Farm with a younger rider driven to excel, and less time with her longtime best friends. Believable dialogue and vivid characterizations enhance the story, which Primavera illustrates with lively, sometimes amusing pen-and-ink drawings. A fine choice for fans of horses and riding, the second book in the Libby of High Hopes series is as enjoyable as the first.

-- Booklist, Carolyn Phelan--Booklist Online "November 12, 2015 "

Libby Thump’s life is a perfect mix of horseback riding, art, and her dog Margaret until her resilience is put to the test when she must learn to ride a challenging pony in this chapter book companion to Libby of High Hopes, which Kirkus Reviews called “a solid choice for horse lovers,” from New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Elise Primavera.

Libby Thump still wishes for a horse of her own, but she’s very happy riding Princess, the aging horse who belongs to Sal, the stable owner of High Hopes Farm. Libby loves Princess and her gentle ways, and Princess loves Libby. Then one day Sal says she has to ride Saddleshoes instead—and Saddleshoes is the most difficult pony at the stable! Sal says Princess is too old to be ridden much longer and that Libby is outgrowing her, so Libby is stuck: ride Saddleshoes, or don’t ride at all. But Libby is nothing if not determined, and so she decides that the only way to live up to her potential and achieve her dream of being the best rider in the world is to try something new. Can she find a way to win a blue ribbon riding Saddleshoes?