Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:
In my office sit a dozen (or more) treasured horse books, all Ex Libris to Jo Haley (Jody Smith). It’s the second time they’ve found their way to my desk, and today I caught myself wondering why. Jody never believed in coincidence—and honestly, neither do I—so it feels right to say these books were speaking to me. (No, I’m not crazy. I just love horses and books every bit as much as she did.)
Their covers glow with
vivid imagery, their pages hold illustrations that mesmerize, and their stories
tug you in so completely it’s hard to put them down. So I spent the afternoon
reading… and Jody would have approved. She would have read right alongside me
if she were here. We’d compare stories, talk horses, and lose track of time.
What a lovely thought.
I’ll be dropping the books off to Pat soon, so they can stay safe in the family archives. But before I let them go—again—I had an idea. There are so many horse‑lovers here… what if we revisit each title and have a little book discussion? Oh, I love that idea!
So with that, I’ll continue Jody’s Journals 1977 after we take a stroll through Jody’s childhood equine library. You’re welcome to share your thoughts in the “comment” section beneath each post. Let’s wander these pages together.
Intro: Childhood Stories from Jody's Bookshelf
Once upon a bookshelf, Jody kept a secret stable—one made not of wood and hay, but of paper, ink, and imagination. Open any book and a horse would step out, tossing its mane as if inviting her on another adventure. Her childhood library was more than paper; it was a meadow she could wander anytime she wished, where ponies pranced in the margins and hoofbeats echoed between chapters.
As a child, Jody tiptoed into C. W. Anderson’s elegant illustrations, where every horse seemed drawn from moonlight and discipline. She giggled her way through Ruby Ferguson’s Jill stories, feeling as if she too had a pony waiting just outside the door. Walter Farley whisked her away on wild, wind‑tangled adventures, while Thomas Hinkle taught her that loyalty could gallop beside bravery. And when she opened Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, she learned that horses had hearts as tender and hopeful as her own.
And though she grew up, she never outgrew them. The girl who once traveled those paper pastures carried her love of horses all the way through life, right to the very end, still hearing the soft, remembered hoofbeats of the stories that raised her.
In Jody’s enchanted
library, every book was a bridle, every chapter a trail, and every ending a
promise that she could return whenever she liked. This blog series steps back
into that whimsical stable—dusting off beloved spines, listening for those
remembered hoofbeats, and revisiting the magical herd that stayed with her
forever.
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Copyright 1936 MACMILLIAN COMPANY
In Billy and Blaze, C. W. Anderson introduces
young readers to Billy, a boy whose greatest wish is to have a horse of his
own. That wish comes true when he receives Blaze, a bright‑eyed, gentle pony
who quickly becomes his loyal companion. The story follows their growing bond
as Billy learns responsibility, patience, and the quiet joy of caring for a
horse. Their adventures—simple, wholesome, and full of heart—capture the
timeless magic of childhood horsemanship.
Anderson’s illustrations are the soul of the book. His
horses are rendered with remarkable anatomical accuracy and emotional
warmth—sleek coats, expressive eyes, and movement that feels alive on the page.
His training as an equestrian artist gave him a rare ability to portray horses
with both realism and grace, making each drawing feel like a moment caught in
motion. These illustrations became iconic, setting a standard for horse art in
children’s literature.
During his career, Anderson earned numerous honors for his
equine artwork, including recognition from art societies and equestrian
organizations. While the 1930s did not yet have the modern children’s book
awards we know today, his work was widely praised for its craftsmanship and
authenticity. His books became staples in school libraries and were cherished
by young riders and dreamers alike.
In the 1930s, children’s literature was expanding, but few
authors captured the world of horses with such sincerity. Anderson’s books
filled a gap—offering stories that were both aspirational and grounded in real
horsemanship. His blend of narrative and fine art helped elevate horse stories
from simple adventure tales to respected works of juvenile literature. For many
young readers, Billy and Blaze was their first introduction to the
responsibilities and joys of caring for a horse, shaping generations of equine
enthusiasts.
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