Sal’s dad is an accomplished horseman, effortlessly rounding up cows on the farm. Sal has her own horse, and she loves spending time on him, all while wishing she could be a cowgirl. Sal is an accomplished rider herself, galloping across the farm, and flying up the hills.

She feels free and confident and loves being home on her horse, but school brings entirely different feelings.

“She doesn’t feel brave or smart or strong or wild.”

School steals her confidence, filling her with anxiety and quiet. If only she could show everyone how clever she is on her horse? But after a little time back home and out riding, her happiness returns.

One day, Sal returns from school with a smile on her face. Taking some of her courage from her riding, she tells others of the things she can do. Her bravery helps her find a friend. This friend loves riding just as much as Sal and might just be brave enough to be a cowgirl too.

This beautifully illustrated hard back picture book is a tale about horses, dreams and also anxiety.

Sal’s horse tells the story as he watches his human friend deal with her anxiety. He can see she loves riding fast and free at home, but becomes small, quiet and sad after school.

The facial expressions on Sal’s horse-friend show his own feelings, from anticipation at the paddock fence, to joy riding, worry when Sal is sad and happiness when Sal finally makes a friend and can be her happy self all the time.

Find the budgies (on most pages) as you read, for an extra activity whilst reading this story.

Author – Isabelle Duff

Illustrator – Susannah Crispe

Picture Book

(2024, Exisle Publishing, Horses, Animals, Anxiety, Feelings, Fears, Worry, Animal Point of View, Horsemanship, Farm, Rounding Cattle, Cows, New Friend, True Self, School, Riding)