Little Squire: The Jumping Pony

Reach for this book when your child is feeling discouraged by their own physical limitations or feels like they do not fit the mold of what a winner should look like. Little Squire is a true story that highlights the power of a deep, trusting bond between an animal and a human, proving that size and pedigree are secondary to heart and hard work. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows a tiny pony and his rider as they navigate financial hardship and professional skepticism to reach the pinnacle of the horse show world. It is an ideal choice for elementary and middle school readers who appreciate animal stories grounded in history. Parents will value the book for its emphasis on resilience and the way it models how to handle both success and struggle with dignity. It serves as a gentle introduction to the realities of the 1930s while maintaining an inspiring, optimistic tone that leaves readers feeling empowered.