Sometimes the memory of a book read years before is betrayed by a reread. Such is not the case of my latest foray, "Sky Rocket: the Story of a Little Bay Horse". After a forty odd year gap since the last time I read it, this story charmed and delighted me anew.

Based upon a true story, the narrative takes you and Sky Rocket from birth, through training and then into abuse and cruelty. How the little bay (14.1 1/2 hands) survives and then, when rescued in Deus ex machina fashion, blossoms into his full potential, makes exciting and satisfying reading.

If you are familiar with horses' care and training, you should appreciate the details within this book. If you're a novice to the world of dressage and sport jumping, you'll get an education. Either way, you'll enjoy a tale of riches to rags and back to riches for Sky Rocket.

Well recommended, and not just to adolescents! ( )