Dorian Williams (1915-1985)

More famous for his commentating at various horsy events than for his novels, although he was a pretty good writer. Wrote the well-loved Wendy series which were traditional pony books and two other more unusual horse novels aimed at an older readership with adult characters. The Wendy books have a certain charm, but the other two are, in my opinion, much better written.

Dorian also wrote many non-fictional books on horsemanship and riding, a dog story and a couple of autobiographical books.

Wendy Series:
A popular series despite the fact that Wendy is a bit of a drip with a large inferiority complex! There are also some rather unsettling events which take place in the books, including a married man coming into Wendy's bedroom at night and a 17 year old girl being spanked by her riding instructor!

PONYMAD SERIES RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

1) WENDY WINS A PONY
(BURKE 1961)
ILLUSTRATED BY MARY GERNAT
SUMMARY: When Wendy wins a pony in a competition she doesn't think she will be able to accept it. But then she gets a job working for the Tiverton's at their riding school which will enable her to keep the pony Smiley. After a shaky start at her new job Wendy starts to enjoy herself. But just as things are going well she realises she has grown too tall for her beloved Smiley...can she bear to part with him?

2) WENDY WINS HER SPURS
(BURKE 1962)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
SUMMARY: Despite misgivings, Wendy is persuaded to buy Ebony, a beautiful black horse. With the Tiverton's help she slowly finds it easier to manage him but still lacks confidence. Then when they suggest showing Ebony in the pairs class at The White City, Wendy thinks her riding must be improving. But humiliation is in store for Wendy….can she prove herself a good rider and 'win her spurs'?

3) WENDY AT WEMBLEY
(BURKE 1963)
ILLUSTRATED BY JULIETTE PALMER
SUMMARY: Wendy befriends Robbie, a young show jumper who is staying at the Tiverton's for instruction and acts as his groom at the local shows. But his spiteful sister gets Wendy into trouble and she is not allowed to accompany him any more. Even worse, she cannot go to watch him ride at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley! But, inadvertantly (through another nasty trick by Robbie's sister), Wendy finds herself heading to Wembley after all….this time to ride!

Collectors Info:
The series was not reprinted in paperback. Not very common but they are usually are fairly inexpensive in the UK. More expensive elsewhere.

Other Horse & Pony Books:

PANCHO THE STORY OF HORSE
(DENT 1967?)
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: The story of Pancho, a rogue horse who nevertheless wins the heart of his owner and his groom. With patient training Pancho seems to be getting better. But  then after a girl is badly injured while riding him, it seems his last chance has gone.
PONYMAD VIEW: Suitable for older readers as the main characters are all adults. Interestingly 'narrated' by an adult male, which is extremely unusual in the genre.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

KINGDOM FOR A HORSE
(DENT 1971)
ILLUSTRATED BY VAL BIRO
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: When groom Dai's old master, The Colonel, is killed in a riding accident, he takes over as groom to The Colonel's daughter. But she is an unpleasant woman who blames Christo, the horse her father was riding for his death. She sells Christo and Dai is broken hearted as the old horse was his favourite. But then Dai finds out Christo is being sold at a sale. He gives up everything in order to get the horse back…
PONYMAD VIEW: A touching though sad story of a man's devotion to a horse. Hankies may be needed for the less hard-hearted reader.  For older readers with adult characters.
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES

Collectors Info:
These were reprinted as paperbacks and it is these editions that are most commonly seen. A little easier to find than the Wendy books, though the first editions are far rarer. Again, not too expensive to buy however.