The First Horse I See Book

Sally M. Keehn's novel, The First Horse I See was written to inspire and entertain young readers about horses and reaching goals. This novel guides you through Willo's adventure in training her off the track thoroughbred as if the reader was alongside them. The novel leads to the understanding that it takes sacrifice and perseverance to reach a goal. This idea is continuously revealed through Willo's decisions regarding what to do about Tess and her relationship with her father.

At the beginning of Keehn's story, we meet Willojean. Her mother died a few years earlier. Willojean's relationship with her father is strained. He buys a skittish abused mare who goes by the name of Tess. Willo is challenged to train Tess on a deadline or she must give the horse of her dreams away. Right from the start, this challenge seemed impossible considering Willo couldn't even trot

I enjoyed reading this novel because of the author's accurate and relatable descriptions of "conflict" with horses. Keehn shows how horses act and think in a way, and I could relate because if my experience. Tess, Willo's new horse, contributes the needed element of danger and challenge to the storyline. Tess's difficult personality causes Willo to slow down and truly learn how to handle her. Following the change in this mare's outlook on people through her training with Willo was inspiring. The horse had nothing at the start and then developed because of a perfect owner who needed her and believed in her.

Willo was my favorite character in the novel because she is hopeful, blunt, and passionate. She is the perfect example of someone who loves unconditionally but also believes in giving people what they deserve. I saw these characteristics in her instantly. As soon as she saw Tess, battered and skinny, she showed the horse love and compassion. Willo says, "My first thought is, whoever owned this horse should be sent to prison forever and ever. My second thought is, I want to take her home" (Keehn 1). I liked how the author didn't make Willo a spoiled little girl who wants the perfect pony. Instead Willo is a strong girl who is willing to risk everything such as her safety and relationships to keep Tess, a horse who is unwanted and has a had a difficult life.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book because of all the relatable experiences and how the author gave each character an interesting backstory and personality. I also liked this story because it is easy to read and tells the truths about what it takes to train and OTTB whilst having an exciting storyline and plot.
--Lucy M.