The Boy and the Donkey/The Donkey Race

 

This book has 3 editions: the Collins hb, the Criterion (American) hb and the pb reprint. The title (for both the Collins and Criterion) was The Boy & The Donkey; the Armada reprint was called The Donkey Race.

 

As for the Collins edition and the Armada paperback, there is no difference other than the title & cover. With the Criterion in comparison to either the Collins/Armada edition, no two sentences are the same. The Criterion edition spoils the depth of emotion due to the rewriting of the sentences, and sounds a completely different book.

 

For this purpose, I have used the Armada paperback edition (entitled: The Donkey Race). I have not checked the Criterion version (and at this moment don’t have it to hand), so there may be extra characters or characters omitted from the other two editions. Fortunately, the Criterion edition is the hardest to find out of all the editions.

 

Characters
Jock Macdonald, generally known as Old Jock - local rag and bone man; main character in the story

Douglas Brown, generally known as Duggie - main character in the story, becomes friends with Old Jock

Tam o' Shanter - "Tammy" - the donkey in the story

Toby - Old Jock's terrier

Flora - Old Jock's cat

Peter Wright, generally known as Pete - Duggie's friend

Mrs Bertha Towers - a friend of Duggie's mum

Jennie/Jennifer - Duggie's sister

Fred/Freddie - Duggie's brother

Mrs Brown - Duggie's mother

Mr Brown - Duggie's father

Miss Jane Howard - a local librarian, helps out Duggie

Audrey - a young girl Duggie meets at Rotten Row

Joan Worthington-Smith - a young girl Duggie meets at Rotten Row

Frankie - local yob, belongs to a gang called the Smithson gang

George - local yob, belongs to a gang called the Smithson gang

Rosemary - Duggie's baby sister

Dick Rivers - Pete's friend

Jim - local yob, belongs to a gang called the Smithson gang

Miss Angela Freeman - woman who helps Duggie

Mark Allington - man who helps Duggie

Charlie Peterson - man who Duggie stays with for one night

Mrs Peterson - Charlie's wife

Laura - a spaniel belonging to the Petersons

Lassie - a sheepdog belonging to the Petersons

Mrs Maisie Hillwood - a woman who Duggie stays with for one night, friend of the Petersons

Mr John Hillwood - a woman who Duggie stays with for one night, friend of the Petersons

Topsy - a pony that Duggie and Tammy meet

Pauline - a daughter of a labourer that Duggie meets

Kitcat - a donkey that Duggie rides

Mr Thomson - Kitcat's owner

Flyaway - an donkey in the story

Kelpie - a donkey in the story

Nankie Pooh - a donkey in the story

Brockhampton Wanderer - a donkey in the story

Andrew Waters - a boy in the story

Beechnut - a donkey in the story

Wanderer - a donkey in the story

Whynot - a donkey in the story

Apple Pie - a donkey in the story

Jinks - a donkey in the story

Paddy-Mac - a donkey in the story

Stormy - a donkey in the story

Frank Maggs - owner of Brockhampton Wanderer

Alison - sister of Jock

Doctor Macpherson - Jock's Doctor

 

 

A Pony for Sale

Martini/Good Form - the pony that we follow during the course of the story, and who is renamed during the story, hence the multiple names.

Guy Beaumont - the first owner of Martini, and first rider

Mr Storwood - a Housemaster at Guy's school

Hatt - a pupil at Guy's school

Sherry - Martini's mother

Guardsman - a horse that lives at Guy's home

Bruno - a horse that lives at Guy's

Whipple - a pupil at Guy's school

Reed - a pupil at Guy's school

Rascal of Rapello - Martini's father

Daddy - Guy's father

Random - an old black Labrador that belongs to Guy's family

Mr(?) Shadwell - local horsey neighbour to Guy

George Lane - local horsey neighbour to Guy

Pam Hill - local horsey neighbour to Guy

Peter Pope - local horsey neighbour to Guy

Colonel Nell - local horsey neighbour to Guy

Brave Boy - horse belonging to Colonel Nell

Mummy - Guy's mother

Dick Warren - local huntsman to Guy

Mrs Dayfield - local horsey neighbour to Guy

Mr Cox - a farmer

Pip Cox - Mr Cox's daughter, becomes Martini's owner when Guy sells her

Maurice Treadwell - friend of Guy's, gives advice

Song of Dawn - a horse referenced to in the story

Regent - a hound in the story

Fancy - a hound in the story

Echo - a hound in the story

Harmony - a hound in the story

Mr Smith-Jenkins - prospective buyer when Guy sells her

Mrs Cox - Pip's mother

Rex - a Dartmoor pony belonging to the Coxes

Ted Wallis - a man who owns a cattle truck

Tessa - a friend of Pip's

Miss Stallwood - owner of the Riding School near Pip

George - a man who looks after the cows

Aunt Mary - an aunt of Pip's

Squib - a grey pony belonging to Pip

Elm Tree Riding School - Miss Stallwood's Riding School

Tom Tit - a pony that lives at Elm Tree Riding School

Mr Mildway - a client at Elm Tree Riding School

Duchess - a horse that lives at Elm Tree Riding School

Skylark - a horse that is referred to in the story

Celia - a woman that is referred to in the story

Trooper - a hound in the story

Tom - a huntsman that is referred to in the story

Tim - a pupil at Elm Tree Riding School

Peter - a pupil at Elm Tree Riding School

Mary - a girl at Elm Tree Riding School

Flash - a pony at Elm Tree Riding School

Betty - a pupil at Elm Tree Riding School

Megan - a pupil at Elm Tree Riding School

Jane - a horse at Elm Tree Riding School

Mr Hawkins - a prospective buyer when Pip puts Martini for sale

Lydia Pike - comes to look at Martini when she is for sale, becomes her next rider

Top Hat - a pony that belongs to Lydia

Clean Sweep - a pony that belongs to Lydia

Champion - a pony that belongs to Lydia

Veronica - a girl that is employed to help Lydia look after the horses

Ted Walker - a lorry driver

Jimmy Browne - a local horse trainer

Bob Saunders - a rival to Lydia

Susan Watts - a rival to Lydia

Beechnut - a pony belonging to Susan Watts

Fred - a farm man at Lydia's place

Nobby Boy - a pony belonging to Bob Saunders

Mrs Rushwood - woman who writes to Lydia when she puts Martini for sale

Lettie Lonsdale - a girl that comes to see Martini, becomes her next rider

Mr Lonsdale - Lettie's father

Mrs Lonsdale - Lettie's mother

Pablo - Lettie's other pony

Jasper - a bloodhound belonging to the Lonsdale's

Justice - a bloodhound belonging to the Lonsdale's

Tatters - a terrier belonging to the Lonsdale's

Nicholas - brother to Lettie

Monsieur Pierre de St. Denis - a friend of Lettie's father and a well known horseman

Chiffon - a pony that Lettie was lent once

Bob Silver - a person who lives in Lettie's village

Jack Hill - local farrier to Lettie

Mrs White - a local grocer's wife to Lettie

John Hayward - a local baker to Lettie

Mrs Wise - the Lonsdale's housekeeper

Minnie - a tabby cat belonging to the Lonsdale's

Miss Janet Fipps - a local Pony Club instructor

Megan O'Connor - a school friend of Lettie's

Maureen Fielding - a competitor against Lettie

Peter Venten - brother-in-law to Miss Fipps

 

 

Janet Must Ride

Janet Fawley - a girl, probably late teens. Main character in the book and its subject.

Gangster - terrier belonging to Janet

Mrs Claude - a woman, mother, and Janet's employer

Jackie Claude - a girl in the story,

Pepper - a Cairn (dog) belonging to the Claudes

Snuff - a Cairn (dog) belonging to the Claudes

Miriam - a girl in the story, sister to Jackie

Bullseye - a cat in the story

Corrymeela - a grey horse, is Miriam's mount

Hop-Scotch - a chestnut cob belonging to the Claudes

Lucky Star - a bay jumper belonging to the Claudes

Pierrot - a piebald pony belonging to the Claudes

Mrs Smallwood - a cook-general

Jack Harriman - a vet

Mr Claude - Jackie & Miriam's father, Mrs Claude's husband

Sorry Sam - a man in the story, friend of Mr Claude's

Tanya Miller - a friend of Sorry Sam's

Jean - a friend of Janet's

Minuet - Tanya's hunter

Roger - Miriam & Jackie's brother

Major Fuller - a horsy expert, comes to the Claude's house

Mr Jackson - the Claude's neighbour (referred to only)

Mary - an old school friend of Janet's

Miss Davis - owner of the Riding School which Janet used to attend

Peewit - a pony that lives there; Janet's favourite

Jennifer - an ex friend of Janet's (referred to only)

Mrs Stanmore - a friend of Mrs Claude's

Anne - daughter of Mrs Stanmore

Magpie - Anne's pony

Ron - a boy who Janet manages to save from an situation

Mr Wells - another horsy person, from whom Janet borrows clippers

Doctor Whitely - a local doctor

Jim Kirk - a competitor at a horse show

Lilac Time - Jim Kirk's horse

Chevalier - a horse at the horse show

Trooper - a horse at the horse show

Mr Jim Thorneycroft - Trooper's rider

Captain Franks - a competitor at the horse show

Mrs Mary Thorneycroft - Mr Thorneycroft's wife

Jock Warren - a competitor at a horse show

Peacock - Jock Warren's mount

Goldfinder - Mrs Thorneycroft's mount

Captain Kirk - a competitor at the horse show

Florin - Captain Kirk's mount

Silver Star - a horse belonging to the Thorneycrofts

Katie - a donkey belonging to the Thorneycrofts

Mr Blake - Mr Thorneycroft's farm manager

Claire - a girl who has come to work for 3 month at the Thorneycroft's dairy

Maggie - a black cat belonging to the Thorneycrofts

 

Mummy and Daddy (of Janet) are mentioned, but not given any other names. There is a man whom Janet meets whilst trying to save someone else, but he is not named. Similarly, Ron's grandparents and mother are part of the story, but not given any particular name.

 

 

Cassidy in Danger/This Pony is Dangerous

Cassidy in Danger is the original title:  This Pony Is Dangerous is the name of the J A Allen reprint.  I have used the J A Allen edition, which does say it is revised.

 

Katerina Turgeniff, generally known as Katie - a young girl. The story is told from her perspective, and she is the main character.

Patsy Cooper - Katie's godmother, with whom Katie goes to stay

Captain - a Fell pony she rode when she was with her mother (referred to only)

Destiny - a mare she rode when she was with her mother (referred to only)

Miss Kirk - owner of a Riding School near Patsy's house

Felix - a tabby cat owned by Patsy

Cassidy - a bay pony that is lives near to Patsy

Arabella - Cassidy's rider

Sir Stanley Petworth - father to Arabella

Mr Meredith Green - Patsy's neighbour

Mrs Penelope Green - wife of Mr Green, also Patsy's neighbour. Referred to once as Penelope Randall.

Matthew Trumpington - son of Mr & Mrs Green

Justin Appleby - a local farmer and friend whilst Katie was with her mother

Mousie - an Exmoor at Miss Kirk's Riding School

Pippa - a girl at Miss Kirk's Riding School

Smudgey - a pony at Miss Kirk's Riding School

Jenny - a girl at Miss Kirk's Riding School

Mrs Smithers - a woman with whom Katie used to stay when she was small & her mother was at work (referred to only)

Tao - a dog belonging to Matthew

Mrs Carter - a woman who cleans at Matthew's House

Rex - a mouse belonging to Matthew

Archer, Plugg and Pinkey - a company who formerly sold Cassidy

Mr Plugg - one of the owners of the Company

Watts & Curling Ltd - former owners of Cassidy

Phillipa (Pip) - an ex friend of Matthew's (referenred to only)

Thomas - an ex friend of Matthew's (referred to only)

Maisie - a woman who helps Matthew & Katie with their enquiries

Mr Smithers - Arabella's groom

Mrs Filey - Arabella's family housekeeper

Mr Dawson - a kennel huntsman

Boris - Katie's father

 

 

There seems to be some confusion: at first Matthew's parents are referenced as Green, but Matthew gives his surname as Trumpington. Later on his mother is referred to as Mrs Trumpington. I think judging from the way it is written, it is a mistake by Patsy. On the J A Allen edition it is on p23, so you can judge for yourself.

 

 

Horses at Home & Friends Must Part

 

If anyone is unfamiliar with this book, this are actually two short stories contained within one book. I will deal with each story separately.

 

Horses at Home

Clare - a girl, main character. The story is told from her perspective.

Nicholas - a boy, main character.

Auntie Gay - an aunt of both Nicholas and Clare. Described as someone who hunts and jumps in international competitions. Surname is given as Field.

Auntie Jane - an aunt of Nicholas and Clare (referenced only)

Auntie Carol - an aunt of Nicholas and Clare (referenced only)

Jubilee - a grey horse, showjumper belonging to Auntie Gay

Harvester - a liver chestnut horse, showjumper belonging to Auntie Gay

Captain Pike - owner of a local Riding School

Pauline - a girl at the Riding School, gives lessons

Gambler - a dog belonging to Clare & Nicholas' family

Chiffon - a pedigree poodle (dog) belonging to Clare & Nicholas' family

Luke - a Siamese cat belonging to Auntie Gay

Picaroon - a dog belonging to Auntie Gay

Mrs Tubb - a woman who comes in to help with Nicholas & Clare's family's cooking

Sid Middleton - a friend of Mrs Tubb's

Mr Middleton - a local farmer

Magpie - a pony at Captain Pike's Riding School

Guardsman - a tall hunter belonging to Captain Pike

Derek - a pupil at Captain Pike's Riding School

George Saunders - a local farm hand

Dick - a pupil at Captain Pike's Riding School

Derek - a pupil at Captain Pike's Riding School

Mr Wise - a man who helps Nicholas & Clare

Mr Hill - Auntie Gay's vet

Wendy - a friend of Nicholas and Clare's

Bobbie - a friend of Nicholas and Clare's

Tinker, also referred to as Tinkerbell - a pony belonging to Bobbie

Rosemund - a friend of Nicholas and Clare's

Watts - a local hay merchant

Major Tidy - a friend of Nicholas and Clare's father

Dawn - a pony belonging to Wendy

Firefly - a pony that Pauline is holding

 

Nicholas & Clare's Mummy and Daddy are mentioned, but are not given any specific names.

 

Friends Must Part

 

Andy Fairfax - a girl, 12 years old. Main character, the story is told from her perspective.

Springtime Chevalier - a bull

Springtime Sorcerer - a bull

Limelight - a cow

Evensong - a cow

Ian Fairfax - a boy, 8 years old.

Rodney Fairfax - a boy, 10 years old

Harriet Kingsley - a local girl, rival

Peppermint - a pony that used to be owned by Andy

Blondie - Evensong's calf

Muriel - a school friend of Andy's

Jill - a school friend of Andy's

Bobs - a school friend of Andy's

Susan - a school friend of Andy's

Mrs Biggs - a woman who help's Andy's family

Sheba - a boxer puppy belonging to Harriet

Mrs Kingsley - Harriet's mother

Pauline - a pupil at Andy's school

Nutmeg - a cob, is Susan's mount

Jon - Bobs' brother

Jim Cooper - a vet

Brandysnap - a red chestnut gelding

Gingersnap, later renamed Celandine - a golden chestnut mare

George Brown - a man in the story

Mr Hartley - a man selling Brandysnap and Gingersnap

Phillip - son of Mr Hartley

Bert - Mr Hartley's gardener

Guy Fairfax - Andy, Ian and Rodney's father

John Kingsley - Harriet's father

Gillian - a girl who Andy's meets during a hunt

 

Although Andy is generally a boy's name, this is definitely is a girl. On page 117 of the first edition it says "Oh, who would have an elder sister?" wailed Rodney. As Andy has no sister, it must be referring to her.

 

 

Ponies In The Valley

Sandy, proper name Alexandria Hamilton - a girl, main character. The story is told from her perspective.

Fergie, proper name Fergus Hamilton - a boy, brother to Sandy, also main character.

Celandine - a pony in the local riding school

Dawn - a pony in the local riding school

Emily - a friend of Sandy's

Peter - a friend of Sandy's

Jo - a friend of Sandy's

Ben - a friend of Sandy's

Hughneena Hamilton - mother to Sandy & Fergie

June - a childminder who comes to look after Sandy & Fergie

Dr Slater - a local GP

Mrs Muriel Bateson - a neighbour

James Hamilton - father to Fergie & Sandy

Whiting - a friend of the family (referred to only)

Mrs Davies - a bidder at an auction

Mr Joe Davies - a seller at an auction

Mimosa - a palomino mare which the Hamiltons buy

Jim Brown - former owner of where the Hamiltons live

Bill Trevor - a man who lives in the village

Jake - owner of a local pony trekking centre, gives advice to Sandy & Fergie

Mrs Gundall - a woman in a shop (referred to only)

Dalesman - a hound

Drinkwater - a hound

Ranger - a hound

Rocket - a hound

Bucanneer - a hound

Bournville - a liver chestnut gelding, belongs to Jake but borrowed to Sandy & Fergus

Dr Dylan Davies - a local GP

Gareth - son of Jake's

Gwyneth Thomas - a friend of Fergie's

Sarah Mason - a friend of Fergie's

Leerie - a dog that the Hamilton's own

Linda - a girl that goes to Sandy's school

Steve Trevor - a boy that goes to Sandy's school, son of Bill Trevor, also an enemy

Timothy Jones - a young boy who goes to the village school

Jasmin, aka Noodles - Mimosa's colt

Monday - the Hamilton's cat

Knockabout - a pony belonging to Jake, lent to Sandy & Fergus

Philip Sanderson - a probation officer

Desert Sand - Jasmin/Noodles sire, belonged to a Mrs Samson

Silverstar - a grey Welsh Cob/Arab cross gelding, belongs to the Hamiltons

 

 

Ponies On The Trail

This story is mainly about a long distance pony trek.  Sandy, Fergie, Jake, Silverstar, Mimosa all return.

 

Treasure - a bay mare, belongs to Jake

Jim Stubbard - former owner of Treasure

Toffee - a liver chestnut pony mare belonging to Jake

Caramelo - a palomino pony belonging to Jake

Bournville - a pony belonging to Jake

Fudge - a liver chestnut pony mare belonging to Jake

Peppermint - a pony belonging to Jake

Twix - a pony belonging to Jake

Cadbury - a dark bay pony belonging to Jake

Rolo - a dun pony belonging to Jake

Crunchie - a pony belonging to Jake

Candyfloss - a pony belonging to Jake

Bullfinch - a bay pony belonging to Jake

Sandpiper - a pony belonging to Jake

Henrietta Turnstile - a pony club instructress

Professor Geoffrey Gray - someone who comes on the trek

Mrs Gray - someone who comes on the trek, wife to the Professor

Helen Wetherall - someone who comes on the trek

Eric Small - someone who comes on the trek

Jonathan Smith - someone who comes on the trek

Kristainne - someone who comes on the trek, Swedish

Michael Appleby - someone who comes on the trek

Felicity Woodfield - someone who comes on the trek

Jane Woodfield - someone who comes on the trek, twin sister of Felicity

Igor Polunsky - someone who comes on the trek, Russian

Valerie - someone who comes on the trek

Linda - someone who comes on the trek

 

There are a few odd people not given any specific names.

 

 

Ponies In Peril

Sandy, Fergie, Mimosa, Silverstar, Jake, Bullfinch, Sandy & Fergie's father, Leerie, Mrs Grundel, Noodles all return.

 

Dylan Jones - a man, local farmer, only referenced as he has recently died

Liz - a local newspaper reporter

Geoff - a photographer for the local newspaper

Emlyn Jones - a person who owns the ponies that are the main focal point of the story. The ponies are later owned by Sandy & Fergie

Tigger - a tabby cat belonging to the Hamiltons

Trevor - a schoolfriend of Sandy's

Pippa - a schoolfriend of Sandy's

Mrs Wellbeloved - an old person who lends Sandy & Fergie money

Patience - a brown pony, one of the main equine characters

Jigsaw - a bay pony, one of the main equine characters

Solitaire - a grey pony, one of the main equine characters

Ping Pong - a grey pony, one of the main equine characters

Tiddlywinks - a skewbald pony, one of the main equine characters

Hopscotch - dun pony, , one of the main equine characters

Pipsy - a cat owned by Mrs Wellbeloved

Flopsy - a cat owned by Mrs Wellbeloved

Pushkin - a cat owned by Mrs Wellbeloved

Shelley - a cat owned by Mrs Wellbeloved

Butterball - a cat owned by Mrs Wellbeloved

Stephanie Cann - a prospective buyer

Mr Cann - Stephanie's father

Joe O'Rourke - a prospective buyer

Mrs Jones - a woman who comes twice a week to clean the Hamilton’s house

Mrs Calloway - a prospective buyer

Harvey - son of Mrs Calloway

Terence - a prospective buyer

Mrs Mackie - a prospective buyer

Cathy - daughter of Mrs Mackie

Samantha - eldest daughter of Mrs Mackie

Julie - someone who borrows one of the ponies

 

Jake's surname is revealed to be Dawson. There are quite a few other characters, but not given specific names.

 

The Pony Seekers

 

This is a story about a girl who turns her hand to dealing.

 

Lynne Fletcher - a girl, main character. The story is told from her perspective.

Briony Fletcher - a girl, main character. Formerly a three day eventer, older sister to Lynn.

David Fletcher - a girl, main character. 11 yrs old, younger brother to Lynn & Briony

Talisman - Briony's three day eventer. Is deceased, so is referred to only.

The Mountain - dark brown gelding, horse which started Briony's career

Miss Glass - person who owned The Mountain, also bred him

Kevin - a former friend of Briony's, farmer's son

Nugget - a liver chestnut pony, the children's first pony. Has been outgrown, so nobody rides him.

Dumpling - grey, 12 hands mare. First pony to be sold by the Pony Seekers agency.

Mirabelle - the neighbour's child

Shaun Lester - a local dealer

Jo - a girl who works for Shaun Lester

Candy/Candyfloss - a pony bought by Briony for the agency. Cream mare.

Mrs Carling - a customer

Joker - a skewbald gelding, brought for the agency

Fred Short - a local man who gives his opinion freely about horses, and is a bit of a pest

Alice - a customer (young girl)

Silver - a grey pony, bought by Alice's father

Northwind - a blue roan gelding, bought for the agency

Sweet William - a bay with black points, bought for the agency

Pablo - a small black pony, bought for the agency

Starchaser - a bay pony with dappled quarters, bought for the agency

Mercury - a pony belonging to Mirabelle

Mrs MacDonald - a woman who comes to see Briony about a pony

Fiona MacDonald - daughter of Mrs MacDonald

Hamish MacDonald - son of Mrs MacDonald

Alison MacDonald - youngest daughter of Mrs MacDonald

Mr Thorson - a vet

Thelma Wright - another vet

Clare Clarke - a girl who comes with her mother & father to try out a pony

Thimble - former mount of Clare Clarke's

Mrs Phelps - a local horsy person

Gloria - daughter of Mrs Phelps

 

 

 

A Foal For Candy

 

Candy, Briony, Lynne, David, Mirabelle, Fred, Thelma Wright, Mercury all reappear. The Talisman, The Mountain & Shaun Lester are referenced. Mercury is described as a chestnut.

 

Melody, full name Devon Melody - a Dartmoor mare that Briony buys from an auction

Rocket - a roan pony that Briony bought from an auction

Plain Jane - a chestnut pony that Briony goes to look at

Nice Fellah - a dun pony that Briony goes to look at

Silas - a milk white pony, bought for the agency

Emma - Silas' former rider

Debbie - Silas' potential rider, comes to see him with her family

Sherpa - Melody's foal

Stowaway - Candy's foal

Coriander - a bay mare, bought for the agency

Mervyn Fairfax - Coriander's former owner

Percy - Mirabelle's black labrador

Venus - Mirabelle's other pony

 

 

A Pony Found

 

Candy, Briony, Lynne, David, Mirabelle, Fred, Venus, Mercury, Stowaway, Coriander, Thelma Wright, Mervyn Fairfax, The Mountain all reappear. The Talisman is referred to.

 

Mr Dawson - Mirabelle's father

Mrs Browne - Mirabelle's family housekeeper

Percy - a dog belonging to Mirabelle's family

Mrs Flanagan - a woman who helps Mrs Browne

Theo - a boy whom Lynne meets during the course of the story

Caspar - a chestnut pony, bought for the agency

Smoky - a roan pony, bought for Mirabelle

Domino - a piebald cob, bought for the agency

Mrs Dawson - Mirabelle's mother

Mrs Finn - a client of the agency

Golden Wonder - a showjumper belonging to Mervyn Fairfax

Crackdown - a showjumper belonging to Mervyn Fairfax

Clementine Sandemann - a competitor at the show (referred to only)

Whiskymac - Clementine's mount (refererred to only)

Jenny - a friend of Mirabelle's

Pat Clude - Thelma Wright's aunt (referred to only)

 

 

I Wanted A Pony

 

I Wanted A Pony is not only the first in the series, but the first solo book that DPT wrote.

 

Augusta Thorndyke - a girl, main character. This story is told from her perspective, and she appears in every single title. During the course of the story, she lives with her aunt.

Jill - a cousin of Augusta's, main character in this book only. Surname later revealed to be Fielding.

Sunshine - a chestnut pony. Is Jill's mount

Penny Davis - a former neighbour of Augusta's

Dominoe - a piebald half Dartmoor pony that belongs to Penny

Barbara - a cousin of Augusta's, eldest and sister to Jill, main character in this book only

Stephen - a cousin of Augusta's, brother to Jill and Barbara, main character in this book only

Sandy - a golden dun pony. Is Stephen's mount

Sweep - a black pony. Is Barbara's mount

Aunt Margaret - aunt of Augusta's, mother of Jill, Barbara & Stephen

Dilly and Dally - two ducks which used to belong to Augusta, given to Penny

Matilda - a tortoise that used to belong to Augusta

Nightmare - a hen that belonged to Augusta & her mother when they were living together

Nigel - Nightmare's chick

Nellie - Nightmare's chick

Nicholas - Nightmare's chick

Nancy - Nightmare's chick

Neptune - Nightmare's chick

Nero - Nightmare's chick

Curtis - a man who looks after the ponies and drives the car

Lord Stanwell - an expert

Susan Phillips - a professional show jumping child (rival)

John Dunlop - a professional show jumping child (rival)

Mrs Smith - Aunt Margaret's cook

Lord Thorley - former owner of a farm (refererred to only) which Augusta comes across

Captain James Houseman - a owner of a farm which Augusta comes across

Topper - a pony that is for sale, which Aunt Margaret, Augusta & Augusta's cousins goes to see

Mrs Payne - Topper's owner

John - Mrs Payne's son

Warrior - a bullock that Augusta befriends

Daybreak - a grey pony that Augusta buys

Susan - Aunt Margaret's parlour maid

High Jinks - a chestnut pony that Aunt Margaret buys for Jill

Tom Smithers - High Jinks' former owner

Betty - a maid of Aunt Margaret's

Uncle Marcus - Augusta's mother's brother (referenced only)

Mr Crisp - Aunt Margaret's gardener

Dorothy Shepherd - a girl that Aunt Margaret knows

Paddy - John Dunlop's mount

Smoke - Susan Phillips' mount

Jane - a competitor at a show

Vanity - Jane's mount

Martin - a competitor at a show

Mr Jackson - Daybreak's former owner

 

 

 

Three Ponies and Shannan

 

Apologies to anyone who has not read it, as there is a slight spoiler, but I cant think a way of including it without spoiling the story.  Apart from Augusta and Daybreak, nobody from I Wanted A Pony returns.

 

Christina Carr - a young girl, main character. This story is told from her perspective.

Symphony - a chestnut mare, Christina's mount.

Solo - a dark brown with black points gelding, also Christina's mount

Serenade - a bay gelding, also Christina's mount

O'Neil - a groom that works for Christina's family

Sootie - a pony, later revealed to be Terence's mount

Walters - Christina's family's butler

Jingle - a chestnut pony that belongs to Charlie Dewhurst

Heather & Pat - two people that used to live in Christina's house, also friends of Charlie.

Terry - a dog that belongs to Charlie Dewhurst

Charlie Dewhurst - a girl that Christina meets whilst hacking. Real first name Charlotte

Bodkin - the stable cat

Shannan - an Irish wolfhound (dog)

Terence Wheatley - a friend of Charlie's

Madame Dupont - Christina's governess

Miss Eleanor Langford - someone who runs a local riding club & camp

Reverend Dewhurst - Charlie's father

Phyllis White - a girl who comes on a pony camp

Nigel - a boy who comes on a pony camp

Drummond - a bulldog belonging to Mike

Mike - a boy who comes on a pony camp

Skiddaw - a goat

Mr Kipps - Christina's family's chauffeur

Piers - a boy who comes on a pony camp

Seaspray - a grey mare. Is Piers' mount

Bandit - a terrier (dog) that belongs to Piers

Swallow - a pony that belongs to Phyllis

Gruffy - a pug (dog) belonging to Nigel

August/Augusta - a girl who comes on a pony camp. Is the same person we meet in I Wanted A Pony

Matilda/Tilly - Piers' sister

Rupert - Pat's golden spaniel

Scut - a dog belonging to Eleanor

Scurvy - a dog belonging to Eleanor

Lucifier - a dog belonging to Augusta

Mrs Black - a farmer's wife

Captain Layton - a man who comes to give a demonstration to the pony camp

Songbird - Captain Layton's mount

Mrs Nailer - an instructess at the pony camp

Nightmare - a pony belonging to Mike

Harkaway - Eleanor's mount

Mr Granger - a man who comes to give a lecture at the pony camp

Punch - a pony, Nigel's mount

Dawn - a pony, Heather's mount

Amber - a pony, Pat's mount

Phillip Lockheed - an owner of a stud farm which the group at the pony camp go to visit

Gay Truant - a stallion at the stud farm

Golden Song - a stallion at the stud farm

Sweet Chord - a stallion at the stud farm

Gay Courtier - a mare at the stud farm

Fair Omen - a mare at the stud farm

Dark Knight - a mare at the stud farm

Sweet William - a mare at the stud farm

Macaroni - a showjumper at the stud farm. Is a cream coloured gelding

Spaghetti - a showjumper at the stud farm

Marksman - a 3 year old at the stud farm

Mrs Lockheed - Philip Lockheed's wife

Laird - a Highland Terrier (dog) owned by the Lockheeds

Tony Allbright - a boy who competes at the show

John Langford - a person who officiates at the show

 

Christina's mother and father are mentioned, but not given any specific names. The Folleys are also mentioned: I think, but am not 100% sure, that they are Heather & Pat.

 

 

 

A Pony To School

 

Unlike the previous two books, this story is told from both Christina's and Augusta's perspectives. They alternate between chapters, for example Chapter 1 is by Christina, Chapter 2 is by Augusta, Chapter 3 is by Christina etc, etc.

 

Augusta, Christina, Lucifier, Shannan, Walters, O'Neil, Serenade, Symphony, Solo, Lucifer, Daybreak, Phillip Lockheed, Nigel, Skiddaw, Punch, Piers, Tilly, Bandit, Seaspray, Heather, Pat, Phyllis, Swallow, Amber, Dawn, Mike, Nightmare, Terrence, Sootie, Tony Allbright, Gruffy, Charlie Dewhurst, Jingle, Terry, Terence, Rupert, Mike all return from Three Ponies and Shannan.

 

Madame Dupont, Eleanor and Mrs Nailer, who all appear in Three Ponies and Shannan are referred to, but don’t make an actual appearance. Mrs Lockheed appears, but her first name is given as Antonia. Augusta now lives with her mother, and her mother is referred to as Mrs Thorndyke. Barbara, Jill, Stephen & Augusta's Aunt Margaret from I Wanted A Pony also make an appearance. High Jinks - also from I Wanted A Pony - is briefly discussed. )

 

Ted Duanne - a local farmer

Clown - a skewbald gelding, owned by Ted Duanne, but loaned to Christina & Augusta

Martha - Christina's family servant

Charlie - Ted Duanne's farmhand

Melonie - Tony Allbright's mount

Dream Boy - a pinky-grey pony at a show

Elsie - a maid at Christina's house

Rolly - Heather's dog

Pauline Trenchard - Clown's potential new rider

Major Trenchard - Pauline's father

Colonel Windham - a man who takes a Rally

 

 

 

Only A Pony

 

This book is written 30 years after A Pony To School, it reads a little oddly in places, probably because of the time gap. It is told from Augusta's perspective.

 

Christina, Serenade, Daybreak, Lucifer, Shannan, Charlie Dewhurst, Jingle, Nigel, Terry, Skiddaw, Punch, Aunt Margaret, Stephen, Barbara, Jill, Piers, Clown, Tilly all return from A Pony To School.

 

Madame Dupont, O'Neill & Symphony, Terence are referred to but don’t take an active part.

 

Mignon - a French girl that has come to look after Christina & Augusta

Murrays - Augusta's neighbours

Nico - a boy found in Augusta's stableyard

Rainbow - a roan pony, is Nico's mount

Rob - Augusta's rescuer

Dominic - Augusta's new baby brother

Nightmare - a hen that belongs to Augusta's family

Anton - Mignon's fiancée

 

 

There are a few more characters such as Augusta's mother, Nico's father and a newspaper reporter, but they are not given any specific names.

 

 

 

The Long Distance Ride

 

This is about a long distance ride.  In 1956 DPT did one herself, riding from John O'Groats to Lands End, though she is quick to point out that the book has no relation to her own ride.

 

Carey - a girl, main character. The story is told from her perspective.

Sandpiper - a dun pony, gelding, Carey's mount

Hannah Lovegrove - a girl, Carey's half sister. Has been brought up in Australia. Main character.

Melanie - step-mother to Hannah, mother to Carey

Cosmo - father of Carey's and Hannah's

Tina - a collie belonging to Cary

Mungo - a local crofter, friend of Carey's

Morag - Mungo's grey garron mare

Lucian Manelli - a famous pop star (referred to only)

Steve - a friend of Hannah's

Mercy - a friend of Hannah's, an au-pair

Franco - a friend of Hannah's, does not speak as he can only understand English, not speak it

Emma - Carey's best friend at school (referenced only)

Kirsty - a girl at the Riding School near Carey's Granny's house (referred to only)

Elspeth Macdonald - a woman whom Carey meets during her ride

Nanny - with whom Elspeth is living

Cluny Macpherson - a farrier

Justin - a grey pony, belongs to Elspeth

Mr Brown - a man who helps Carey

Mick - Mr Brown's dog

Emma - Mr Brown's daughter

Clare - Mr Brown's daughter

Tracey - Mr Brown's daughter

Mr Campbell - a vet that crops up during the course of the story

Mrs Brown - wife of Mr Brown

Shaun - Mrs Brown's cousin's son

Mr Young - owner of a holiday cottage (referred to only)

Fiona Macgregor - a woman who helps out Carey

Annette Younger - another woman who helps out Carey, author

Chas Cole - another person who helps out Carey

Patsy - Carey's Granny's cat

 

Carey's Granny does appear, but she is only ever referred to as Granny, and her surname is Mancroft.

 

 

The Hermit’s Horse

 

Matthew - a boy. Main character, the story is told from his perspective.

Sophie - a girl, sister to Matthew. Main character.

The Hermit, real name Mr Patrick Piers - a lonley old man. Is what the story is about.

Chris Langton - a boy, friend of Matthew & Sophie

Jane Langton - a girl, friend of Matthew & Sophie, sister to Chris

Mustard - a chestnut pony, belongs to the Langtons. Is Chris' mount

Cress - a chestnut pony, belongs to the Langtons. Is Jane's mount

Caesar aka Timer - a bay horse, belongs to the Hermit. Looked after by Matthew & Sophie

James - younger brother to Matthew & Sophie

Julie - younger sister to Matthew & Sophie, a twin

Perks - a friend of the Hermit's, fetches his shopping and does errands for him

Skylark - a dappled grey horse that The Hermit used to have (referred to only)

Mr Sizer - a vet that is in the story

Nigel - The Hermit's son. Referred to as he is now deceased

Miss Piers - The Hermit's sister

Katie - a dog that is given to The Hermit

Big Ben - a horse that The Hermit used to ride (referred to only)

John Heywood - a friend of Matthew's

Marcus Davies - Matthew's biology teacher

George Blacker - a local thief

George Wheeler - Caesar/Timer's former owner

Sweepaway - a rival horse in a competition

Mrs Davies - Marcus Davies' mother

Dr Saunders - a local doctor

Amanda - a friend of Sophie's (referred to only)

Mermaid - Amanda's pony (referred to only)

Donald - A spaniel belonging to Amanda (referred to only)

Flora - A spaniel belonging to Amanda (referred to only)

Rebecca - a donkey belonging to The Hermit

Melanie Jane - a younger sister to Matthew & Sophie (referred to only)

 

There are also several characters, such as The Hermit's wife, but they are not given any specific names.

 

 

The Pennyfields

 

If anyone is unfamilar with the tale, it is a story of the Pennyfield children doing various errands in order to make £100.

 

Lucien Pennyfield - a boy, main character in the book

Marie Pennyfield - a girl, main character in the book

Sheila Pennyfield - a girl, main character in the book

Paul Pennyfield, full name Paul Edwin Trent Pennyfield - a boy, main character in the book

Jennet Pennyfield - a girl, main character in the book

Charles Pennyfield - youngest boy, main character in the book

Lottie Pennyfield - youngest girl, main character in the book

Janet - a ferret belonging to the Pennyfields

Judas - a ferret belonging to the Pennyfields

Tick - a mouse belonging to the Pennyfields

Tock - a mouse belonging to the Pennyfields

Dandylion - a grey donkey belonging to the Pennyfields

Mrs Tibbles - a nurse that is in charge of the children (their mother is deceased)

Brockie - a terrier (dog) belonging to the Pennyfields

Mrs Jim Smiley - a woman the children do an job for

Flippy - a duck belonging to the Pennyfields

Flappy - a duck belonging to the Pennyfields

Mr Bennet - a local farmer

Mrs Bob Smiley - a local woman (referred to only)

Cockade - a dog belonging to the Pennyfields

Chunky - a tortoise belonging to the Pennyfields

Mr Smiley - Mrs Jim Smiley's husband

Miss Summers - a local woman

Mr Sims - a man in the story

Mrs Saunders - a woman the children do an job for

Miss Parker - a woman the children do a job for

Major Davis - a man the children do a job for

Reverand Lucas - a man the children do a job for

Tom Jackson - a man in the story (referred to only)

Mrs Butland - a woman in the story

Mr Todd - a man in the story (referred to only)

Peel - a man in the story (referred to only)

Mr Phillips - a man the children do a job for

Mrs Phillips - Mr Phillips' wife

Major Dickens - a man in the story (referred to only)

Mrs Barker - a woman in the story (referred to only)

Smokey - Mrs Phillips' Persian cat

Timothy - Mrs Phillips' son

Tiddles - Mrs Phillips' Persian cat

Mr Oldman - a man in the story (referred to only)

Spookie - a black and white kitten owned by the Pennyfields

Mr Pennyfield - the children's father

Miss Frankie White - a woman who offers the children a typing job

Mrs Smith-Thomas - a woman who organises a party that most of the children go to help at

Captain Smith-Thomas - Mrs Smith-Thomas' wife

Elsie - the Smith-Thomas' cook

Raymond George - an ex-friend of Lucien

Mr Bennet - a local man (referenced only)

Constable Watkins - a local policeman (referred to only)

Geoffrey - a man who lends the children his telephone

Jack - a man in the story (referred to only)

T Rubens - a pawnbroker that Paul visits

Mrs Buckram - Mrs Smith-Thomas' sister

David Colman - a friend of the children's (referred to only)

Dashwood - a friend of the children's (referred to only)

Peter Arlington-Drake - a friend of the children's (referred to only)

Jimmy Dale - a man in the story

Mr Hayes - a local farmer

Minnie - a cat in the story

Mrs Butland - a woman in the story (referred to only)

Mrs George - Phillip's mother

Mr Ray - a man who helps out Mrs George (referred to only)

Bruno - a dark brown gelding owned by Mrs George

Juno - a pony owned by Mrs George

 

There is an artist & a reporter mentioned, but not given a specific names