Holding The Horse

A boy the world dismissed. His impossible dream of glory. Can this underdog really fight and win?

Fourteen-year-old Sid Everett longs for excitement and the glory of being a famous jockey. Despite having nothing but an old farm horse, he dreams of riding to victory with his name in the headlines and money in his pockets.

However, his father seems dead set against the idea. Ever since Dad came home from the war he's been like a ticking time-bomb, and Sid and his family don't know what to expect from one moment to the next. With money getting tighter by the day, and Dad becoming harder and harder to live with, Sid's dreams have never felt further away.

But Sid has a plan...

With an older sister who has already sacrificed her own dream, Sid can’t resist the temptation to go all out. Deceiving his parents, Sid risks all - jeopardizing the very dream he longs for. Riding into danger, galloping to disaster, Sid’s exhilaration turns to terror.

"An important book." Janice Marriott, award winning author and mentor

"A racing good book for anyone who loves horses, history or characters with grit and determination." Philippa Werry, award winning author

"Engaging and engrossing." Bill Nagelkerke, award winning author and librarian

Set in post-WWII rural New Zealand, Holding The Horse is a story of dreams and determination. J L Williams evokes the 1940s with accuracy and sensitivity. A fast paced, heartwarming story of courage and reconciliation which will long remain in the heart and mind.