SuitabookHorse Mad Heights
Kathy Helidoniotis
- Reading
- Horse and school details may provide an accessible entry point; pause after major conflicts to discuss whether Ashleigh is acting from confidence, pressure or a need to belong, without assuming the ending.
- Themes
- Belonging in an elite setting: Ashleigh arrives at a prestigious school as the new girl and tries to establish herself among experienced riders. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Competition and pressure: Ashleigh wants to make the most of her scholarship and compete on the polocrosse team, while a rival rider is jealous of her position. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Horse-centred identity: Ashleigh has relied on being totally horse mad, but at Linley she must manage challenges beyond her riding interests. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to how Ashleigh responds when proving herself starts to become dangerous, and whether the school’s competitive culture supports, challenges or complicates her sense of belonging.