The Lost Horse
#6 of 6 in Connemara Adventures Series
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
As Halloween approaches, 12-year-old Clodagh is convinced she saw a grey horse in the woods near the manor house, reminiscent of the local legend of Lilly and her horse Veillantif, who are said to haunt the manor each Halloween. Meanwhile, a local horse has mysteriously gone missing and Clodagh must also help organize a spooky Halloween party for Mrs. Fitz. As Clodagh and her Connemara pony, Ozzie, continue their adventure, they uncover whether they are really seeing ghosts from the 1700s. Written by Elaine Heney, this horse story is perfect for children over 8 who love horses and follows the success of the previous books in the series: the Forgotten Horse, the Show Horse, the Mayfield Horse, the Stolen Horse, and the Adventure Horse.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they lost the horse? What would you do in their situation?
What does the horse symbolize in the story? Can you think of something important in your life that reminds you of the horse?
Why is it important to keep looking for the horse even when it seems difficult?
How do the other characters help in finding the horse? How do you help your friends when they need you?
What did you learn about facing challenges and not giving up from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to enable deeper thinking and understanding of the themes.
Create a supportive atmosphere that celebrates curiosity and allows your child to explore different aspects of the story.
Relate the story's moral and themes to real-life situations which your child might encounter, reinforcing the lessons learned.
Praise your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to build confidence and encourage active participation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Lost Horse', the main character learns the importance of taking care of their belongings when they forget to secure the barn, leading to the horse wandering off.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their tasks such as keeping their room tidy or being mindful of their own school supplies.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey to find the lost horse, presenting various challenges that require critical thinking and decision making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their problem-solving skills, which they can use in situations like resolving conflicts with peers or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the search, the protagonist understands and feels for the horse’s plight, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider others' feelings and perspectives, which is crucial in building healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing obstacles, the protagonist remains determined to find the lost horse, illustrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting in the face of adversity, whether working towards mastering a new skill or completing a difficult school project.