Troy Nesbit (1907–1995)

Sand Dune Pony is part of a series of books written by Troy Nesbit. I fondly remember reading these books as a child. They were old even then, having been written in the 1950’s. These books were difficult to find, even in used bookstores. I think this was because they were well-written and very memorable. I have a collection of a few of the originals in my library. So, when I saw that these books were being re-printed, I was quite happy. Now I have the chance to read some of the titles that were difficult to find as used books. I can also re-read my favorites again without damaging the originals, which are showing their age.

This time, I read Sand Dune Pony. In many of Nesbit’s books, the common themes are outdoor adventure, national parks, wildlife, anthropology, archaeology, and coming of age in the outdoors. His stories often feature wild animals, people who work or explore outdoors, and fantastic finds. The stuff of high adventure when you’re a kid! Here’s a little sneak peak from Sand Dune Pony. Did you know you can ski in the summer in the desert? Read the book to find out how it’s done.

Sand Dune Pony was written in a time when there were places in the wilderness where wild horses still roamed and could be caught and tamed. Nowadays, of course, there are wild horses, but most are on public lands and you cannot simply catch yourself a horse. The story is written from the point of view of a young man who visits a western ranch and gets to spend time with an older man who lives in a covered wagon. They catch a horse and proceed to train it. Along the way, they encounter a man who is up to no good and they solve a mystery. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot! You need to read it yourself and decide what you think.

I highly recommend any of the books by Troy Nesbit, which are being re-printed under the title of The Wilderness Mystery Series. They may be dated, but the stories will hold your attention and will draw you in. You will not be able to put these stories down, and they are the kind of stories you think about for a long time afterward.

These books are most appropriate for the young adult age group, but adults will find them entertaining as well. It’s a chance to be transported back to a simpler time when you dreamed of adventures and treasure hunts!… (altro)

Overall just an okay read--very well written, but the plot and characters are rather flat. The mystery isn't very mysterious, as the bad guy is revealed very early in the book, and once bad things start happening, well who could doing such bad things except the bad guy? All that's left is to prove it, which is quickly done. I suspect I would have enjoyed this more as a kid, particularly since I loved horses.

However, do check out other books in the Wilderness Mystery series--The Diamond Cave Mystery (#5 in the series) is seriously brilliant.… (altro)

I greatly enjoyed Sand Dune Pony by Troy Nesbit (real name Franklin Folsom). As a horse-crazy teen I devoured everything horsey - Black Beauty, Zane Grey, Louis L'amour, and in college I discovered more wide-ranging westerns from the 1920s/30s/40s and a variety of authors. So, Sand Dune Pony had quite a high bar to live up to! I was quite glad to realize, very quickly, that this was quality writing and an engaging story. Young Pete, from Chicago, is left adrift on his Aunt & Uncle's ranch when circumstances leave him without a horse to ride. Fortunately for Pete (and us!), a friend stops by the ranch on his way to a fishing spot, and offers Pete a chance at an adventurous summer and the possibility of a horse of his own. We are then treated to a wide-ranging series of believable adventures (given the time period), from interacting with wild ponies to fishing, scouting, tracking, and even skiing in the summertime! And of course, lots and lots of horsey goodness. The illustrations are lovely - simple pen sketches that give a quick view of a scene, but don't intrude on the book. I liked how Hatsy insisted on a cooperative, demonstrative, learning & trusting method of "breaking" a horse/pony, instead of breaking their spirit by physical abuse. There were a few scenes that might upset younger or sensitive readers - I know I cringed, even as an adult, when Pete comes upon some animals that were killed by a human, or left orphaned by the same. So be aware of that, otherwise I'd recommend this book to young and old. Sand Dune Pony favorably reminded me of The Blind Colt by Glen Rounds from 1960.… (altro)