Dream Horse Adventures Series
In this inspiring middle grade series, girls chase big dreams and face even bigger obstacles—with the help of the horses they love. From saving a broken filly to navigating family upheaval, every story is packed with heart, hope, and the unshakable bond between a girl and her horse. Perfect for readers who believe in second chances, fierce determination, and the healing power of hooves, Dream Horse Adventures is where courage meets the saddle, and dreams learn to gallop.
Mary’s Song
Mary’s heart breaks over the pending destruction of a beautiful, but damaged filly. When life is not fair, the courageous challenge the obstacles.
Selah’s Sweet Dream
The story of a girl who aspires to be an equestrian super-star and a horse with attitude… The story of a girl who aspires to be an equestrian super-star…
Selah’s Painted Dream
One word can ruin a perfect life—moving. A move would separate her from her horse, so she plots to get her name on the farm mailbox instead.
Selah’s Stolen Dream
One girl’s victory is another’s tragic defeat. Will life surprise them with an answered prayer?
Saddle up for a journey of friendship, faith, and finding your place in the world—because in Dream Horse Adventures, every girl deserves a chance to chase her dreams on horseback.
Also be sure to check out the Dream Pony Riders! Author Susan Count loves writing heartfelt middle grade stories about girls and their horses and knows you will enjoy reading them as well!
🏆 The Dream Horse Adventures Series Map
Chasing Big Dreams and Facing Even Bigger Obstacles.
This award-winning series is designed for middle-grade readers (ages 8–14) who love deep emotional stakes, “faith-forward” themes, and authentic equestrian detail.
| Vol. | Title | Selah’s Age | The Core Conflict & High Stakes | Key Life Lesson / Theme |
| 1 | Mary’s Song | Prequel | Mary’s heart breaks over the pending destruction of a beautiful but damaged filly. | Hope & Healing: Believing in a future even when life isn’t fair. |
| 2 | Selah’s Sweet Dream | 12 | Selah rescues a horse trapped in wire, but the mare is wild and defiant. | Determination: Proving your worth and earning a horse’s trust. |
| 3 | Selah’s Painted Dream | 13 | A move to a new city threatens to separate Selah from her horse and her grandpa’s farm. | Resourcefulness: Protecting your home and your equine partners. |
| 4 | Selah’s Stolen Dream | 13 | One girl’s victory is another’s tragic defeat when a horse is stolen. | Safety & Resilience: Dealing with loss and the dangers of social media. |
🌟 Series Highlights
- Standalone vs. Chronological: While each book can be enjoyed on its own, they are best read in order to follow Selah’s growth from a beginner to a determined equestrian superstar.
- Awards & Recognition:
- Mary’s Song: #1 Amazon Best Seller in Riding Horses; Feathered Quill Book Award Winner.
- Selah’s Sweet Dream: 1st Place – American Horse Publications
- Selah’s Stolen Dream: 1st Place – Purple Dragonfly Award (Middle Grade Fiction).
- Selah’s Painted Dream: Silver Award – Literary Classics.
- Authentic Horsemanship: Susan Count is a lifelong equestrian. The series is praised for its “technical accuracy,” including details on liberty work, horse rescue, and training.
- Target Demographic: Middle Grade (Grades 4–8). These books are slightly longer and deal with more complex emotional themes (like family upheaval and safety) than the Dream Pony Riders series.
👤 Character Profile: Selah
“A girl with a heart for horses and the grit to match.”
- Full Name: Selah (pronounced SAY-la)
- Age: 12–13 (throughout the series)
- Her Horse: Sweet Dream, a wild-spirited black mare.
- Defining Traits: Resilient, deeply spiritual, and fiercely protective of those she loves.
- Her Challenge: Selah often has to prove that her age doesn’t limit her capability. Whether she is training a rescue horse or tracking down a stolen one, she relies on her faith and her Grandpa’s wisdom.
- The “Selah” Meaning: In the Bible, Selah means to “pause and reflect.” Throughout the books, Selah takes “Selah moments” to pray and find peace during high-stress situations.
👨👩👧👦 The Parents’ Guide: Which Series is Right for My Child?
Susan Count offers two distinct worlds for young readers. While both series share a “faith-forward” foundation and technical equestrian accuracy, they serve different reading levels and emotional needs.
The Dream Horse Adventures
- Target Age: 10–14 (Middle Grade to Young Adult)
- Format: Longer novels following a continuous chronological journey (Selah’s story).
- The Vibe: High-stakes, emotional, and adventurous.
- Key Themes: Horse theft, internet safety, family relocation, and “rescue” horsemanship.
- Perfect For: Older readers who want a “gripping” page-turner that deals with real-world dangers and deeper spiritual questions.
The Dream Pony Riders
- Target Age: 8–12 (Early to Middle Grade)
- Format: Shorter novels, standalone stories with rotating protagonists.
- The Vibe: Joyful, educational, and focused on “stable life” and initial friendships.
- Key Themes: Learning to ride, overcoming jealousy, and basic pony care.
- Perfect For: The “horse-crazy” child who is just starting their equestrian journey or moving into chapter books.
Comparison Table: At-A-Glance
| Feature | Dream Pony Riders | Dream Horse Adventures |
| Main Character | Different girl each book | Selah (Continuous) |
| Complexity | Simple, focused on “Pony Club” life | Complex, high-stakes adventures |
| Technical Focus | English/Show Jumping/Basics | Western/Liberty/Rescue Training |
| Faith Element | Daily kindness & character | Deep prayer & spiritual resilience |