January 2025 - Creative Writing Competition Winners
Florence Brinkworth
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Isla Metcalf
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Hettie Sparks
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Iona Sullivan
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Annabelle Byers
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Freya Appleton
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In January 2024, Crafty Ponies launched a new native pony foal product which included a short story that Helen wrote for each breed. As they'd collaborated on this product, and because they both value education, ponies and creativity, they teamed up again to run a creative writing competition for young pony lovers. Entrants were tasked with writing a blurb for a pony-based story which should give some details about the characters and events in a way that captures a reader's interest. Thank you to everyone who entered. It was fun but tough to judge them and select three winners in each age category, as there were lots of wonderful ideas, but eventually the following three in each group were chosen. The winners were able to select a 'My New Baby Foal' from Crafty Ponies as their prize.
Under Tens
1. Florence Brinkworth, aged 8. Buckinghamshire.
Rosie’s pony is special. She knows it
Rosie is excited to ride, She cannot hold her excitement in. She loves it and has never been happier.
Rosie loves Olympia. She goes every year and never misses it. Normally she’s just watching, but this year she is competing in the Mini-Major class.
Just before the show, Rosie finds out a secret about her pony. Read on to find out more!
Comment: I love the short sentences used for impact. The introduction to the characters builds tension well, especially the mystery secret and the encouragement to read the story to find out what is it. Very intriguing!
2. Isla Metcalf, aged 9. Cumbria
Storm and Isla are determined to win Skelton Show for the second year running. Will they succeed, or will it be a disaster?
They are entered in the Cradle Stakes for ponies under 12hh. Storm is a Welsh Section A and a cheeky character with a big appetite!
A story full of adventure and laughter. Follow Storm and Isla through the ups and down of Working Hunter showing.
Comment: Great emotive language and features of blurbs used effectively to ‘sell’ the story to potential readers. It’s very clear what the story will be about and who it will appeal to. The mention of adventure and laughter is appealing as it sounds like it will be an entertaining read with a mischievous pony at the centre of it.
3. Hettie Sparks, aged 9. Kent.
Raven has had a not-so-good start to his life. He was born to be a dressage horse but he wants to jump internationally. Raven’s mother is about to be taken away from him but before she goes she tells him something very important…that he should run away to New York as an important part of his past is there. So he does!
Comment: It’s good to see that the character’s ‘want’ is introduced, as well as the problem that’s stopping him from getting it. The hint about the horse having an important part of his past that he needs to uncover is a great hook. It sounds like it will be an adventurous tale with some exciting discoveries along the way.
Ten and over
1. Iona Sullivan, aged 10. Essex.
Biscuit has a beautiful golden coat, just like a custard cream. Headstrong, she listens to nobody but Jocelyn, a quiet kind girl who loves long rides with her beloved Biscuit.
It’s the day before Christmas Eve on Jocelyn’s farm. She and her brother, Toby are getting ready for Christmas. Tinsel is decorating the stable door and Biscuit is pleased.
Jocelyn looks at the weather forecast and is excited to see that it’s going to snow tomorrow. But, as fun as snow is, it can also cause chaos…
Comment: I love the introduction of the bond between pony and rider, but the suggestion of a problem (Biscuit being headstrong and the predicted snow) hints of a ride that is going to end with disaster, made even worse by the fact it’s all happening just before Christmas. All these elements combine to create a promise of an exciting story.
2. Annabelle Byers, aged 11. Isle of Man
It’s the first day of the winter break and Anna is sitting at home thinking about what she wants to do. A strange noise comes from outside and Anna looks out to see what it could be. It’s a pony. A very skinny one. Taking an apple from the kitchen, Anna decides to investigate.
The pony is timid at first, but soon warms up to Anna and every day after that she goes out to feed more apples to the pony, who she names Pepper.
But, on Christmas Eve, a cattle truck turns up and takes Pepper away. What will Anna do?
Comment: Great presentation of the relationship and trust forming between the girl and pony until the cliffhanger. The fact that disaster strikes just before Christmas creates a greater sense of urgency and the question at the end invites the reader to want to find out what the fearful girl will do to save her pony friend. It sounds like a story that will be full of danger to challenge the main character.
3. Freya Appleton, aged 12. North Yorkshire.
Minibix the New Forest foal was happy enjoying life in the New Forest until he bolted into unforeseen danger.
Unbroken and wild, he is fresh from the forest, and not the sort Freya thought would be her first pony. But she keeps her head down and creates a plan to tame the feral pony.
When he’s old enough to be ridden, Minibix struggles until he finds showjumping and cross-country which teach him that trying hard means he can enjoy himself. Will Freya unleash a new side of Minibix and help him to reach his full potential?
The plucky story of Minibix and Freya is truly heartwarming. Alone they are nothing, but combined, they embark on the story of a lifetime. They may have got off to a rocky start, but they keep trying until they develop a great partnership and defy all the odds by competing at their first ever show together.
Comment: Dramatic language is used to pull the reader in and promise a story full of highs and lows. Features of blurbs are used confidently to summarise the story without revealing too much. This gives the impression of a relatable and engaging story with characters the reader can go on a journey with.
Under Tens
1. Florence Brinkworth, aged 8. Buckinghamshire.
Rosie’s pony is special. She knows it
Rosie is excited to ride, She cannot hold her excitement in. She loves it and has never been happier.
Rosie loves Olympia. She goes every year and never misses it. Normally she’s just watching, but this year she is competing in the Mini-Major class.
Just before the show, Rosie finds out a secret about her pony. Read on to find out more!
Comment: I love the short sentences used for impact. The introduction to the characters builds tension well, especially the mystery secret and the encouragement to read the story to find out what is it. Very intriguing!
2. Isla Metcalf, aged 9. Cumbria
Storm and Isla are determined to win Skelton Show for the second year running. Will they succeed, or will it be a disaster?
They are entered in the Cradle Stakes for ponies under 12hh. Storm is a Welsh Section A and a cheeky character with a big appetite!
A story full of adventure and laughter. Follow Storm and Isla through the ups and down of Working Hunter showing.
Comment: Great emotive language and features of blurbs used effectively to ‘sell’ the story to potential readers. It’s very clear what the story will be about and who it will appeal to. The mention of adventure and laughter is appealing as it sounds like it will be an entertaining read with a mischievous pony at the centre of it.
3. Hettie Sparks, aged 9. Kent.
Raven has had a not-so-good start to his life. He was born to be a dressage horse but he wants to jump internationally. Raven’s mother is about to be taken away from him but before she goes she tells him something very important…that he should run away to New York as an important part of his past is there. So he does!
Comment: It’s good to see that the character’s ‘want’ is introduced, as well as the problem that’s stopping him from getting it. The hint about the horse having an important part of his past that he needs to uncover is a great hook. It sounds like it will be an adventurous tale with some exciting discoveries along the way.
Ten and over
1. Iona Sullivan, aged 10. Essex.
Biscuit has a beautiful golden coat, just like a custard cream. Headstrong, she listens to nobody but Jocelyn, a quiet kind girl who loves long rides with her beloved Biscuit.
It’s the day before Christmas Eve on Jocelyn’s farm. She and her brother, Toby are getting ready for Christmas. Tinsel is decorating the stable door and Biscuit is pleased.
Jocelyn looks at the weather forecast and is excited to see that it’s going to snow tomorrow. But, as fun as snow is, it can also cause chaos…
Comment: I love the introduction of the bond between pony and rider, but the suggestion of a problem (Biscuit being headstrong and the predicted snow) hints of a ride that is going to end with disaster, made even worse by the fact it’s all happening just before Christmas. All these elements combine to create a promise of an exciting story.
2. Annabelle Byers, aged 11. Isle of Man
It’s the first day of the winter break and Anna is sitting at home thinking about what she wants to do. A strange noise comes from outside and Anna looks out to see what it could be. It’s a pony. A very skinny one. Taking an apple from the kitchen, Anna decides to investigate.
The pony is timid at first, but soon warms up to Anna and every day after that she goes out to feed more apples to the pony, who she names Pepper.
But, on Christmas Eve, a cattle truck turns up and takes Pepper away. What will Anna do?
Comment: Great presentation of the relationship and trust forming between the girl and pony until the cliffhanger. The fact that disaster strikes just before Christmas creates a greater sense of urgency and the question at the end invites the reader to want to find out what the fearful girl will do to save her pony friend. It sounds like a story that will be full of danger to challenge the main character.
3. Freya Appleton, aged 12. North Yorkshire.
Minibix the New Forest foal was happy enjoying life in the New Forest until he bolted into unforeseen danger.
Unbroken and wild, he is fresh from the forest, and not the sort Freya thought would be her first pony. But she keeps her head down and creates a plan to tame the feral pony.
When he’s old enough to be ridden, Minibix struggles until he finds showjumping and cross-country which teach him that trying hard means he can enjoy himself. Will Freya unleash a new side of Minibix and help him to reach his full potential?
The plucky story of Minibix and Freya is truly heartwarming. Alone they are nothing, but combined, they embark on the story of a lifetime. They may have got off to a rocky start, but they keep trying until they develop a great partnership and defy all the odds by competing at their first ever show together.
Comment: Dramatic language is used to pull the reader in and promise a story full of highs and lows. Features of blurbs are used confidently to summarise the story without revealing too much. This gives the impression of a relatable and engaging story with characters the reader can go on a journey with.
Dec 2024 - London International Horse Show
On the 18th and 19th December, Helen visited the London International Horse Show for the first time to launch a creative writing competition in partnership with Crafty Ponies and speak about her new book on the 'Talk Horse' Live Zone. She hoped to meet Duble and watch him race too, but tickets were all sold out! Maybe next year.
Dec 2024 - Christmas Hobby Horse Show
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Results of Helen's first open hobby horse show:
30cm 1st - Joanna Litt, 2nd - Freya Rowland, 3rd - Lottie Steele, 4th - Paige Dargaval 40cm 1st - Freya Rowland 2nd - Ruby Nixon 3rd - Keira Cosby 4th - Orla Graham 50cm 1st - Taylor Jackson 2nd - Freya Rowland 3rd - Dinah Gate 4th - Isla Geisselmann Top Score (under 10) 1st - Tallie Potts = 2nd - Neave Rowland & Bobbie Jane Lister 4th - Joanna Litt Top Score (10 and over) = 1st - Taylor Jackson & Freya Rowland 3rd - Eden Thompson 4th - Dinah Gate Chase me Charlie (under 10) 1st - Neave Rowland 2nd - Lottie Steele = 3rd - Tallie Potts & Bobbie Jane Lister Chase me Charlie (10 and over) 1st - Charleigh Taylor 2nd - Keira Crosby 3rd - Freya Rowland Several people were = 4th! |
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Nov 2024 - Published on National Author's Day 2024
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Published on 1st November 2024
Discover the extraordinary true story of Poppy and her Shetland pony, Duble, as they defy expectations and enter the competitive world of Shetland pony racing. Young readers will be captivated by their incredible journey of friendship and teamwork. Hot on the heels of her collaboration with Crafty Ponies (the native pony foals with exclusive short stories were launched in January) comes another project that Helen is delighted to be involved with. For her next book, she's teamed up with Merkisayre Sea Duble, and his owner, Lianna Dadson to share the story behind Duble and Poppy’s (Lianna’s daughter) introduction to Shetland pony racing. It’s an emotional tale and, as with her own Amber’s Pony Tales, Helen loves writing stories about real ponies and people. |
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March 2024 - National Equine Show
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On 2nd and 3rd March, Helen attended the National Equine Show for the first time. Her stand at the show (shared by Rock Star Rocking Horse) was very well visited and her ‘Gallop Towards Your Goals’ talk was a success, much to her relief. It was lovely to meet so many of her readers who came along to say hi, and to introduce her books to new people too. It was a great experience to attend a show of this size and see the wonderful array of equestrian businesses out there.
The ‘Gallop Towards Your Goals’ talk is available for Pony Clubs / Riding Clubs / Guides / Scouts groups etc so get in touch via the contact page if you'd like to enquire about booking. It's available in-person or virtually, so wherever you are, Helen can be there!
The ‘Gallop Towards Your Goals’ talk is available for Pony Clubs / Riding Clubs / Guides / Scouts groups etc so get in touch via the contact page if you'd like to enquire about booking. It's available in-person or virtually, so wherever you are, Helen can be there!
January 2024 - Crafty Ponies Collaboration
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In June 2023, Helen began work on a joint collaboration with Crafty Ponies, who make educational pony toys and accessories. They were bringing out a new product featuring foals of Britain's native breed ponies and wanted some exclusive short stories to go with them. Helen did a lot of reading and watching videos as well as speaking to owners and breed societies to ensure the stories give a flavour of the ponies history, breed characteristics and current uses in modern times. The foals and stories were launched in January 2024 at the London Toy Fair and will be available to buy direct from Crafty Ponies online shop very shortly.
July 2023 - Twinkl Interview
In July 2023, Helen was interviewed by Adam Morris from Twinkl, an international educational publisher, producing teaching and educational materials. As an English teacher, children's author and former school librarian, the focus of the interview was very much on literacy. Helen was asked about her experience of teaching literacy and encouraging readers to pick up their books, supporting pupils who dislike reading and writing, the importance of reading and writing in everyday life and which books she recommends.
Visit the blog or watch the video below.
Visit the blog or watch the video below.