Sam Savitt (1917–2000)

As you might be able to tell with just a cursory glance at my library list, I enjoy reading books about animals. I especially like and prefer those stories which portray critters as they truly are.

"Midnight Champion Bucking Horse" is one of those true-to-life books, telling the life story of a champion rodeo horse from the early 1900s, as shared through the reminisces of three men who knew Midnight personally.

Lavishly illustrated by the superb Sam Savitt (who also authored), this book is a show more treat for young or old or in-between, and especially those who love horses. show less

This book is definitely dated, and often really shows it's age with the writing style and certain details. I just love the use of "studying" in place of "thinking". They describe Suzy getting a "new" old-time camera that has to be plugged in to have an "electrical flash". Sometimes it's distracting and I had to remind myself how old this book is, but I did like seeing the differences that come with age.
Suzy seems very stuck-up in the beginning of the book; She thinks she knows everything show more just because she's grown up around horses, teases her friend who doesn't know much about horses, and even thinks she knows better then the stable workers. I always get annoyed with books that feature such snobby kids, but I think Suzy's attitude in the beginning faded after awhile.

I've read tons of horse books, but I guess because I've never done these things in real life, I always seem to learn something from them. It was wonderful to read about the steps the yearlings go through to get used to the different tack, and how calm/gentle animals are sometimes brought in to help soothe the more skittish horses.
I really liked that this book isn't just another "raising and training a winner" story. It's also about money and hardships, and Suzy having to realize that Whickery isn't just a pet but livestock, they depend on the horses winning races in order to eat, buy clothes, etc etc. That put a more realistic spin on things. show less

Behind the beautifully painted cover of "Sam Savitt's True Horse Stories" is a pretty good read. Known mainly for his wonderful illustrations, Sam Savitt should also be appreciated for his ability to tell an engaging short story. In this work, we read some personal recollections of horses (sort of a "Horses I Have Known" collection) and some retelling of historic tales. Coupled with excellent illustrations, this is definitely worth a read, or two, or more. Recommended.

I enjoy reading so-called "children's" books: most of the time I find them entertaining, diverting, even if they are written on a simpler level. However, Born to Race is truly a book best suited for a young child of 7-9, especially if they are interested in race horses and want to learn more.