Christine Pullein-Thompson (1925-2005)

Along with her two sisters and mother (Joanna Cannan) Christine forms part of the most famous pony book writing dynasty of all time. She was born in 1925 and wrote over 100 books before her death in 2005.  She and her two sisters, twin Diana, and elder sister Josephine, decided to write a pony book together when still in their teens. From then on the rest, as they say, was history. The girls' knowledge and experience of ponies - they competed, broke in and trained ponies and ran their own riding school - shines through in their books.

Christine was the most prolific of the three sisters, writing a huge amount of pony stories, plus many other non-pony books (many of which are now hard to find). Her books tend to be slightly darker than those of her sisters in tone, and many also dealt with important social issues of the time such as poverty, housing problems and urban development. The many poverty-stricken characters in her pony books dispel the myth that pony stories are all elitist and full of spoilt rich kids!

Her daughter Charlotte Popescu is also an author, having written a number of non-fiction pony books and cookery books. She runs the Cavalier Paperbacks publishing company which has published a number of her mother's pony books.

Chill Valley Hounds Series:
A group of children start their own pack of fox hounds.

1) WE HUNTED HOUNDS
(COLLINS 1949)
ILLUSTRATED BY MARCIA LANE FOSTER
Reprinted in hardback as part of the Collins Pony Library (number 5) in the 1970s.
Reprinted in paperback by Armada in the 1960s and 70s.
Reprinted in a revised large paperback edition by J A Allen in the 1990s.
SUMMARY: Sandy and Laurence and their friends the Days decide to form their own pack of hounds. But raising the money and running the pack proves harder than they thought.

2) I CARRIED THE HORN
(COLLINS 1951)
ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLOTTE HOUGH
Reprinted in hardback. Reprinted in paperback by Armada in the 1960s and 70s. Reprinted in a revised large paperback edition by J A Allen in the 1990s.
SUMMARY: Trials and tribulations abound in the fortunes of the Chill Valley Foxhounds, culminating in Sandy becoming huntsman and 'carrying the horn.'

3) GOODBYE TO HOUNDS
(COLLINS 1952)
ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLOTTE HOUGH
Reprinted in hardback. Reprinted in paperback by Armada in the 1960s and 70s. Reprinted in a revised large paperback edition by J A Allen in the 1990s.
SUMMARY: With the future of the Day's farm in jeopardy, will the children have to give up their hounds?

Collectors Info:
The 1970s paperbacks are the easiest to find. The larger newer J A. Allen paperbacks are slightly harder. Hardbacks are fairly rare. First editions with dustjackets are rare and may be quite valuable.

Phantom Horse Series:
Follows the many adventures of Jean who acquires a beautiful wild horse from America and brings him home to England. The series starts off fairly traditional but gets more adventure/mystery orientated in the later books.

1) PHANTOM HORSE
(COLLINS 1955)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in hardback, including Collins Seagull Library edition.
Reprinted in paperback in various editions by Armada.
Most recently reprinted in hardback with pictorial boards by Award.
SUMMARY: Jean and brother Angus move to America and there Jean falls in love with the beautiful wild palomino Phantom Horse. Bur he has been running loose and evading captors for a long time. Can she and Angus succeed where others have failed.

2) PHANTOM HORSE COMES HOME
(ARMADA 1970)
First edition was a paperback published by Armada.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House
Reprinted in paperback by Armada and Ravette,
Most recently reprinted in hardback with pictorial boards by Award.
SUMMARY: Jean and Angus return to the UK bringing Phantom with them. How will he adjust to his new life?

3) PHANTOM HORSE GOES TO IRELAND
(ARMADA 1972)
First edition was a paperback published by Armada.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House
Reprinted in paperback by Armada and Ravette,
Most recently reprinted in hardback with pictorial boards by Award.
SUMMARY: Jean and Angus discover a secret in their Aunt's attic...

4) PHANTOM HORSE IN DANGER
(ARMADA 1980)
First edition was a paperback published by Armada.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House
Reprinted in paperback by Armada and Ravette,
Most recently reprinted in hardback with pictorial boards by Award.
SUMMARY: Can the children save their beloved ponies from slaughter?

5) PHANTOM HORSE GOES TO SCOTLAND
(ARMADA 1981)
First edition was a paperback published by Armada.
Reprinted  in paperback by Ravette,
Most recently reprinted in hardback with pictorial boards by Award.
SUMMARY: Jean and Angus are staying on a beautiful Scottish Island but all is not as it seems…

6) WAIT FOR ME PHANTOM HORSE
(SEVERN HOUSE 1985)
Reprinted as a  hardback with pictorial boards by Award and as a paperback by Ravette.
SUMMARY: More mystery and danger for Jean and Angus as they befriend a strange new girl and Phantom is stolen.

Collectors Info:
Fairly easy books to find in some shape or form as there were many different incarnations; there being various editions in hardback and  paperback. The latest Award pictorial hardbacks are quite nice as they are all illustrated by Eric Rowe, whereas apart from the first book the original paperbacks were not illustrated. The first edition of the first in series is the rarest and most valuable. Paperback first editions are fairly easy to find and reasonably low priced.

David and Pat Series:
A favourite traditional series which incorporates themes of jumping, runing a stable and working with horses. It follows the fortunes of a boy who from humble beginnings follows his dream to become a top showjumper.

PONYMAD SERIES RATING: 4-5 HORSESHOES

1) THE FIRST ROSETTE
(BURKE 1956)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in paperback by Knight.
SUMMARY: David's ambition to become a top showjumper is hampered by the fact he cannot afford a horse! Then he meets Pat and her wealthy father.

2) THE SECOND MOUNT
(BURKE 1957)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in paperback by Knight.
SUMMARY: David and his friend Pat have left school and decide to start up a riding stables together, but disaster is just around the corner…

3) THREE TO RIDE
(BURKE 1958)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in paperback by Knight.
SUMMARY: When Pat ldecides to give up horses to become a debutante, David leaves home in order to try and fulfil his ambition of jumping for England. However things don't go well, he missed Pat and he may even lose his beloved Tornado!

Collectors Info:
There were a few paperbacks published and these are very easy to find in the UK, and to a slightly lesser extent in the USA.. The hardbacks are also reasonably easy to find compared to some of the author's other hardbacks, and can be bought fairly cheaply.

Mick and Janice Series:
Slightly linked to the above series in the fact that David appears as an adult character in the books. Two children find their lack of money and knowledge a hindrance in their quest to own a pony and learn to ride.

1) THE LOST PONY
(BURKE 1959)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in paperback a number of times by Burke, Dragon and most recently Cavalier (possibly revised).
SUMMARY: Mick and Janice move to the country to live with foster parents. Although they miss their mother, the horse mad children are caught up in looking after a lost pony

2) FOR WANT OF A SADDLE
(BURKE 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY ANNE BULLEN
Reprinted in paperback a number of times by Burke, Dragon and most recently Cavalier (possibly revised).
SUMMARY: At last the children have a pony to ride but without being able to afford a saddle how can they learn properly?

Collectors Info:
The 1970s Dragon paperbacks are the most common and are very easy to find. Hardbacks, and especially first editions however are quite rare. The 1960s Burke paperbacks are also quite hard to find. The Cavalier editions are still in print at time of writing, although may have been revised and/or updated.

Fishers and Allcotts Series:
A group of disparate children who ride at the local riding school find themselves mixed up in lots of pony related adventures.

1)THE EMPTY FIELD
(BURKE 1961)
ILLUSTRATED BY ANNE BULLEN
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon.
Reprinted as a hardback with pictorial boards by John Goodchild in the 1980s.
SUMMARY: The children band together to try and save a group of Shire horses from death by organising a gymkhana to raise money.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

2) THE OPEN GATE
(BURKE 1962)
ILLUSTRATED BY BARBARA CROCKER
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon.
Reprinted as a hardback with pictorial boards by John Goodchild in the 1980s.
SUMMARY: The riding school ponies have been hurt by thugs and some are now missing. Can the children find the ponies and stop the thugs?
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

3) THE DOPING AFFAIR
aka THE PONY DOPERS
(BURKE 1963)
ILLUSTRATED BY ENID ASH
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon when it was renamed THE PONY DOPERS.
Reprinted as a hardback with pictorial boards by John Goodchild in the 1980s.
SUMMARY: Audrey's new showjumper Romany has been doped. Is it their old enemy Jim Morgan or Nicholas's beautiful new girlfriend? The children set out to find who is responsible. At the same time they are worried that Audrey may be thinking of closing the stables.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

Collectors Info:
Very easy books to find in paperback form. The Goodchild hardback editions are not often seen. First editions are quite rare.

Riding School Series:
Traditional series which is set against a non-traditional urban background and is concerned with the problems of riding and keeping horses in such an environment. Fairly downbeat.

1) RIDERS ON THE MARCH
(ARMADA PB 1970)
First edition was paperback.
Also reprinted in paperback by Armada.
Later reprinted as a hardback with dustjacket by Severn House.
Latest edition was a paperback published by Cavalier.
SUMMARY: When their riding school is threatened by developers taking over the land the local horsy kids fight to save the stables.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

2) THEY RODE TO VICTORY
(ARMADA PB 1972)
First edition was paperback.
Also reprinted by Armada and Granada.
Later reprinted as a hardback with dustjacket by Severn House.
Latest edition was a paperback published by Cavalier.
SUMMARY: The riding school gang take part in a team riding competition But they're up against stiff competition from posh schools as well as being beset by other problems, including sabotage!
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

Collectors Info:
First editions were paperbacks and as such are much cheaper than the author's first edition hardbacks. The hardback reprints are not often seen. The Cavalier paperback editions are still in print at time of writing, although they were possibly revised and/or updated.

Black Beauty's Family/Clan Series:
A series of historical pony novels following in the hoofprints of Black Beauty. The novels are set from the horse's point of view and are the life stories of a number of Black Beauty's relatives. The stories were written by all 3 of the Pullein-Thompson sisters and I have included this section on each of their web-pages.

1) BLACK BEAUTY'S CLAN
(BROCKHAMPTON 1975)
ILLUSTRATED BY ELISABETH GRANT
Includes: 
BLACK VELVET  (by Christine)
BLACK PRINCESS (by Diana)
BLACK EBONY (by Josephine)

First published as a hardback volume containing the above three stories. Reprinted as a paperback omnibus by Red Fox in 2000 when it was confusingly re-titled BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY (See 'other editions' section below)
The 3 stories were also published separately as paperbacks by Knight.

2) BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY
(HODDER & STOUGHTON 1978)
ILLUSTRATED BY ELISABETH GRANT
Includes:
BLACK NIGHTSHADE (by Josephine)
BLACK ROMANY (by Diana)
BLOSSOM (by Christine)

First published as a hardback volume containing the above three stories. Reprinted by Red Fox in 2001 as MORE FROM BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY (See below)
Black Nightshade was I think the only one of these stories to be published separately as a paperback by Knight.

3) BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY 2
(BEAVER 1982)
Includes:
BLACK RAVEN AND THE WITCH (by Josephine)
BLACK PIPER (by Diana)
BLACK PIONEER (by Christine)

First edition was a paperback. Shorter than the other omnibus editions: the three stories are novella size rather than full length novels

Other Editions:

BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY 1
(BEAVER 1981)
ILLUSTRATED BY ELISABETH GRANT
SUMMARY: Paperback containing: Black Romany and Blossom

BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY
(RED FOX PB 2000)
SUMMARY: Paperback reprint of Black Beauty's Clan containing Ebony, Princess and Velvet.

MORE FROM BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY
(RED FOX PB 2001)
SUMMARY: Paperback reprint of Black Beauty's Family, containing: Black Nightshade, Romany and Blossom

BLACK BEAUTY'S FAMILY
(CHANCELLOR PRESS )
SUMMARY: A large hardback omnibus edition with pictorial boards. Contains Velvet, Princess, Ebony, Nightshade, Romany, Blossom.

Collectors Info: 
Although none of the books are particularly rare, this is an extremely confusing series to collect as there were several omnibus editions with similar names and many of the reprints were also re-named.
They were first published in omnibus form, each volume containing 3 stories, making a total of  9 separate stories. Some of the books (see above for which ones) were also published as single volume paperbacks. The first 6 stories appeared in a number of different omnibuses, although the last three were not reprinted at all and are only available in Black Beauty's Family 2.  Please consult the above list to make sure you don't buy duplicates!

Black Pony Inn Series:
A family start a hotel for both people and horses and find it gives them plenty of hard work and many adventures.

Read/join in with a discussion of the series

1) STRANGE RIDERS AT BLACK PONY INN
(PAN 1976)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House and then Swift.
Most recent edition was a paperback published by Ravette.
SUMMARY: The Pemberton family have fallen on hard times and may have to sell their beloved ponies. But then they decide to make ends meet by turning their home into the Black Pony Inn

2) MYSTERY AT BLACK PONY INN
(PAN 1976)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House and then Swift.
Most recent edition was a paperback published by Ravette.
SUMMARY: The children find themselves mixed up in a kidnapping.

3) SECRETS AT BLACK PONY INN
(PAN 1978)
Paperback first edition. Reprinted in hardback by Severn House and then Swift. Most recent edition was a paperback published by Ravette.
SUMMARY: More trouble arrives at the Inn in the form of the Travers family.

4) PRINCE AT BLACK PONY INN
(PAN 1978)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in hardback by Severn House and then Swift.
Most recent edition was a paperback published by Ravette.
SUMMARY: Prince, a beautiful but troubled pony arrives to stay.

5) CATASTROPHE AT BLACK PONY INN
(RAVETTE 1989)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in hardback by Swift.
SUMMARY: A hurricane hits the stables.

6) GOOD DEEDS AT BLACK PONY INN
(RAVETTE 1989)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in hardback by Swift.
SUMMARY: Last in the series. The children attempt to raise money for a sick child but all does not go smoothly, especially when their Appeal is taken over by a newspaper who plans to exploit it for their own ends...

Other Editions:

ADVENTURE STORIES FROM BLACK PONY INN
(AWARD 1998)
SUMMARY: Hardback omnibus edition containing the first 3 books in the series

MORE ADVENTURE STORIES FROM BLACK PONY INN
(AWARD 1999)
SUMMARY: Hardback omnibus containing the last 3 books in series.

Collectors Info:
The paperbacks are very easy to find in the UK and the USA and are low cost. The omnibus editions are also easy to find. The Swift hardback editions are slightly rarer than the other editions, but still not hard to find.

Pony Patrol Series:
Adventure/mystery series. A group of children set up a mounted patrol to combat crime and solve mysteries.

1) PONY PATROL
(DRAGON  PB 1977)
First edition was a paperback.
Reprinted by Severn House and later Simon and Schuster in hardback. Also reprinted as a paperback by Simon and Schuster.
SUMMARY: When an arsonist attacks the neighbourhood William and his friends set up a mounted patrol to try and find the culprit.

2) PONY PATROL S.O.S
(DRAGON  PB 1977)
First edition was a paperback.
Reprinted by Severn House and later Simon and Schuster in hardback. Also reprinted as a paperback by Simon and Schuster.
SUMMARY: The Pony Patrol get back together to find a girl lost on the marshes

3) PONY PATROL FIGHTS BACK
(DRAGON  PB 1977)
First edition was a paperback.
Reprinted by Severn House and later Simon and Schuster in hardback. Also reprinted as a paperback by Simon and Schuster.
SUMMARY: The Patrol find themselves threatened when they advertise their services

4) PONY PATROL AND THE MYSTERY HORSE
(DRAGON PB 1980)
First edition was a paperback.
Reprinted by Severn House and later Simon and Schuster in hardback. Also reprinted as a paperback by Simon and Schuster.
SUMMARY: The Patrol try and solve the mystery of an owner-less horse which keeps appearing every night

There was also a short story featuring the Pony Patrol in the author's book PONY PARADE (see Short Stories section below for more details of this book)

Collectors Info:
Easy to find in paperback in both the UK and USA. Hardbacks are a bit harder to find than paperbacks, however none are particular rare or valuable.

Ponies in the Park Series:
Series about a family who start their own animal park.
Possibly not for very sensitive readers as contains some scenes of animal cruelty, especially last in series.

1) PONIES IN THE PARK
(BEAVER 1982)
Paperback first edition. Reprinted in hardback by Severn House.
SUMMARY: Rosie, Clara, Andy and their mother are left Park Farm by an elderly uncle. Rosie thinks her dreams have come true. At last they can live in the country and have ponies of their own. To make ends meet they decide to start an animal park. They also make a friend who teaches them to ride. But the park isn't making enough money and may have to be closed. Then the children save some endangered badgers and this leads to an unexpected upturn in their fortunes.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

2) PONIES IN THE BLIZZARD
(BEAVER 1983)
Paperback first edition. Reprinted in hardback by Severn House.
SUMMARY: The children and their ponies become lost in a blizzard.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

3) PONIES IN THE FOREST
(BEAVER 1984)
Paperback first edition. Reprinted in hardback by Severn House.
SUMMARY: A terrible event devastates the family.
PONYMAD RATING: HORSE DROPPING BOOBY PRIZE!

Collectors Info:
Fairly easy to find in the UK, although they are not often seen on auction sites. The first one is easier to find than the other two.  They are a lot harder to get hold of outside the UK. Hardback editions are not as common as the paperbacks.

Candy Series:
Short picture book series for younger readers about a pony called Candy and her young owners.

CANDY GOES TO THE GYMKHANA
(PAPERBIRD 1989)
Reprinted in paperback

CANDY STOPS A TRAIN
(PAPERBIRD 1989)
Reprinted in paperback

Collectors Info:
First editions are small paperbacks. Easy to find in the UK and to a slightly lesser extent in the USA.

Pony Series:
Younger reader's illustrated series in which the stories have something a moral message.

I WANT THAT PONY
(MACDONALD 1993?)
ILLUSTRATED BY GILLY MARKLEW
Reprinted in paperback.

THE BEST PONY FOR ME
(MACDONALD 1995)
ILLUSTRATED BY PETER CLOVER
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: Sophie is desperately disappointed when she is given a dull, plodding pony, Maisie, to ride at the horse show.

THE PONY TEST
(MACDONALD 1997)
ILLUSTRATED BY GILLY MARKLEW
Reprinted in paperback.

THE PONY PICNIC
(MACDONALD 1998)
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: Claire is looking forward to the pony picnic. She collects many important things she may need on the trip. But when she gets to the riding school the other riders make fun of her overflowing rucksack. However, by the end of the day everyone is pleased that she was so well prepared.

Collectors Info:
They are at the moment fairly easy to find in paperback.

Horsehaven Series:
Series about a horse sanctuary. Similar in some ways to the Hollywell Stables series by Sam Alexander, although not as up-beat or chatty in tone and more realistic. It does contain some scenes of animal cruelty. As well as being a horsy series this also explores how the main character Cathy starts to grow up and learns to accept change.
PONYMAD BOOKLOVERS RATING: 3 HORSESHOES
Read Review of series

1) HORSEHAVEN
(CAVALIER PB 1996)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: Cathy spends her life at Jenny's riding school along with her best friend Josh. It seems like the end of the world when Jenny tells her that she can't afford to run the stables any longer and is auctioning it off. But when no-one will buy the property, they decide to start a horse rescue centre instead and become a charity. But things don't run smoothly with a rich girl called Sammy turning up and threatening Cathy's friendship with Cathy and one of their favourite horses going missing. Yet the worst blow for Cathy is when her parents announce they are moving away. How can she survive without Horsehaven?

2) HAVOC AT HORSEHAVEN
(CAVALIER PB 1999)
Paperback first edition.
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: With Jenny is hospital, Cathy is left alone at Horsehaven one night to cope single-handed with an attack on the centre. There are more money problems and Cathy is worried that she will not be able to pay for a bet she made with Sammy. But it is Cathy who manages to solve everyone's problems in a most unexpected way.

3) HORSEHAVEN LIVES ON
(CAVALIER PB 1999)
Paperback first edition.
SUMMARY: A new helper arrives at Horsehaven, an old but horsy woman called Alice. It is the first of many changes at Horsehaven. But as always money is a problem.  Jenny's partner Mark has left her and is threatening to sue her if she does not pay money she owes him and an arson attack burns all the season's hay stores. Desperate for money Jenny is contemplating selling some of the land which contains Cathy's favourite bluebell wood. How can it be saved?

Collectors Info:
Quite easy to find second hand.  At time of writing, the books are also still in print and can be bought new.  Can be found without too much trouble in the USA also, although price varies. Fairly hard to find elsewhere.

Other Pony Books:

IT BEGAN WITH PICOTEE
(With Diana & Josephine Pullein-Thompson)
(A & C BLACK 1946)
ILLUSTRATED BY ROSEMARY ROBERTSON
SUMMARY: Early collaboration by all three sisters, written when they were just teenagers. I don't think this was ever reprinted which would account for its rarity.
Fairly rare, especially with jacket.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

WE RODE TO THE SEA
(COLLINS 1948)
ILLUSTRATED BY MIL BROWN
Reprinted in hardback as part of the Collins Pony Library (number 23). Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
First edition rare. The other editions are easier to find but still not that common.
SUMMARY: Christine's first solo novel. An adventure set on a long distance ride as the Macgregors set off on a riding tour of the Highlands and find more excitement than they bargained for…

RIDERS FROM AFAR
(COLLINS 1954)
ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLOTTE HOUGH
Reprinted in hardback as part of the Collins Pony Library (number 6).
Also reprinted by White Lion as hardback.
Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
The first edition and the White Lion are the hardest editions to find, the paperback the easiest.
SUMMARY: Two disparate pairs of kids, from England and the USA, learn to get along  despite their differences
PONYMAD RATING: 4-5 HORSESHOES

A DAY TO GO HUNTING
(COLLINS 1956)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
First editions fairly rare, paperback editions fairly common. As far as I know no other hardback editions.
SUMMARY: A day in the life of a group of characters united by a hunt.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

STOLEN PONIES
(COLLINS 1957)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted as a hardback as part of the Collins Pony Library (number 4). Reprinted in paperback by Armada many times.
Reprinted in paperback most recently by Cavalier.
Still in print.
The first edition is rare, as is the Collins Pony Library edition, but paperbacks are very easy to find.
SUMMARY: The Richardson and O'Connor families dislike each other but they have to learn to get on in order to save some wild moorland ponies from the pony killers.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

THE IMPOSSIBLE HORSE
(Originally under name of Christine Keir)
(EVANS 1957)
ILLUSTRATED BY MAURICE TULLOCH
Originally published under the pseudonym of Christine Keir.
Reprinted in paperback by Knight under the author's real name.
First edition published under the Christine Keir name is quite rare, paperbacks are common.
SUMMARY: Seventeen year old Jan has left school and is breaking and schooling horses for a living. After a hunting accident, everyone says the bay horse Benedictine is too dangerous to ride but jan is determined to prove them wrong and prove he can be a champion. Aimed at a slightly older readership than the other books.
PONYMAD RATING: 3-4 HORSESHOES

RIDE BY NIGHT
(COLLINS 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
Reprinted by the Childrens Book Club.
Reprinted in hardbackas part of the Collins Pony Library (number 25). Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
First edition rare. None of the other editions are particularly common, although easier to find than the first.
SUMMARY: Desmond and Sheila decide to go camping with their ponies and get mixed up in a dangerous adventure.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

THE HORSE SALE
(COLLINS 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE 
Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
First edition very rare, paperbacks quite common.
SUMMARY: Excellent novel, one of author's best, about the effect an upcoming horse sale has on a group of characters and their horses. For Olga and Maurice it signals disaster and could mean the loss of their beloved ponies, but for Edwin it heralds the excitement of buying his own horse.
PONYMAD RATING: 5 HORSESHOES

LITTLE BLACK PONY
(HAMISH HAMILTON? 1967)
Published as part of the Reindeer Library series of books.
Fairly rare, but not usually very expensive.
SUMMARY: Picture book for younger readers.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

I RODE A WINNER
(ARMADA 1973)
Reprinted in paperback by Armada.
Reprinted later  in as hardback by Severn House.
Most recently published as a paperback by Cavalier.
Still in print.
First edition is paperback and therefore much easier to find and less expensive than the hardback firsts. All paperback reprints are easy to find. The least common edition is the Severn House hardback. Cavalier edition still in print.
SUMMARY: A classic traditional pony story. A girl forgets her family troubles as she learns to ride and eventually trains a show jumper.
PONYMAD RATING: 5 HORSESHOES
Read Review

A PONY IN DISTRESS
(CAVALIER PB 1994)
First edition paperback. Not reprinted as far as I know.
Still in print.
Harder to find than many of the earlier paperbacks second-hand, but can be bought new as still in print.
SUMMARY: A misfit young boy and a neglected pony form a deep bond in this excellent emotional story.
PONYMAD RATING: 5 HORSESHOES

SUNDANCE SAVES THE DAY
(CAVALIER PB 1997)
SUMMARY: Special story written to tie in with the Julip model horse toys, which are pony characters in the book. Aimed at a slightly younger readership than the majority of the author's books.

Collectors Info:

For individual information see above.

All of the hardback first editions are fairly rare with jackets. The rarest title is It Began with Picotee, especially with a jacket. The hardest of the other books to find is Little Black Pony, however it is not usually very expensive to buy. All the others have been reprinted in paperback, some many times, and are quite common, especially if you just want a reading copy.
Some of these are still in print, including A Pony in Distress, I Rode a Winner and Stolen Pony.

Short Story Collections & Miscellanea
Christine also wrote many short stories, most of which are collected in various volumes:

FOLLYFOOT PONY QUIZ BOOK
(PICCOLO PB 1974)
SUMMARY: Book of pony quizzes relating to the TV show in title only as the actual Follyfoot content is negligable.
Read Review

THE PULLEIN-THOMPSON TREASURY OF HORSE AND PONY STORIES
(With Diana and Josephine Pullein-Thompson)
(AWARD 1995)
ILLUSTRATED BY ERIC ROWE
SUMMARY: A large hardback edition. Contains many pony stories which were first published in pony annuals plus lots more.

BEDTIME PONY STORIES
(CAVALIER PB 1997)
SUMMARY: Pony stories aimed at younger readers

MORE BEDTIME PONY STORIES
(CAVALIER PB 1997)
SUMMARY: Pony stories aimed at younger readers

INCREDIBLE PONY TALES
(CAVALIER PB 1998)
SUMMARY: Pony stories aimed at younger readers

MAGICAL PONY TALES
(CAVALIER PB 1998)
SUMMARY: Pony stories aimed at younger readers

Collectors Info:
Apart from the Treasury, the books were all original paperback first editions. The treasury is easy to find. Some of the later books are still in print and available new from Cavalier Paperbacks or the usual internet bookshops.

Short Story Collections Edited By The Author:
Christine edited a number of books of short stories and other compilations which included works by various authors as well as herself and her two sisters.
These are explored in more detail in the British Short Story Collections web-page.

A PONY SCRAPBOOK
(By various authors)
(PAN PB 1972)
SUMMARY: Compilation of stories, articles, quizzes, etc by various authors.

A SECOND PONY SCRAPBOOK
(By various authors)
(PAN PB 1973)
SUMMARY: Compilation of stories, articles, quizzes, etc by various authors

CPT'S BOOK OF PONY STORIES
(By various authors)
(MACMILLAN PB 1975)
SUMMARY: Book of short stories by various authors.

THE SECOND BOOK OF PONY STORIES
(By various authors)
(MACMILLAN PB 1977)
SUMMARY: Book of short stories by various authors.

PONY PARADE
(By various authors)
(DRAGON 1978)
SUMMARY: Compilation of stories, verses and other horse-related bits and bobs by various authors.

HORSE AND PONY STORIES CHOSEN BY CPT
(KINGFISHER 1992)
ILLUSTRATED BY VICTOR AMBRUS
Reprinted in paperback in 1994 and then subsequently with different covers in 1997 and 2003.
SUMMARY: Book of short stories by various authors including one by Christine herself and one by sister Diana (both these stories can also be found in The Pullein-Thompson Treasury of Horse and Pony Stories)

THUNDERING HOOVES
aka MORE HORSE AND PONY STORIES
aka RIDING STORIES
(KINGFISHER 1996)
ILLUSTRATED BY VICTOR AMBRUS
Reprinted in 1998 when it was re-titled More Horse and Pony Stories
Reprinted in 2005 when it was re-titled Riding Stories
Still in print (under it's last title)
SUMMARY: Book of short stories and excerpts, including a story by sister Diana.

Collectors Info:
Most of the books are fairly easy to find in the UK. Some of the older books may be harder to find in the USA and elsewhere.

Short Stories in Other Books & Collections:
This section includes stories by the author which were not included in the above short story collections. They are from collections edited by other authors or from various pony annuals. The stories from the girl's annuals tend to have a romantic element in keeping with the annual's themes.

This list may not be exhaustive: there could be more stories out there! If you know of any others please let me know. Many thanks to Dawn for her help with the girl's annuals and letting me use the pictures.

THE VICIOUS CIRCLE
in PONY CLUB BOOK NO. 10
(NALDRETT 1959)
ILLUSTRATED BY HELEN COLLINS
SUMMARY: Why will Sunstar only jump at home?

A JOB IN LIFE
in THE CRACKERJACK BOOK FOR GIRLS
(CHILDREN'S PRESS - date unknown)
ILLUSTRATED BY SHEILA ROSE
SUMMARY: Judy leaves school and embarks upon a career working with horses.
NB - The annual also includes a short pony story called The Telegram by Monica Edwards
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

STAR PUPIL
in OUR OWN SCHOOLGIRL'S ANNUAL
(WORLD - date unknown)
SUMMARY: When Sheila starts to ride she feels that she is hopeless and everyone is laughing at her efforts and finds it hard to make friends at the local pony club. Will the pony club dance change things for her?
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

UNEXPECTED HUNT
in DAILY MAIL ANNUAL FOR GIRLS
(DAILY MAIL- date unknown)
SUMMARY: Cherry is sad as she can't afford to hire a horse for the upcoming hunt and she is afraid she won't be able to get a job with horses and have to work in an office. She decides to go on the hunt anyhow as a foot follower and events transpire which change her life completely!
PONYMAD RATING: 3-4 HORSESHOES

A NEW BEGINNING
in COLLINS GIRLS ANNUAL
(COLLINS 1958)
SUMMARY: When Janet's father goes to prison for embezzlement she feels like a pariah and thinks no-one will want to talk to her again. She starts to train problem ponies to make some money, but finds it hard to mix with the other teenagers at the Pony Club. A fall from one of her mounts makes an unexpected change in her life when she is rescued by the handsome Patrick.

THE VANISHING PONY
in RIDE LIKE THE WIND (Edited by Wendy Cooling)
(ORION PB 1997)
SUMMARY: A girl's pony goes missing as he is lonely by himself. The solution to the problem also brings a new friend for his owner.
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES

Collectors Info:
The old annuals may be quite hard to find, especially outside of the UK. Price can vary enormously so it may be worth shopping around.. Ride Like the Wind is an easy to find small paperback.

Books about the author:

FAIR GIRLS AND GREY HORSES
By Christine, Diana & Josephine Pullein-Thompson
(ALLISON & BUSBY 1996)
Reprinted in paperback.
SUMMARY: Joint autobiography of the three Pullein-Thompson sisters. Written with Diana and Josephine. Suitable for adults or older children.

Collectors Info:
Although not common, can be found reasonably easily on the internet.