Connemara Mollie

An account of a journey through western Ireland made in 1984, fulfilling a childhood dream of a long-distance ride. The story centres on the growing bond between the author and her Connemara pony, Mollie and the many challenges that they face before the tragic conclusion in the mountains of Kerry. It is also a portrait of rural Ireland before the "Celtic Tiger" era, built up from conversations with the local people. The journey takes them through Counties Galway, Mayo, Clare and Kerry, the obstacles to their progress ranging from bogs, stone walls, and the River Shannon. "I've never tried hitchhiking with a horse before" comments the author. "It's not easy." She travelled with no set route, extending her backpacking knowledge acquired in the Andes to horse packing, "seeing the obvious advantage of climbing mountains on someone else's legs and using another's back for the packing."

The continuation of the journey on horseback through the west Ireland described in Connemara Mollie. With her replacement pony, Peggy, the author travels from the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, south down the coast of Co. Cork, before turning inland through Counties Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick. As with its predecessor, the story is both a portrait of Ireland and its inhabitants in 1984, and the growing bond between the author and her pony. Both needed to confront their fears: Peggy was used to pulling a cart and hated going cross country, while Hilary's confidence was shattered by her experience in the mountains of Kerry with Mollie. But all ends well."When she felt soft turf beneath her hooves instead of tarmac Peggy stopped dead in astonishment. Oh brave new world! Without her accustomed blinkers she could see mountains and sky - except that if she wanted to look at something above her she tilted her head sideways to peep under the imaginary blinkers while keeping her neck resolutely horizontal. It was very endearing and made me laugh out loud."

Welcome to the 12th issue of The Travel Club! A whole year has passed since the pandemic first hit, a year that seems to have gone in a flash while at the same time dragging on forever. The Travel Club was launched in May 2020, back during the early days of the first lockdown. As guidebook sales slumped, we knew that our survival lay in the support of our readers, a community of dedicated travellers. Your support surpassed anything we could have imagined, and that is something for which we will always be grateful. But The Travel Club was never a charitable endeavour. We wanted to create something that offered genuine and long-term value to its members, something that would become a much-loved, essential resource for those who are serious about travel. I hope you feel we’ve succeeded. The e-zine has gone from strength to strength each month, withstories and contributions from far and wide – just take a look at this bumper issue! – and we’ve continued to build the list of exclusive membership benefits and discounts too (many of which will come in handy as the world begins to open up). Of course, if you’ve any feedback or suggestions of ways in which we could improve things further, or you’d be interested in contributing yourself, please do drop us a line at [email protected]. We want to do the very best we can and – when we start exploring the world again – to do so hand in hand with all those who were with us during the dark times.

12 year old Ciara and her friend Molly are getting their ponies Misty & Ranger ready for the local horse show at Mrs. Fitz’s. But when Ciara’s younger sister Maddy finds an abandoned puppy and brings it home, Ciara is sworn to secrecy and can’t tell anyone - not even Grandad! But when the grownups find out about the puppy, disaster strikes as Maddy is forced to bring the puppy to the local rescue shelter and put it up for adoption. Will Maddy ever see her beloved puppy again? And can Ciara and Molly save the day and help Grandad with his two large Irish draught horses at the local show? Join Ciara and her Connemara pony Misty in their next heart-warming adventure to find out. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids age 8+ and the young at heart. This is the third book in the Coral Cove Horses series and the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas. This unmissable story underlines the importance of kindness, resilience and never giving up - even in times of adversity. Perfect for middle school kids who are set on horses and all those who love young adult fiction. Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between girl and horse - that can last a lifetime.

12 year old Ciara and her friend Molly discover an old Spanish Armada ship washed up at Coral Cove. Is this the mystery ship that locals say sunk hundreds of years ago, with hidden treasure onboard? Disaster strikes when Russel, a local boy, is swept into the sea while exploring near the shipwreck. Can Ciara and Molly get help and save Russel’s life? And is there really Spanish gold and treasure hidden on the ship? Join Ciara and her Connemara pony Misty in their next heart-warming adventure to find out. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids age 8+ and the young at heart. This is the fifth book in the Coral Cove Horses series and the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas. This unmissable story underlines the importance of kindness, resilience and never giving up - even in times of adversity. Perfect for middle school kids who are set on horses and all those who love young adult fiction. Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between girl and horse - that can last a lifetime.

12 year old Ciara lives on her Grandad’s farm near the beach, with her family and her much loved Connemara pony, Misty. One day when Ciara and her new friend Molly are riding their ponies on the beach, a huge storm crashes ashore at Coral Cove. Ciara and Molly head for home, but their plans change dramatically when they see a loose bay horse on the beach - but there is no sign of the horse’s rider. Can Ciara and Molly catch the loose horse as the rain lashes down on the nearby cliffs? And can they get help to locate the missing rider, who is probably hurt and alone, before the storm makes access to the beach extremely dangerous? Join Ciara and Misty in their second adventure to find out. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids age 8+ and the young at heart. It’s also the perfect horse book for girls, boys, tweens and teens who loved reading the Riding School Connemara Pony book by Elaine Heney. This is the second book in the Coral Cove Horses series and the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas. This unmissable story underlines the importance of kindness, resilience and never giving up - even in times of adversity. Perfect for middle school kids who are set on horses and all those who love young adult fiction. Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between girl and horse - that can last a lifetime. Read all the books in this Coral Cove Connemara series: The Riding School Connemara Pony - Book 1 The Storm and the Connemara Pony - Book 2 The Surprise Pony and he Connemara Pony - Book 3

Christmas is just around the corner in the charming seaside village of Coral Cove. Twelve year old Ciara, her Connemara pony Misty, her best friend Molly and her pony Ranger are having fun helping a neighbour’s horse prepare for a competition at the beach.. But one night, Ciara accidentally hears a secret conversation between her parents. She is shocked to discover that her family might have to leave their home in Coral Cove. What will happen to Grandad, Aramis and Louis if they have to live somewhere else? And will Ciara have to lose her best friend Molly, Ranger and her beloved pony Misty forever? Join Ciara and her Connemara pony Misty in their next heart-warming tale of friendship and adventure to find out. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids age 8+ and the young at heart. This is the sixth book in the Coral Cove Horses series and the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas. This unmissable story underlines the importance of kindness, resilience and never giving up - even in times of adversity. Perfect for middle school kids who are set on horses and all those who love young adult fiction. Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between girl and horse - that can last a lifetime.

12 year old Ciara and her friend Molly are planning a seaside charity horse ride as a fundraiser for their local animal rescue centre. Disaster strikes after a late summer storm washes away part of the coast road into the sea. Will Ciara and Molly have to cancel their charity ride and let down the animal rescue? Or can they get a little help from some new friends to save the day? Join Ciara and her Connemara pony Misty in their next heart-warming adventure to find out. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for horse-crazy kids age 8+ and the young at heart. This is the fourth book in the Coral Cove Horses series and the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas. This unmissable story underlines the importance of kindness, resilience and never giving up - even in times of adversity. Perfect for middle school kids who are set on horses and all those who love young adult fiction. Written by international horsewoman and award-winning documentary director, Elaine Heney, this tender and touching story explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between girl and horse - that can last a lifetime.