The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud

“Come on, you beast!” The man mumbled under his breath, quite unaware that he was being observed by several rather stunned onlookers. “Get over here!”

Despite his terse command, as if sensing the man’s edginess, the gelding merely laid his ears back and started shaking his head, soon lashing out with his long, delicate legs. High-pitched squeals of outrage soon followed, and at the disturbance, another person’s face suddenly peered out of the passenger window of the cab.

“You see, Daddy? That kind of behavior is exactly why we can’t keep it! I need a reliable horse that I can depend upon at all times.” The blonde-haired girl stared at the scene, almost in disdain, and then immediately continued whining again. “Hurry up, Daddy! I want to ride Secret Service again as soon as we get home. That horse is so much better behaved!”

Alison has been writing short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always enjoys exploring her creativity when putting pen to paper. She is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of writing with others.

She loves spending time with her own dog, a Labrador cross Huntaway called Smoky, teaching her tricks and taking her for walks. She lives in a small town in New Zealand with many beautiful parks and beaches.

Alison has been playing trombone for twelve years, and has recently begun teaching music part-time. She also enjoys a bit of photography when she gets the chance, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

FALCON REVIEW by Printed Word Reviews, 2025

The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud by Alison Bellringer is a young adult fiction novella that immediately immerses readers in its central conflict. The story opens with a vivid scene that sets the stage: a man struggling with a horse, met with disdain from a young girl who insists, "That kind of behavior is exactly why we can't keep it! I need a reliable horse who I can depend on at all times." This initial moment of frustration and misunderstanding establishes the central theme of the novella. The book challenges the notion of a "reliable" horse by introducing Cloud, a beautiful gelding whose unruly behavior leads to him being deemed a "beast". This compelling narrative explores the patience and empathy required to form a genuine connection with an animal. It's a tale that delves into the deeper side of horsemanship, moving beyond simple riding to examine the communication and trust that build a true partnership. Readers who have a passion for horses will be drawn into this story, as it promises to show that some of the most rewarding bonds are not always the easiest to form. It’s a heartfelt and memorable story about seeing the potential in a misunderstood animal and the transformative power of a little bit of trust.
The Children’s Book Review, 2025

The latest in a long line of animal-themed stories from author Alison Bellringer, Cloud is the first book in a new series that centers around the unique relationships between young people and horses. When spoiled Caitlyn Delaney decides she doesn’t like her newest show horse, Cloud, she dumps him at the Johnsons’ ranch. Coral, Lexie, and Tilly are thrilled to be spending their holiday getting to know the beautiful new horse, even if they know he’ll soon need to be sold on… Coral, Lexie, and Tilly, although all very different in personality, are exemplary role models for young readers—conscientious, hardworking, and ready to learn from their mistakes. The story is filled with rich details about the horses, life on the ranch, and the work involved in caring for working animals, making it perfect for instilling ideas about responsibility and community while simultaneously feeding readers’ love for horses. For readers who love horses or just those who love a good school-holiday story, Cloud and the rest of the Saddlers Ranch series are sure to become fast favorites.
Shawna Thompson: Reader Views, 2025

The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud is an exciting horse adventure that will captivate young kids’ attention from the first page. Join best friends Lexie, Tilly, and Coral as they spend every spare moment riding at Coral’s dad’s beautiful cattle ranch… Together they share trail rides, laughter, and plenty of ranch chores. When a mysterious new horse named Cloud arrives, one mistake sets off a chain of events that will test their friendship. Alison Bellringer’s book reminded me of the Heartland book series my daughter loved growing up. Creating three wonderful characters that girls can look up to, learn from, and connect with. It’s a fun and wholesome horse story featuring both geldings and fillies, and it gives readers a glimpse into life on a large cattle ranch in Kentucky. Growing up on a cattle ranch myself, I know firsthand the hard work it takes to keep things running. I loved how Bellringer weaves this into the story… When mistakes are made, this book doesn’t sugarcoat the consequences, whether it’s losing a chance to ride or risking the danger of falling off a horse… I loved getting to know Lexie, Tilly, and Coral, and I felt like I was right there with them. Smelling the hay, the leather of the saddles, and brushing down the horses after a long ride. Young readers will connect with the girls’ friendship, their love for animals, and the challenges they face. The story shows that making mistakes, learning from them, and growing stronger together is a valuable lesson for every young rider. I highly recommend Alison Bellringer’s The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud to any young reader who loves horses, adventure, and friendship stories. It kept me smiling, laughing, and cheering until the very end. I can’t wait to see what happens next at Saddlers Ranch!