Charley's Horse by Judith Shaw

Charlene Rittenberg is crazy about horses. She knows everything about them—except how to ride. When her parents split up, Charley is sent to riding camp. She’ll live with girls who love horses as much as she does, and she’ll finally learn to ride. It will be heaven. But the cabin is infested with bullies, her summer horse hates her, and riding lessons scare her spitless. A secret friend is all that makes camp bearable. This award-winning novel is not just for horse-mad girls. Readers of any age or gender who have had had to cope with unwanted change, broken dreams and family disintegration will find the strength to persevere in this generous and compassionate coming-of-age story.