98 • THE PLAID HORSE
Brynn Seymour, the main character in Anne Clermont’s debut novel Learning to Fall, captures the essence of every equestrian. With a strong dedication to her sport and her equine partner, Seymour fights hard for what is most important to her throughout the novel. In many ways, Clermont's novel is the grown up version of the horse books I read as a child: authentic, captivating, and relatable.
ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD
LEARNING TO FALL BY ANNE CLERMONT
COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •
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Learning to Fall opens with tragedy as Seymour and her father, who trains out of their family owned farm, hit trouble when trailering. Losing both her father and his up-and-coming horse, Seymour must give up her dream to become a vet in order to save the family farm and training business from debt. Yet, her efforts come up empty and she is left with little hope of saving the farm. With an unlikely appearance from Jason Lander, a past show jumping champion, Brynn aims to win the Million Dollar Gold Cup with her horse Jett. Through different methods and a complicated relationship, the two train for the competition in hopes of winning enough money to keep the family business. In this novel, Clermont combines a love for riding with the unique urgency to preserve a father’s legacy and a cherished farm.
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ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD
TPH INTERN BOOK REVIEW
COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •
What makes Clermont’s novel special is the beautiful use of language. In some horse novels, the language is detached, aged, or unrelatable. However, Clermont’s novel is not distanced from
today’s riding world. She explains concepts that non-riders would not understand clearly and quickly, which allows for riders to stay interested, rather than feel like they are being taught unnecessary information. In this way, both non-riders and riders can keep up with the pace of the book without feeling left behind or bored. I appreciated this throughout the entire novel, feeling like the book was directed towards my audience while knowing that it includes other readers and allows them to appreciate it just as greatly. What is most prevalent throughout Learning to Fall, though, is a dedication to authenticity. Clermont captures the world of showjumping in its true light: defeat, success, and the tough parts in between. She does not exclude the work behind the curtains like the tough lessons, the injuries, and the complicated relationships. It is within this authentic picture of the horse world that I felt most connected to Seymour as a main character. Rather than tossing her horse off to a groom and having no pressure to succeed, Seymour works for her success, allowing the reader to wholeheartedly relate to her. It is evident that Clermont has come from the horse world, through her beautifully written picture of showjumping. This book could be in the hands of any child or adult, rider or non-rider, as it carries universal messages of perseverance and achievement. Clermont’s Learning to Fall is clearly a novel that many will adore for years to come. ◼ BY TPH INTERN CHAPEL PUCKETT
Answers for Crossword Puzzle on page 69: ACROSS 2. TWIST 5. MELANOMA 8. SCRATCHES 10. SHIPPING 11. AIDS 12. SHOWJUMPING 14. BEETPULP 18. HEAVES 19. IM 20. SCRIM 21. BUCKSKIN 22. SURCINGLE 23. COWHOCKED. 24. SHEDDINGBLADE. DOWN 1. SWEAT 2. THRUSH 3. POLL 4. EPM 6. MISSLUCY 7. WARMBLOOD 9. CRIBBING 12. SWEDISHOXER 13. FETLOCK 15. TIMOTHY 16. PRESSURE 17. LAMINITIS.