About the author
Hester Knight (1920–2001) spent her childhood at the foot of the Berkshire Downs. She grew up to become an accomplished horsewoman, and bred ponies: Shetlands (who figure in her Escape to the Downs) and Connemaras. The Lockinge Stud was her creation, and her daughter, Henrietta Knight, is the well known racehorse trainer. Hester Knight wrote two children’s books, both of which were illustrated by her friend, Raoul Millais. Both her books have been reprinted by author Susan Hill’s Long Barn Books.
Finding the books
Reasonably easy to find in all their editions, but pricing can be erratic.
Sources and links
Dustjacket of Escape to the Downs
Long Barn Books
The Lockinge Stud
Henrietta Knight’s website
Bibliography (pony books only)
Escape to the Downs
Faber & Faber, London, 1956, 103 pp, illus Raoul Millais
Possibly reprinted 1960
Long Barn Books, Ebrinton, Gloucestershire, 2006,104 pp, illus Raoul Millais
The Shetland pony longed to see what the Downs were really like: after all, the big horses experienced them and he must be missing out. An expedition set off: the Shetland, a Pekinese,a mynah bird, the guinea-pigs, and Syringa the hen. The road wasn’t quite what they thought it would be, however.
The Donkey Derby
Faber & Faber, London, 1963, 144 pp, illus Raoul Millais
Duell, New York, 1963, 144 pp, illus Raoul Millais
Long Barn Books, Ebrinton, Gloucestershire, 2006,144 pp, illus Raoul Millais
Lucky’s career as a beach donkey doesn’t work out well, and so he is sold to be a companion to a racehorse, Lucifer. Lucky’s calm nature helps Lucifer, until someone makes the mistake of buying the racehorse, but not the donkey.
