Belinda Rapley

British author. She began riding at eleven and soon caught the horse bug, going on to study and pass several BHS exams, complete a National Diploma in Horse Studies and become a qualified riding instructor. She has worked in a showjumping and a racing yard. Her horsy talents also include writing. She has written articles for Horse and Hound on-line and a sports betting website and has recently penned a series of children's pony books in which ponies and detection are combined.

At the moment Belinda is studying to become a social worker but she still enjoys riding.

Pony Detectives Series:
Pony mystery series in which four friends - Rosie, Alice, Mia and Charlie - at the same yard solve mysteries at the same time as doing pony stuff! Includes illustrated pony tips.

1) MOONLIGHT STAR OF THE SHOW
(TEMPLAR PB 2012)
In print.
SUMMARY: When local champion show jumper Moonlight disappears just before the prestigious Fratton Cup, the girls resolve to solve the mystery and find the missing horse.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

2) SCOUT AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MARSH PONIES
(TEMPLAR PB 2012)
In print.
SUMMARY: Alice and her beloved pony Scout are on a winning streak. But Scout is only on loan to Alice and his success hasn't gone unnoticed. When Scout's mysterious owner Mrs Valentine suddenly puts him up for sale, the Pony Detectives make it their mission to save Scout for their friend. But as the girls investigate further, they uncover more shady goings-on than they bargained for.
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES

3) PUZZLE THE RUNAWAY PONY
(TEMPLAR PB 2012)
In print.
SUMMARY: The girls find not one but two mysteries. Phantom, a highly valuable horse, has disappeared. But why does his young owner seem strangely reluctant to help them find him? Also a mystery pony, muddy and neglected, appears on the scene. Can the four find his rightful owner? Meanwhile Charlie is agonizing over her pony Pirate who is now far too small for her. She needs a bigger pony but can't bear to part with him. A scary haunted building and an obnoxious girl at a nearby posh stable also adds to the excitement and may be clues to the mysteries!
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES

4) PHANTOM, ONE LAST CHANCE
(TEMPLAR PB 2012)
In print.
SUMMARY: Charlie's new horse on loan has become tricky to ride, and when he bolts one day, Charlie is left injured and she is banned from riding him. To make matters worse, strange things are happening at the yard: tack is being moved and animals let out of the field. The Pony Detectives suspect that someone might be sneaking in and meddling, but can they discover exactly what's going on before things get out of hand?
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES

Collectors info:
Paperback originals. All are in print and easily available in the UK. The books are available in the USA as e-books only at the moment.