Josephine Pullein-Thompson (1924–2014) was the oldest of the three Pullein-Thompson sisters. They grew up in a bohemian household in Oxfordshire, with a sketchy formal education but plenty of time to ride.

The sisters wrote short stories together, and their first book, It Began with Picotee (1946) was a joint effort. They went their separate literary ways after that, and Josephine wrote over thirty pony books in a writing career which stretched for over fifty years.

No-one reading the sisters’ books could doubt that hard work and perseverance could bring success. As Alison Haymonds says:

"life with ponies was a trial run for the sort of life post-war women had to learn to cope with, juggling relationships, responsibilities and family."

Noel and Henry

Six Ponies

Pony Club Team

The Radney Riding Club

One Day Event

Pony Club Camp

The Woodbury Pony Club

Pony Club Cup

Pony Club Challenge

Pony Club Trek

Picture credit: estate of Josephine Pullein-Thompson