I also read Smoky the Cow horse several times as a kid
There is also the book War Horse and you can read the true story of Reckless, Pride of the Marines-a horse that served in the Koren War, lived with the marines and was made a Sergeant , plus won a purple heart, I believe
Don't know if only a movie exists on these two true horse stories, but there is Champions, the story of the comeback of both a steeple chase horse and his rider, who fought a battle with cancer, fighting through treatment, to regain the strength to ride The Grand National, which he won
Snowman is also a true story, of a horse bought off a kill wagon, and turned into a winning show jumper by a rider known as 'The Flying Dutchman, who was still riding about two years ago, now in his eighties
Course, Pharlap
As a kid I read all the black Stallion books, but they are basically a boy version of the girl meet wild horse theme
As akid, I bought books out of the Famous horse story series, of which Frog the horse that knew no Master, was just one book
There was also 'beyond Rope and fence
Kentucky Derby Winner-the story of Aristrides, America 'first great race horse
Tick Tock and Jim, is the story of a boy that traded a watch for a horse, from a travelling salesman, when his parents were not at home
Then, there Zane Grey's story of Wildfire, worth a read
If you want another non fiction read, there is Tchiffley's ride-the story of a man who back in the 30's I believe, rode tow Criollo horses, Mancha and Gato, from Argentina to New York
Here is some info. Unlike Hidelgo, where that long ride not not actually happen, this ride is recognized as one of the great long distance rides in history
Here is some info
Aimé Félix Tschiffely - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
If you need any other recommendation in horse books, I have selves dedicated to a collection of both factual horses stories, works of fiction, plus numerous training books
Happy reading!