Patricia Leitch facts for kids

Patricia Leitch, born on July 13, 1933, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, was a Scottish writer. She passed away on July 28, 2015. She is most famous for her series of children's books about a girl named Jinny Manders and her wild, special Arabian horse called Shantih. These stories are set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Who Was Patricia Leitch?

Patricia Leitch wrote many books, especially about horses. Her most popular books are the 12 stories in the Jinny series, which were published between 1976 and 1988. You can still find these books today, as they are being reprinted. She also wrote other novels like Dream of Fair Horses and The Horse from Black Loch. Sometimes, she used a different name, Jane Eliot, for her writing.

Patricia Leitch loved animals and believed in being kind to them. She was a vegan, meaning she didn't eat animal products. Because of this, ideas about animal welfare and being vegetarian are very important in her books. She also included ideas from Celtic, Arabic, and Buddhist stories and beliefs.

How She Started Writing

Patricia Leitch started riding horses after a friend convinced her to try a pony trekking holiday. Soon after, she got her own Highland pony named Kirsty. She wrote her first book not long after that. Writing became her full-time job, but she also worked as a riding instructor, groom, teacher, and librarian. She lived in Renfrewshire, Scotland, with her dog, a bearded collie named Meg.

The Jinny Series: A Different Kind of Horse Story

The Jinny series is special because it's different from many other horse stories. Jinny isn't a fancy girl; she's a bit scruffy, strong-willed, and a tomboy. She doesn't care much about social events or romance. Instead, her stories often deal with important social issues. Jinny has to face her own ideas and learn from her mistakes.

Magic and Mystery in the Highlands

In the Jinny series, there's a feeling that some things are meant to happen, almost like predestination. This idea comes from Celtic mythology. Jinny is shown as a special child with important, sometimes dangerous, tasks to do. She gets help from mysterious characters, like the Red Horse, who is linked to the Celtic Horse Goddess Epona, and a character called the Walker. This magical feeling makes the series similar to the Dark Is Rising books by Susan Cooper.

Books in the Jinny Series

Here are the books in the exciting Jinny series:

• 1. For Love of a Horse (1976)
• 2. A Devil to Ride (1976)
• 3. The Summer Riders (1977)
• 4. Night of the Red Horse (1978)
• 5. Gallop to the Hills (1979)
• 6. Horse in a Million (1980)
• 7. The Magic Pony (1982)
• 8. Ride Like the Wind (1984)
• 9. Chestnut Gold (1984)
• 10. Jump for the Moon (1985)
• 11. Horse of Fire (1986)
• 12. Running Wild (1988)

Other Books by Patricia Leitch

Besides the Jinny series, Patricia Leitch wrote many other books, often about ponies and adventures.

The Kestrels/Horseshoes Series

She also wrote a series known as The Kestrels or Horseshoes series:

• 1. The Special Pony (1992) / The Perfect Horse (1996)
• 2. A Pony To Jump (1992) / Jumping Lessons (1992)
• 3. Cross-Country Gallop (1993)
• 4. Pony Club Rider (1993)
• 5. The Stolen Pony (1993) / Show Jumper Wanted (1995)
• 6. The Pony Puzzle (1994) / The Mystery Horse (1997)