Pat Smythe (1928-1986)

Pat Smythe was a real life show-jumper who turned her hand at writing. She was born in London in 1928 and by the age of three had already learned to ride! She was the first woman to ride in the Olympics in 1956, and went on to win almost every top competition in both the UK and USA.

Although she perhaps doesn't have the style of the more well-known pony book writers, her books are for the most part lively and entertaining. They also contain much real life information about a top show jumper's life, from the punishing show schedule to the training of the horses, which gives them at times an almost autobiographical feel. She also appeared as a character in all her novels, although most of the other characters and the plots were entirely fictional. The places she lived (Switzerland and The Cotswolds) also featured in many of the stories.

As well as her children's pony novels, she has also written a number of interesting non-fictional accounts about her life as a show jumper.

Three Jays Series:
Popular series about a trio of self-willed children and their horsy adventures which include travelling around the world and competing in the Prince Philip Cup. The books starred the real life character of Pat and were narrated by her, although the kid's characters and the stories were fictional.

1) JACQUELINE RIDES FOR A FALL
(CASSELL 1957)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: Jane and Jimmy are two young cousins of Pat and stay at her home during the holidays. One holiday they are dismayed when a spoilt rich girl called Jacqueline also comes to stay. However after many trials and tribulations, Jacky becomes a much nicer person and the three children become known as the 'three Jays.'
PONYMAD RATING: 2 HORSESHOES
Read Review

2) THREE JAYS AGAINST THE CLOCK
(CASSELL 1958)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: The three Jays set off for a riding holiday, camping in the New Forest. However they don't know that Pat has also entered them in a prestigious show jumping event.

3) THREE JAYS ON HOLIDAY
(CASSELL 1958)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: The trio have an exciting time in the Carmague countryside on holiday in France. We are introduced to Jacky's flamboyant  pilot cousin 'Dashitall Darcy' (who appears in some of the later novels) when he turns up to act as chauffeur for them on their hols.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES

4) THREE JAYS GO TO TOWN
(CASSELL 1959)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: The Three Jays are thrilled to be competing in the Prince Philip Cup at The Horse of the Year Show. But a series of disasters, culminating in Jimmy disappearing, threaten their chances.

5) THREE JAYS OVER THE BORDER
(CASSELL 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: The three children and their older friend Penny visit Ireland with exciting results.

6) THREE JAYS GO TO ROME
(CASSELL 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: The Jays and Darcy embark on more adventures on holiday in Rome.

7) THREE JAYS LEND A HAND
(CASSELL 1961)
ILLUSTRATED BY J. E. McCONNELL
Reprinted as an Armada paperback
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Armada paperback
SUMMARY: When Darcy's eccentric horsy Uncle dies he leaves a large sum of money to Darcy  - but on one condition: that he trains and rides a horse in order to qualify it as a Grade B show jumper. The only problem is that Darcy detests horses and cannot ride! The three Jays and their friend Penny and also Pat all pull together to help Darcy achieve his goal, with hilarious consequences.
PONYMAD RATING: 3 HORSESHOES
Read Review

Collectors Info:
The series was very lucky in its cover art. First published by Cassell with very attractive dust jackets. They were later reprinted in paperback with bright and lively cover art by Mary Gernatt. The illustrations by J.E. McConnell are also very nice. First editions are quite rare, although they are usually reasonably priced. Paperback editions are fairly easy to find.

Adventure Series:
Short series about two children called Peter and Carol who have pony adventures in different countries. Once again the character of Pat is featured in the books.

1) A SWISS ADVENTURE
(CASSELL 1970)
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Dragon paperback
SUMMARY: The two children set off for an exciting holiday adventure in Switzerland.

2) A SPANISH ADVENTURE
(CASSELL 1971)
Reprinted by the Children's Book Club
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon
EDITIONS PICTURED: Children's Book Club edition, Dragon paperback
SUMMARY: Peter and Carol are off to Spain for lots of horsy adventures, including taking part in a film!

3) A COTSWOLD ADVENTURE
(CASSELL 1976)
Reprinted in paperback by Dragon
EDITIONS PICTURED: 1st edition, Dragon paperback
SUMMARY: Whilst staying with Pat at her Cotswold Home, Peter and Carol get involved in a local dig. They are excited when a precious ancient sword is uncovered, but this leads to more danger and adventure.

Collectors Info:
Paperback copies a little harder to find than the Three Jays series. First editions not often seen.