THE SHOW GYPSIES

A talky, pleasant Horse Biz novel which bears more than a passing resemblance to Sara McAulay's earlier Catch Rides (p. 328), about hard traveling on America's show circuit and piling up points in small-town shows as the rider/owners shoot for the world high jump record at Madison Square Garden. Diane Gallagher, a 23-year-old college girl, wants to be on the United States Equestrian Team for the Olympics, and as an amateur does well until she meets Davy MacKenzie, a saddle gypsy with more horse smarts than any rider alive--or so it seems. She goes to work for him and soon the prim miss is sweating randily and full of beer. Davy offers to make an honest woman of her but she doesn't trust or believe him. He buys mean-spirited Too Bold, whom only he can ride. During a big show, Too Bold breaks Davy's back. Diane gives up her Olympic hopes and turns pro to keep the stable going. Davy becomes as hard to handle as Too Bold during his long recovery, but at last saddles up on pure bourbon and nerve, hellbent for the Garden. Sad, mad, wild moments, after an unpromising opening--easy reading and a possible film.