Benny was too old for round ups (his owner thought) so he shipped him to be sold for what was considered a less strenuous life—a pet for children! He became a member of the Cline family and went on to live on a pleasant farm near Grand Blanc in Central Michigan. For 17 years he shared with them his quick sensitive reactions to the excitement and fun, as well as the problems and sometimes the sorrows that touched them all.

A special bond existed between 11-year-old Norma and Benny, and this is the true story of their life together during the years that Norma was growing up. It tells of Benny's high jinks—for he had a streak of mischief in him—and of his narrow escapes—for his daring and fiery spirit sometimes brought him near disaster. Norma's deep love for Benny comes through on every page, perhaps most of all in the scene in which she beats him for playing a trick on her, punishing him unjustly—and herself even more.

And there are also the everyday adventures with the whole Cline family which included Norma's father and mother, her older brothers, her grandmother, and "Grandpa, who taught us all a good share of what we knew about living."

This is an unusual book in many ways and will be enjoyed by readers of many ages. And it is not only the author's love for Benny, but the respect and admiration for the older members of the three generations of Clines that is one of the book's most winning qualities.

Benny is not just a story of how one horse grows gracefully old on a Michigan farm, but rather the story of an independent, eager and lovable animal who increased in years and wisdom, but who never grew old at all.

Norma Cline Klose says: "Everyone who knew Benny loved him almost as much as I did. He was such an important part of my life that when he died in 1961, I wanted to share with others my special feelings for him."

From the dust jacket