Canterwood Crest

Go to the official website at Canterwoodcrest.com

Canterwood Crest

Cover of Take the Reins, the first novel in the series
Take the Reins Chasing Blue Behind the Bit Triple Fault Best Enemies Little White Lies Rival Revenge Home Sweet Drama City Secrets Elite Ambition Scandals, Rumors, Lies Unfriendly Competition Chosen(super special) Initiation
Author	Jessica Burkhart
Cover artist	Monica Stevenson
Country	United States
Language	English
Publisher	Simon & Schuster
Published	January 27, 2009

Canterwood Crest is a series of pre-teen novels by American author Jessica Burkhart, premiering with the 2009 book Take the Reins. The series follows young student Sasha Silver as she enters the amazing Canterwood Crest Academy, an elite school housing highly competitive equestrian riders. including impossible school work to top that. While attending Canterwood, Sasha encounters a disparate collection of students, including the snobbish queen bee/alpha rider, Heather Fox, and an eventual love interest named Jacob then Eric. As events transpire, the team members attempt to work together amidst a slew of personality clashes and romantic conflicts.

Overview

Upon arriving at the prestigious Canterwood Crest Academy, former Connecticut student Sasha Silver plans to join the school's equestrian team. However, she is met with resistance from three popular members known as the "Trio" (Heather, Julia, and Alison), who view her as a threat to their social status. Internal conflict sets the stage for the story, with the initial focus being Sasha's efforts to make the team and sustain her morale and good academics. In the midst of things, a boy named Jacob begins to earn her romantic attention. However, other romantic interests also enter the story, leading to love triangles and other personal matters.

Characters

Sasha Silver

Small town girl Sasha Sliver had to leave mom and dad behind at union to attend Canterwood. But Sasha's determined to make it worth her while by being one of the schools best equestrians. As soon as three girls -the Trio- see Sasha and her horse Charm, in action- Sasha's in for more trouble then she realizes.

Callie Harper

When Callie comes to rescue Sasha on day one, the girls become fast friends. Athletic, super-smart and driven, Callie goes after her goals. Before coming to Canterwood, Callie used to ride for the exclusive New England Saddle Club. Now, she's out to be Canterwood's #1 rider. Her trust with Sasha is questionable. She reveales secrets in some books.

Heather Fox

Heather's the leader of the Trio and she makes sure everyone knows it. Heather's smart and sophisticated. She doesn't miss a chance to torment Sasha. Sure, Heather's one of the best riders at Canterwood, but she has personal issues that could hurt her chances of making it to the top.

Julia Myer

Juila's the second member of the Trio, but friendships come second to riding. She won't stop until she's better then her so-called BFF Heather. Julia's a fierce talker who knows how to get it when she wants it. But, luckily for her, she can back up her bragging with killer dressage skills in the arena

Alison Robb

Alison is the third member of the Trio, and also the meekest. She is close friends with Heather, but often feels second-best in terms of skill. She and Sunstruck, her agitated palomino, work well together. Secretly, she possesses more talent than she is aware of, but is hindered by matters of confidence.

Paige Parker Paige is Sasha's old roommate and, due to some friend issues, is no longer Sasha's room mate.Paige is the super talented host of the food network for kids show, "Teen Cuisine". When a minor accident causes Sasha and Paige to talk again,they agree to meet up and it seems they will be friends again.

Jasmine King

Jasmine is an ambitious transfer student who has a bad and competitive history with Heather. She instantly dislikes Sasha and always tries to sabotage both Heather and Sasha while she's at Canterwood. She rough-handles her horse, Phoneix, a lot. Jasmine lives to compete, but this leads her to start a false rumour about Alison and Julia, which results in them not being able to test for the YENT. Sasha later proves Jasmine wrong by taping her admitting how she framed Alison and Julia. At the end of book 9, it is revealed that Jasmine is expelled.

Brit Chan

Brit is a transfer student introduced in book #10, Elite Ambition. She is an extremely strong rider, and she and her horse Apollo are an amazing team. Brit comes from a small town, and has a kind personality, just like Sasha. She instantly becomes popular, and Heather welcomes her with open arms, before she has the chance to start her own clique. But Julia just can't seem to trust her. The gossip blogger attacks Brit in one blog post, causing Brit to break down. Sasha comforts her, making them more closer .

Lauren Towers

Books 13,14,15,and Chosen,the super special,are from Lauren's perspective.She is a talented rider,and loves the color blue.She thinks of Sasha as an idol.

Jacob Schwartz

Sasha's current boyfriend. Callie's ex-boyfriend. Jacob was almost dating Sasha until Heather tricks Sasha into thinking that Jacob had been with Heather all along and that they had actually kissed when he was just her math tutor. Sasha storms out of the Sweetheart Sorrie and Eric walks her back to her dorm. Jacob comes to apologize, but when he sees Sasha and Eric together he storms of. (books 1-2)Sasha sends an e-mail to Jacob telling him she still has feelings for him and wants him back, but Jacob had already been dating Callie after the Sweetheart Sorrie. Callie tries to hide it but Julia And Alison find out by swiping her phone. Jacob is with Callie books 3-8 and then breaks up with her. Jacob gets back with Sasha in book nine and they are still together. Jacob had an issue with Eric, but they are friends now.

Eric Rodrigez

Sasha's ex-boyfriend. He transfer to Canterwood in book 2 "Chasing Blue". He has a crush on Sasha but never showed because she liked Jacob at the time. He dates her in book 4-6. When he accidentally thought she was kissing Jacob, it is seems he is dating Rachel, a seventh grade intermediate rider. He never knew the truth about what happened at the party. When Sasha tells him she wants to be friends, they agree and and are great friends again.

Andy

A male intermediate rider at Canterwood. Jacob's best friend. He has a crush on Brit, and Brit feels the same way.

Rachel

A seventh grade intermediate rider at Canterwood. Has a crush on Eric, and seems to be dating him. She is always friendly towards Sasha, despite the fact that Sasha is her boyfriend's ex.

The Belles

A trio of advanced riders older than Sasha and Heather. They invite them, along with Callie, Alison, and Julia, on a midnight ride, which is forbidden. Sasha and Heather refuse to go, but the others do, tempted by the fact that if they do, they will be popular forever, after the Belles graduate. They are caught, resulting in harsh punishment. The Belles graduate from Canterwood in the same book.

Mr Conner

The riding instructor at Canterwood. He seems to be strict and gruff, but has a heart of gold. He mainly coaches intermediate, advanced, and mostly the YENT. He is minorly injured in the 12th book, which is the accident that causes Sasha, Callie, and Paige to talk.

The Trio

Heather, Julia, and Alison. The most popular group in Sasha's grade. Together, they rule the school

The YENT

The Youth Equestrian National Team, which consists of excellent riders from many schools. They compete at Nationals, and famous competitions. The YENT members of Canterwood are: Sasha, Heather, Brit, and Callie.

Kim

Sasha's old riding instructor. She injured her back in a jumping competition prior to series beginning, resulting her to be unable to ride due to back strains.

Sienna

A personal shopper at Barneys, She helps Sasha and Heather shop for amazing clothes during their break in New York, and is like an older sister to Heather

Paul

The Fox family's driver. He is close to Heather, like a grandfather.

Background

Burkhart, discussing production in a video blog

Burkhart was inspired by a combination of equestrian experience during her youth and a fondness for writing as she grew older. After much of her freelance work was published by numerous magazines, she entered 2006's National Novel Writing Month and completed a first draft of Take the Reins. In January 2007, a literary agent offered to read the story after viewing the author's blog. Burkhart was later signed by the agent, which eventually led to a four-book deal with Simon & Schuster.

While promoting the first novel, Burkhart maintained an online presence throughout 2008, blogging and vlogging with regard to the production of her work and the publishing process. In April, the author reported that photoshoots for her covers had been set in motion. By September, Burkhart had received an advance reader copy of Take the Reins while working on the subsequent novels.

In December, it was announced that an additional four novels would gradually follow the fourth book, Triple Fault. Later in the month, an online video trailer for Take the Reins was released, featuring photos of scenery and the character models. Trailers for other releases followed.

Book releases

Book #	Title	US release
1	Take the Reins	January 27, 2009
Sasha Silver arrives on the campus of the elite Canterwood Crest Academy, where she becomes determined to prove that she belongs on the advanced riding team. She is faced with a competitive group of girls known as the Trio, befriends another rider named Callie, and takes a romantic interest in a boy named Jacob.
2	Chasing Blue	March 24, 2009
After earning a spot on the school's equestrian team, Sasha discovers that Trio leader Heather has also taken an interest in Jacob. Will Heather destroy their relationship forever?
3	Behind the Bit	May 19, 2009
During midwinter break, Sasha is invited to attend an exclusive equestrian clinic, where various clashes ensue among Callie, Heather, Sasha ,Alison and Julia.
4	Triple Fault	August 11, 2009
Sasha deals with Callie's romantic advances toward Jacob. At the same time, a highly competitive new girl arrives taunting Callie, Heather, Sasha, Julia,and Allison. Book # Title US release 5 Best Enemies October 20, 2009 Best Enemies follows the growing competition between Heather and Jasmine, with Sasha ending up in the middle. 6 Little White Lies December 22, 2009 Sasha is faced with ethical decisions in order to keep several relationships in their current states. 7 Rival Revenge January 26, 2010 Julian and Alison seek revenge over their secret being revealed. 8 Home Sweet Drama April 6, 2010 Home Sweet Drama follows a possible competition between Sasha and Heather for the position of Queen Bee. Book # Title US release 9 City Secrets July 6, 2010 City Secrets follows Sasha and Heather during a vacation in New York city. 10 Elite Ambition September 14, 2010 In Elite Ambition, Sasha has gained success and popularity at Canterwood. However, several personal challenges abound. 11 Scandals, Rumors, Lies November 16, 2010 An anonymous blogger has begun revealing personal information about several of the main characters. 12 Unfriendly Competition January 4, 2011 A skilled rider from Sasha's hometown arrives at Canterwood, posing a possible challenge to her on and off the course. Book # Title US release Super Special Chosen May 3, 2011 Lauren Towers must decide whether or not to go to Canterwood, and what to do with her relationships at home. References THE HORSES: CHARM Sasha's gelding, Charm, is a Belgian/Thoroughbred mix who doesn't let anyone forget about his Thoroughbred blood. Charm's fiercely loyal to Sasha and he's sensitive to her feelings. Charm loves to hit the trails with Sasha, Callie and his best stable friend Black Jack. Charm does have one little problem...an addiction to apple flavored cookies. He's the perfect match for Sasha and he's brought her luck since her first ride. BLACK JACK Callie's Morab gelding is one of the calmest horses at Canterwood. When he's under saddle, he almost anticipates Callie's every command. He's an excellent dressage horse and he's fun to train. Jack and Callie are tough competition and Mr. Conner sees them as one of the best pairs at the stable. ARISTOCRAT Heather's Thoroughbred gelding is Charm's arch nemesis. Aristocrat is almost as snobby as his owner. He takes any chance to shoot Charm a dirty look or to intimidate other horses. Aristocrat is a champion show horse, but his attitude needs work. TRIX Julia's mare may be compact, but she can clear even the tallest of fences with ease. The fiery bay loves to romp around the pasture and race along the fence line. She's one of the best dressage horses at Canterwood and Julia works hard to keep her sharp. SUNSTRUCK Alison's Arabian gelding isn't an easy ride. Sunstruck spooks easily and he keeps Alison on alert. He'd rather stay in his comfy stall than brave outside elements. Despite Sunstruck's tendency to shy, he's a bold jumper. Alison and Sunstruck excel at cross-country and show jumping. LUNA Even though Luna isn't Eric's, she's his favorite school horse to ride. Luna's gentle, sweet and she seems to have a crush on Charm. Luna's the perfect match for a rider such as Eric and the two are a strong pair at Canterwood. PHOENIX Jasmine King's horse doesn't always get the best treatment from his owner, but that hasn't spoiled his personality. Phoenix tries non-stop to please Jasmine. She often tries to get away with rough handling, but all Phoenix needs is a rider to be easy with him and he'll give one hundred percent. APOLLO Brit Chan's supersweet gelding is a dressage star just like his owner. Apollo is a steady, experienced horse who doesn't blink in front of show judges. Brit loves him like crazy. The pair clicked the first time they met. The two are usually always in synch and when they're not—something's up. The one thing that Apollo's afraid of? Squirrels. CRICKET Cricket, headstrong but affectionate, is Lauren's assigned mount at Briar Creek Stable. Cricket is the perfect match for Lauren as she overcomes one of her greatest fears. The beautiful bay, who's playful and feisty, loves to hit the trails. She waits every day for Lauren to come to the stable. WHISPER Whisper might be the sweetest horse Lauren Towers ever met. The gray mare, Lauren's present for being accepted to Canterwood, is a horse who's dedicated to her rider. The new pair haven't been together long though it's not easy to tell. Together, Whisper and Lauren are navigating Canterwood.