The First Horse I See — Sally M. Keehn

Before she died, Willo's mother made her father promise that Willo could finally have a horse. Her grandfather warns her: don't fall in love with the first horse that you see. But Willo does -- with Tess, a feisty ex-racehorse who has been mistreated by her former owners. Despite her father's doubts, Willo is convinces she can tame her. She has her trainer, Diana, and Diana's handsome and horse-smart son wants to help. But in the end, it comes down to Willo. . . . Can she handle the wild Tess alone?
 
“Fast-moving and complex. Willo is a resilient and believable heroine with whom readers will empathize.” -- SLJ, starred review