Tinkle, the Trick Pony: His Many Adventures

In Short

Published in 1917 as part of Richard Barnum's Kneetime Animal Stories, this short chapter book follows Tinkle, a spirited colt with a star on his forehead, who wanders from his farm pasture into a series of unintended travels. After being purchased by a gentle family, stolen by rogue movers, and sold into a traveling show, Tinkle learns to perform tricks alongside performing bears and elephants. It endures as an instructive, heartwarming example of early twentieth-century juvenile animal fiction, illustrating the bonds between children and their domesticated pets.

The Story

Tinkle lives in a lush green meadow with his parents, under the care of the stock breeder Mr. Carter. Bored with his quiet surroundings, the curious young pony resolves to run away to see the wider world. He leaps the pasture fence, only to end up trapped in a sticky, muddy swamp. His frantic father enlists Dapple Gray, a wise former fire horse, to seek help from Mr. Carter. The men use ropes to pull the trapped animals out of the mire, and a thoroughly chastened Tinkle promises to behave.

A year passes before Tinkle gets his next taste of the outside world. A wealthy man named Mr. Farley visits the farm with his young son, George, who falls in love with the pretty pony. Mr. Farley purchases Tinkle, bringing him home to live in a spacious box stall alongside Prince, an experienced carriage horse. George and his sister, Mabel, pamper Tinkle with sugar lumps, learn to drive him in a small pony cart, and take him to the blacksmith to be fitted with iron shoes. One afternoon, the children encounter Dido, a trained dancing bear, which inspires George and the coachman, Patrick, to train Tinkle to jump over sticks and bow on command.

Disaster strikes when two opportunistic movers spot the small pony unattended in the yard. They toss Tinkle into a dark moving van, steal him away, and lock him in a dirty, ill-kept urban stable. Unfit for heavy hauling, Tinkle is sold to a traveling circus that needs a replacement performing pony. Under the patient instruction of Mr. Drake, Tinkle learns elaborate tricks, including retrieving the American flag, picking out named mail from a mock post office, and nodding out simple arithmetic sums. Though he enjoys the camaraderie of circus animals like Tum Tum the elephant and Mappo the monkey, Tinkle remains homesick for George and Mabel.

Meanwhile, Mr. Farley takes his grieving children to the circus to lift their spirits after weeks of searching for their lost pet. During the show, George and Mabel recognize Tinkle as he performs his repertoire in his red plume and harness. Mr. Farley proves ownership, reclaims the pony, and buys back the little cart. Tinkle happily trots home with his original family, eager to perform his new circus tricks for his admiring household.

How It Unfolds

A leap into danger Tinkle slips away from his herd, jumps the pasture fence to seek adventure, and becomes stuck fast in a treacherous swamp until the farm hands haul him to safety with ropes.

Life in the city Purchased by Mr. Farley for his children, Tinkle transitions to urban life, getting fitted with his first iron horseshoes and learning to pull George and Mabel in a small cart.

Learning the trade Inspired by a visiting performing bear named Dido, George and the coachman Patrick teach Tinkle to bow on command and jump over wooden obstacles in exchange for sugar.

Stolen away Two ruthless moving men lift the small pony into the back of a dark van, carrying him away to a filthy city stable where he is kept hidden from his frantic owners.

Joining the big top Sold to a traveling circus, Tinkle makes friends with the other animals and learns advanced tricks from a gentle trainer named Mr. Drake, including selecting flags and solving basic math problems.

Reunited at last While attending the circus to forget their grief, George and Mabel spot Tinkle performing in the main ring, enabling Mr. Farley to reclaim the pony and bring him home.

The People

• Tinkle, an adventurous, white-starred pony who longs to explore the world, faces hardship after being stolen, and uses his intelligence to thrive as a gentle pet and clever performer.
• George Farley, a kindly nine-year-old boy who desires a pony of his own, treats Tinkle with immense affection, and grieves deeply when his pet vanishes.
• Mabel Farley, George's sister, who eagerly joins her brother on drives in the pony cart, helps feed the farm animals, and shares in Tinkle's training.
• Dapple Gray, an old, sensible former fire horse with a stiff leg, who uses his quick wits to organize a rescue when Tinkle gets stuck in the bog.
• Patrick, the Farleys' experienced coachman, who guides the children in handling horses and patient, reward-based animal training.
• Mr. Drake, a soft-spoken circus trainer who uses gentle repetition and lumps of sugar to teach Tinkle complex performance routines.

In Its Own Voice

"I’m going to run away!"

Before his first venture beyond the farm, Tinkle resolves to break free from his routine, unaware of the mud and danger waiting just over the pasture fence.

"I have had many adventures that have been put into a book."

When Dido the dancing bear visits the Farley home, he introduces Tinkle to the idea that animals can learn human tricks and travel in famous shows.

"When he is trained he’ll go in the parade too."

Upon arriving at the circus tents, a handler admires the newly acquired pony, recognizing that Tinkle's small size and striking looks make him an ideal performer.

What It's Really About

Underneath its simple episodic plot, the book explores the responsibilities that come with independence and the true nature of domestication. Tinkle begins his journey believing freedom means escaping all rules, but his experience in the swamp teaches him that unrestrained liberty can lead to peril. The narrative contrasts two styles of human ownership: the exploitative greed of the thieves who lock Tinkle in a dark, filthy stable, and the reciprocal respect of the Farleys and Mr. Drake, who train through kindness and sweet rewards. Ultimately, the story argues that true security for a domestic animal lies in a loving home where care, mutual affection, and gentle discipline guide daily life.

Why Read It Today

Tinkle, the Trick Pony offers modern readers an authentic window into early twentieth-century children's literature. It reads smoothly and quickly, combining lighthearted animal dialogue with episodic action that holds the attention of young audiences. The prose maintains a gentle, encouraging tone throughout, ideal for early readers transitioning to short chapter books.

Modern readers will notice clear period details, such as horse-drawn delivery wagons, blacksmithing, and traditional traveling circuses with performing wild animals. The dialogue among the animals is straightforward, devoid of dense regional dialect, making it accessible despite its age. Readers who enjoy classic turn-of-the-century juvenile fiction, working animal stories, or simple tales of lost pets finding their way home will appreciate this charming artifact of American children's publishing.