Ponies on the Riviera
A Sunderland story that rides through hardship, hope, and hometown pride
Ponies on the Riviera tells the story of a girl growing up on Wearside in the 1970s and 80s who dreams of freedom, symbolised by her love of horses, while navigating poverty, family struggles, and the rough edges of life in post-industrial Britain.
“This book isn’t just set in Sunderland - it’s born of it. The characters speak the way we speak; they see the world the way we see it. Ponies on the Riviera is a love letter to the people who make the place what it is today. The book explores how working-class women have limited choices, yet they are fierce, resourceful, and loyal. ”
Nicky Moon
Told with dark humour, empathy, and unmistakable Mackem wit, the kitchen sink novel captures the rhythm and resilience of Sunderland life through decades of change.
From the donkey rides on Seaburn Beach to the rise of the right-to-buy generation, it’s a story that celebrates survival.
About
I grew-up in Grindon in the 70s and 80s, and went to the Bede.
After my GCSEs, I spent the summer packing catalogues in a factory in Washington, and when I went to college, I got a job at the Willow Pond. I soon moved on to pubs in the town.
If you were a customer in Idols in the early 90s, thank you for funding my degree.
Nowadays
My day job is writing about science and medicine.
Moon Medical Communications has been in business for 20 years.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sophie Robinson
Word of Mouth Communications
07950 792821
sophie@wordofmouthcomms.com
Copywriting by Sophie Robinson www.wordofmouthcomms.com
Photography by Dave Charnley www.davecharnleyphotography.com
Makeup by Philipa Gibbons