Christine Pullein-Thompson

Christine Pullein-Thompson, who died on December 2 aged 80, was a prolific writer of children's books, mostly about horses; with her twin Diana and their elder sister Josephine, who wrote along the same lines, she rivalled Enid Blyton in the affections of young girls fond of ponies.

Christine, the quietest of the three, was the most productive; she wrote more than 100 books, translated into 12 languages.

Christine Pullein-Thompson was born at Wimbledon on October 1 1925, the younger of twins. Her father, Captain HJ "Cappy" Pullein-Thompson, had been badly affected by the First World War and made his living selling refrigerators; her mother, Joanna Cannan, was a successful writer.

Christine grew up at Peppard, near Henley on Thames, and attended school only in the mornings, though there were numerous house rules, including: "Don't hint"; "Don't be personal"; "Don't whine" and "Don't talk horses at meals".