The strict European attitude of Val's parents toward the behavior of young people [in House of the Blue Horse] is contrasted with the relaxed use-your-own-judgment-and-commonsense attitude of the large Hull family. While the story often seems contrived to show that the development of good judgment is necessary before young people can be given freedom to make their own decisions, it manages to be interesting. The setting of the fascinating old house with a mystery, many lively, natural young people, and Val's passion for horses should give the story wide appeal.