April 2020 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2020 Page 9 Two New Jersey Authors Win Winnie Literary Awards Novelist Andie Andrews (Eisenberg) and animal book author, Loren Spiotta-DiMare, both of Tewksbury, NJ received Winnie Awards in the 2019 sev- enth annual EQUUS Film & Arts Festival – Literary Division. The Festival is the leading showcase for domestic and international equestrian content including feature films, shorts, documenta- ries, music videos, commercials, training, educational materials, and art and literature. The pres- tigious equine film and arts event was held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Andrews’ poignant novel, Ephemeral received a first-place award in the Equine Fiction (Western) category. She also re- ceived a Winnie for her rom-com screenplay, Spring Fling . Spiot- ta-DiMare’s picture book, Ser- geant Reckless: Hero War Horse received a first-place award in the Children’s Historical category. In Ephemeral , jaded romance writer Clarissa takes up riding lessons as research for her new novel. In the saddle, she finds relief from her troubled marriage and her darkest secrets in the company of horses who offer an intoxicating sense of freedom and daring. Before long, she impul- sively buys an ex-rodeo horse who spurs her to take charge of her own destiny—or wind up in the dust. Complicating matters is an intriguing, Argentinian dressage trainer with secrets of his own. One part romance novel, one part literary fiction, one part love- affair-with-horses, Ephemeral is told from the viewpoint of a quirky, old cow horse who not only invites you into his world, but also shares his sensible and soulful outlook on human hearts and the meaning of true horsemanship. Spiotta-DiMare’s children’s book, Sergeant Reckless: Hero War Horse is the true story of an amazing pack horse who served with the Marines during the Ko- rean War. Her job was to carry ammunition up steep, rugged ter- rain to the Recoilless Rifle firing station and then bring wounded Marines back down to safety. Reckless’ heroism and devo- tion to her men is legendary, espe- cially during the battle of Outpost Vegas, one of the most vicious battles of the war. Her Unit was unable to spare a man to lead her, but that didn't stop Reckless. She trudged up and down that moun- tain 51 times, covering 35 miles for over two days all by herself. Wounded twice, she kept on going with courage and determination. For her valiant efforts, Reckless was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a United Na- tions Service Medal. She retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Spiotta-DiMare has been writing nonfiction animal books for adults and children for many years. She’s had 20 books published to date. Several new titles are underway. The author’s work has been recognized by the Dog Writers Association of America, USA Book News, Humane Society of the United States, and the Doris Day Animal Foundation. Both books are available through Amazon. Equestrian Events Slam to a Halt Md., May 23; Willowdale Stee- plechase in Kennett Square, Pa., June 6, and the Cheshire Point-to- Point, June 14. Brandywine Polo plans to begin their 2020 season as planned on May 24. The Olympics. Laurel Park was scheduled to offer a 10-race card March 20 and an 11-race card March 21 with access severely limited to essential racing personnel only. Owners will not be permitted to MJC facil- ities including the stable area. The stable area will be closed to horses other than those based at Laurel and Pimlico Race Course. Still on as we finish this April 2020 issue: The Devon Horse Show., May 21-31. And though it’s not exactly business as usual here at East Coast Equestri- an, we have already begun work on a Devon Horse Show Preview issue, which we plan to distribute at the show in May. Stay home, stay safe and stay well. (Continued from page 1)