December 2020/January 2021 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN December 2020/January 2021 Page 13 What do you buy the equestri- an who loves to read?After a diffi- cult year like 2020, try this romantic comedy filled with humor, horses and havoc. Local author and East Coast Equestrian contributor Alicia Stephens Martin has just the book, her second novel Private Mom . Private Mom tells the story of hairstylist Ava Kennedy who Local Author’s Book is Perfect for Holiday Giving promised never to fall in love again. For twelve years after her husband’s death she focused on raising their daughter Rhya, with the help of her quirky beauty shop clients and Jeffery her gay assistant. Rhya, on the other hand loathes everything connected to her helicoptering mother. Instead the high school senior rides horses in camo pants, loves muddy boots, and dreams of joining the Army where she can finally escape from the woman fellow cadets affec- tionately call “Private Mom.” When a two-star general rolls into town and recruits Rhya, Ava loathes him immediately, but finds herself falling head over her Cinderella stilettos in love. Alicia Stephens Martin’s first novel, Spurred to Justice , is a romantic suspense awash with murder, mystery, romance and family trials as one woman fights to discover the truth about her husband’s death and daughter’s adoption. Both Private Mom and Spurred to Justice are a Christ- mas gift they won’t put down— suspense, mystery, romance and now humor for equestrian lovers around the world. Find them at Amazon.com, Kindle and barnesandnoble.com. The Dr. Cook Bitless Bri- dle was developed after years of research. The design allows gentle, effective control with pressure that is distributed evenly around the horse’s head. Sometimes when you just can't find a bit that works trying the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle could be the answer to your problems. Going Bitless, no matter what discipline you are in (English or Western), even for a short period of time can be like hitting the re- fresh button on your computer. Located in Gratz, PA, Spring Hollow Harness & Saddle is central PA's one-stop destination for horse owners. This holiday season, give your horse lover new tack (including a wide selection of western saddles), harness, bri- dles, halters and more! You can Give Tack from Spring Hollow Harness & Saddle also bring your tack in for repairs. Spring Hollow also features a wide selection of equestrian health supplies including Conklin Fastrack supplements, Stori Poly Feeders and more. They also carry Black Gold Dog Food. Call Alvin Zook at (717) 362-4186. Can Your Horse Benefit from Riding in a Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle? It’s also great to have a bit- less bridle on hand for situations such as being able to ride right after having your horse’s dental work done, or long trail rides where they can graze and drink without the nuisance of having a bit in their mouth. And being able to take the bit away allows you to make sure your horse’s bad behavior is not related to the bit you are using. Older horses with severe tooth loss will be much more comfortable bitless. Going bitless is great for lesson and therapeutic riding programs where the rider has not yet developed the skills necessary to ride in a bit. Transitioning to bitless requires a surprisingly small amount of effort and time, sometimes even in the first ride. We suggest you start in a small enclosed area (roundpen, indoor arena etc). The Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle is marketed all over the world and used in all disciplines. Available in English and West- ern styles starting at $69.95, it’s easier than ever to go bitless. Made in the USA out of premium American materials. To order visit www.bitlessbridle.com or call 877-942-4277