December 2020/January 2021 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN December 2020/January 2021 Page 17 Horse Books from Regional Authors Are Perfect for Holiday Giving By Lois Szymanski For most of us, the Christ- mas shopping rush has begun. But what do you get for your horse-loving friends and family members? To that we say, you can’t go wrong with a book. We’ve gathered a collection of suggestions – horse books from authors who live in our coverage area - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. We hope you find, the perfect gift! From Pennsylvania author, Linda Oatman High - “Winter Shoes for Shadow Horse” PICTURE BOOK This touching story of a father handing down his profes- sion is filled with soft, rich illustrations by Ted Lewin. While a nervous son prepares to set his first winter shoe, Papa offers a strong, steady hand in a book that showcases the old fashioned way to shoe a horse. “I’ve always been fascinated by the process of farriers shoeing horses, and the research for this book was really fun,” said Linda Oatman High. “Living in Penn- sylvania Amish country, I had the ability to visit a local farrier along with illustrator Ted Lewin, and we watched the process. Ted’s art really brings the horse and the wintertime vibe to life.” From Delaware author, Lacey Lafferty - “Delaware Horse Racing: Images of America” NONFICTION “Delaware Horse Racing” takes readers back to the good old days on Delaware’s popular racetracks - Bran- dywine Raceway, George- town Raceway, Delaware Park Raceway, Dover Downs Raceway, and Harrington Raceway, when Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds raced on dirt tracks. Lafferty has gathered historical photos from noted col- lections, including previously un- published historical photographs of legendary owners, trainers, drivers, and racehorses. Lafferty became enthralled with horses as a child, after her parents purchased the family's first retired Standardbred race- horse. A retired Delaware state trooper, Lafferty raced her own Standardbreds and currently owns several Standardbreds. “I wrote the book to get information out there about what we have here in Delaware,” Lafferty said. “Horses are an in- tricate part of Delaware history, whether racehorses, work horses or pleasure horses. I was born and raised in Lewis Delaware and am from a long line of Delaware farmers. Horses were always a big part of that. The farming and agricultural commu- nity started racing here. It was a form of entertainment after a long day of work.” From Maryland author, L.R Trovillion - “Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider's Betrayal” YA MYSTERY In this mystery novel for teens and adults, (the second in Lisa Tro- vllion’s Maryland Equestrian series) the author seamlessly blends strong family ties with a recogniz- able horse setting, adding a dash of the supernatural. Regina Hamilton’s abusive mom is getting out of prison. Regina is the one who helped put her there. With only three months to prove to the courts that she can support herself and avoid the custody of her mom, Regina lands a job at an exclu- sive dressage barn. Alienated and alone, she befriends a reclu- sive boy who introduces her to a half-wild red mare with myste- rious powers. As Regina gains the mare’s trust, she discovers a talent for dressage. Plot twists and turns include the death of a barn worker, and a deadly secret Regina has kept for years, while the brave but flawed heroine finds she must rely on the magi- cal power of horses. “The role horses have had in my life inspired me to create a series about people with prob- lems who find hope and healing through their relationships with horses,” Trovillion said. “Al- though the novels are edgy with very real, contemporary prob- lems kids face, there is a touch of magic and hope in each of them.” From New Jersey author, Heath- erWallace - “Girl Forward: A Tale of One Woman’s Unlikely Adventure in Mongolia” NONFICTION Heather Wallace - a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT) and Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT) – says she wrote this nonfiction book after traveling to Mon- golia as the photographer for The Gobi Desert Cup, an endurance ride through eastern Mongolia. The book chronicles the race through the heart of Mongolia and its nomads. "Traveling to Mongolia changed my life, Wallace said. “Not only did I experience a culture so immersed and en- twined with horses, but I proved to myself that I am stronger and bolder than I ever realized. I changed my perspective as a result and became a stronger person for the experience. I hope that others will read my journey and realize they can do the same." From Maryland author, Laurie Bergley - “Taking Off” ROMANCE “Taking Off” is the latest in- stallment in Bergley’s Equestrian Romance Series , three books that follow the life of character, Erin Sor- renson, a newly-di- vorced mom working to move past guilt over the breakup. Taking a leap of faith, she applies to be a working student for a professional eventer in Virginia. Erin packs her bags, loads her horse, and heads south for the winter. There she finds romance, struggles with painful memories, and forges a new path in life. “I chose to write my Equestrian Romance Series because equestrian romance is my favorite genre to read, so I figured, why not write what I enjoy best?” Bergley said. “I also love referencing local venues, restaurants, etc. in my work, so as people read they can think, "Oh, I've shown my horse there too," or, "I've eaten dinner there before!" I really wanted there to be that personal connection.” From Pennsylvania author, Alicia Martin - “Private Mom” FICTION In Alicia Martin’s released novel, hairstylist Ava Kenne- dy has promised herself she will never fall in love again. She’s already lost the love of her life – her daughter, Rhya - to the Army. For twelve years after her husband’s death, she focused only on Rhya. Now, where will her life go? Rhya, on the other hand, loathes everything connected to her helicoptering mother. Instead the high school senior rides horses in camo pants and muddy boots while dreaming of earning an ROTC scholarship to Jefferson Washington Military College where she can finally get away from the woman her fellow cadets affectionately call “Private Mom.” Martin said this novel was inspired while reminiscing about raising her daughter after her husband’s death. “Against my wishes, at eigh- teen, I dropped her off to join the Army. I remember the Sergeant yelling ‘your children are mine now’, and I panicked, thinking, did he even understand how much love went into parenting? I ridiculously searched for any way to follow her.” Martin says horses have always been a part of her life. “They developed qualities in my daughter, helping to mold a wonder woman and army officer - qualities, I could not give. I was not like my hero- ine, Ava, but a hardcore mom. Horses gave her a softness and taught her patience, just like the black stallion, Diesel, in Private Mom. From New Jersey author, Ei- leen Watkins – “Reboot Ranch” FICTION Based on a true story, this novel tells the story of Anna Loehmey- er, whose marriage, job and life falls apart after her husband is arrested for fraud. On her own, Anna finds a new purpose, opening a horse rescue opera- tion on her New Jersey Farm after rescuing a mare bound for slaughter and then two more hard-luck equines. She is joined in the operation by her teenaged niece MJ, who is recovering from her own heartbreak - the untime- ly death of her beloved father. Formerly a good student, MJ has become depressed and rebellious, even jeopardizing her chances to get into college. She persuades her mother to let her spend the summer living and working at the rescue farm, because in her Aunt Anna she sees “the only adult who’s doing anything meaning- ful.” "Though I've ridden at lesson stables for most of my (Continued on page 22) The news East Coast horse owners need to know To advertise or for more information call (717) 509-9800  www.eastcoastequestrian.net Coming up in the February issue! Reach our 38,000+ readers as they prepare their farms for the riding and training season. Barns, Arenas & Footing Feature Advertising Deadline: January 13, 2021 Barn, arena and footing related advertisers who take a ¼ page ($363) or larger ad will receive a FREE article about their products or services, written by our award-winning staff. An additional 8,000 people will read the digital issue online with hot links to your website! Your barn-related ad and article – with links – will be on our website for one year!! We receive over 8,000 web visitors a month!! 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