December 2021/January 2022 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN December 2021/January 2022 Page 17 By Lois Szymanski Christmas is around the cor- ner and the shopping has begun. Here are some books for you to consider when searching for gifts for horse-lovers. They are all from authors who live in our cov- erage area - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. We hope you find the perfect gift! From Pennsylvania author, Beth Oberholtzer – “Working Horses” Nonfiction With over 240 photos by photographer John Herr, this col- orful book includes six draft breeds and five carriage horse breeds. Readers will be transported into the everyday lives of the faithful Plain-sect farm families of Lancaster County, PA. Find photos of foals with their dams, working horses, training shots, and touching photos of working horses and the people who love them. The stories and interviews will make you feel you are there. “I grew up on a farm surrounded by Amish farms and loved seeing the horses and mules working in the fields,” Oberholtzer said. “When I was a kid, we had riding horses and I “helped” one of our Amish neigh- bors when he worked his mules in a nearby tobacco field.” “John Herr’s excellent photos are what readers will immediately enjoy about the books,” Oberholtzer said. “In Working Horses , readers will find stories that connect them with the farmers and breeders, along with general information about differ- ent breeds of draft horses, mules, and buggy horses.” From New Jersey author, Loren Spiotta-DiMare – “Sergeant Reckless: Hero War Horse” Picture Book When US Marines fighting in the Korean War purchase a racehorse named Flame, she’s trained to work as their packhorse and renamed Sergeant Reckless. In this true story, readers learn how the mare carried ammunition up steep, rugged terrain to the Recoilless Rifle firing station, bringing wounded Marines back down to safety. During the battle of Outpost Vegas - one of the most vicious battles of the war – the mare’s unit is unable to spare a man to lead her, but that doesn't stop Reckless. She trudges up and down the mountain 51 times, covering 35 miles for over two days - all by herself - even though wounded twice. For her heroic efforts, Reckless is awarded two Purple Hearts, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a United Nations Service Medal, Horse Books for Holiday Giving retiring with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Author, Loren Spiotta-Di- Mare said her father was a Ma- rine Captain in the Korean War who rode and gave riding lessons as a young man. “He introduced me to horses when I was seven years old and created a lifelong passion for hors- es,” she said. “As a horse person, I can appreciate how amazing Reckless was in battle. Her brav- ery especially during the battle for Outpost Vegas was incredible. Talk about bomb proof! Reckless was part of our history. I think children should know about her.” This book won a 2021 first place Winnie Award in the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest’s Literary Division. Author, Loren Spiotta-DiMare said, “I’ve seen a horse spook at a soda can so I can attest to the fact that Reckless was truly bombproof and heroic. I believe she felt the men in her unit were her herd and [she] would do anything to help them.” From Pennsylvania author, Anne Hambleton - “Raja, Story of a Racehorse” Fiction for Young Readers Re- viewers compare this novel for 8 to 10-year- old kids to the classic, “Black Beauty.” Written from the horse’s point of view, Raja chron- icles the life of a Thoroughbred racehorse destined for greatness, until a series of bad events end his career. Raja is moved from place to place, until he finds himself with a retired steeplechase jockey and his 16-year-old niece. Togeth- er, this band of characters find their destiny. Author, Anne Hambleton grew up with Pony Club, fox- hunting, showing, eventing, rac- ing over fences, and even playing polo. She said she decided to write Raja while standing in her barn one winter night. “As I did barn chores, I knew that a modern “Black Beauty” about an American thorough- bred needed to be written - all racehorses have a story to tell. The story sort of told itself…or perhaps the horses told it to me!” Even though it’s fiction, Hambleton said the story is not a stretch. “Raja’s life is fiction, but it could be true,” she said. “I draw on my knowledge and experience to tell his story in a way that evokes classic horse stories. The places and details are authentic – I have lived what I write about. I think readers will feel like they are along for a wild ride and will be rooting for Raja.” From Maryland author, L.R. Trovillion – “False Gods: The Show Jumper’s Challenge” YA Fiction Cory Iverson’s junior year of high school is a disaster. Then, her dog leads her to the barn of a former Grand Prix show jumper where she meets the farm’s reclusive trainer and a mysterious rescued horse and sets her eyes on the country’s most prestigious horse show. But, as she gains confidence in her riding, everything around her is falling apart. Strange pills appear in her mom’s purse, her ballerina sister is wasting away before her eyes, and to top it off, her boyfriend is keeping secrets. When her expertise in the saddle catches the eye of a ruthless competitor, suddenly her life is in danger. Cory must decide if she’ll once again back down and flee… or stay and stand up for herself, her horse, and her dreams. Author, Lisa Trovillion spent many years at big jump- er shows grooming horses for competitors and daydreaming about what it would take for a (Continued on page 26)