Winter 2023-2024 Issue

Page 12 Winter 2023/2024 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Special Advertising Section Holiday Gift Guide Author and East Coast Equestrian contributor Alicia Stephens Martin has penned an- other novel which was inspired by women who follow their dreams. “Women in mid-life and beyond have tasted challenges and struggles while juggling careers and raising families. Yet, these women remain humble and supportive of each other. They reach for the stars realizing they stand on the shoulders of those who climbed mountains before them.” Her latest novel is on the way for 2024. The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again revolves around four women facing mid- Author’s Upcoming Novel is Perfect for Giving life transformations. Each has a life complicated with diver- sity and challenges: a cheating husband, a life-threatening illness, an empty nest, a devas- tating career backlash. Feeling powerless both physically and mentally, the four begin to ques- tion their existence. After over three decades of separation, one memorable photo and a chance meeting help them bond over their shared love of horses. They decide to reinvent the year from their early twenties when they felt most alive. Their friendships require healing, and horses are the antidote to reunite them in a quest for the lost Silver Spur Championship. Alicia Stephens Martin’s other collection, The Spurred trilogy, is filled with suspense and romance surrounding a family as they struggle, finding strength in horses— Spurred to Justice, Spurred to Jump, and Spurred to Jealousy . She also authored Private Mom , a rom/ com for equestrian lovers! A hairdresser and solo mom fights to maintain her relationship with her daughter when she joins the Army Cavalry. The novels make unique Christmas gifts readers won’t put down—suspense, ro- mance, and humor for equestrian lovers. Alicia Stephens Martin’s books are on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com . Also, available at Taborton bookstores. Please visit her at aliciastephens martin.com . Can Your Horse Benefit from Riding in a Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle? The Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle was developed after years of re- search. 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 refresh button on your computer. It’s also great to have a bitless 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 re- lated 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. Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!