Offered the chance, horses make conscious choices to provide service and show love. In their new book, Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service, award-winning authors Allen and Linda Anderson chronicle 21 true stories of horses who have chosen their paths in life. These horses give without expecting a return, other than maybe the occasional carrot.
The Andersons say, "If you've ever thought that horses only display abilities on race tracks, in riding stables, in beer commercials, or in movies, you're missing out on their ever-expanding services as sentient partners and willing coworkers."
Award-winning author and equine photographer Vanessa Wright has her story featured in this unique book. "Under the Wings of Pegasus" tells of Wright’s 16-year-old gelding, Pegasus, who found his calling in "foal-sitting," guiding and raising young horses. Pegasus was also the inspiration for Wright's equestrian exhibit, The Literary Horse: When Legends Comes to Life, which is touring public and school libraries worldwide through 2012 ( www.TheLiteraryHorse.com ).
The book also introduces horses who aid in therapy sessions, give disabled riders freedom and mobility, heal childhood abuse, save lives, help fulfill dreams, and bring messages of hope and unconditional love.
Carson Kressley, equestrian and Emmy award-winning TV host as the "Fab Five's" fashion expert on Queer Eye, says, "This collection of stories will remind anyone who has ever had a horse as a best friend, confidante, and soul mate of what a special gift that can be."
Other stories in Horses with a Mission include:
* Molly, a three-legged pony and survivor of Hurricane Katrina, had her story go viral on the Internet, land in the New York Times, and featured on CBS evening News. After her loss of a leg, surgery, and a prosthetic device, Molly inspired the people of New Orleans and admirers around the world. Now she spreads her message of hope and recovery to all.
* Sankofa, a wise-beyond-his-years Arabian stallion, made it possible for social studies teacher Miles J. Dean to complete a cross-country journey. Dean’s goal was to heighten awareness about Black Cowboys and the contributions of African American ancestors. Millions of adults and school children followed their odyssey as Dean and Sankofa made history come alive.
* Diana, wild mustang and lead mare of the rare Gila, Arizona herd of wild horses, protected her herd, teaching the great lesson of forgiveness. Her rescuer Karen Sussman documents the plight of wild horses who found refuge in the Badlands on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.
“With hearts and minds open, we can learn from the wild and domesticated horses in this wonderful book.” – Joe Camp, creator of the films starring the canine superstar Benji
Horses with a Mission is available in bookstores nationwide and online ( www.HorseswithaMission.com )
Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service
By Allen and Linda Anderson
New World Library ISBN: 978-1-57731-648-0
$14.95 · 186 page · B&W Photos Throughout