As a child, I was a horse-crazy girl.
My Aunt Nancy was an artist who earned points in my young mind when she changed the spelling of her name to the very artsy “Nan-c.” One summer, she sat me down and taught me how to draw a horse’s face and body so it actually resembled my favorite animal. I went on to draw horses ceaselessly on my notebooks and school papers for years.
In the town library, my mom would see the back of my head while she strolled to wherever her section was for her week’s stash of books. I’d dart straight from the front door to the Youth Horse book section. I, of course, had read them all. My favorites were The Black Stallion, My Friend, Flicka and of course Black Beauty. But in just a few seconds’ scanning I’d discover when they’d added some I hadn’t read. With an excited gasp, I’d pull them out and take them home.
In the summer, the library’s bookmobile made its rounds of the neighborhoods. After riding our bikes to where it was parked, my best friend Lynn and I would climb the steep stairs and hoist open the heavy, squeaky door. The dusty scent of books and pages hit our noses. There was only one row of horse books, positioned low so that it required me to lie on my stomach to scan them all. I didn’t mind.
I didn’t just doodle horse heads and read horse books. My mom had been a horse-crazy girl as well, so she encouraged my equestrian obsession. She took me to riding lessons starting when I was eight. She and Dad bought me my first horse at the age of ten, and then allowed me to “trade up” to a more athletic hunter-jumper a few years later when I was competing. My mom never missed a single horse show. In the basement of our ranch-style house, she installed corkboard adhesive squares on the family room paneling, creating a bulletin board for all my horse show ribbons. Row after hard-fought row of blue for first place, red for second, yellow for third, white for fourth and pink for fifth. I loved the ones that weren’t just a vertical rectangle, but had the dazzling circular rosette at the top and shiny streamers hanging down.
I was never what you’d consider athletic as a kid, but boy, could I ride horses. I was fearless. Galloping, flying over fences, in the arena, out in the fields and woods. I loved it. Here’s a picture of me competing in the county fair with my Connemara pony, Carrick. I was probably twelve-ish.
My horsie activities provide me with tons of great memories, but eventually I grew up and left my love for the equestrian world behind. However, one of the great things about being a writer is that I can include those things that I love from my real life, in my novels. I have incorporated horses into two of my inspirational romances. The 
first one is Tide to Atonement. Heroine Emma Jean is the horse-crazy girl in the story, and because her parents couldn’t afford to send her to lessons or buy her a horse, she earned it. She got to be friendly with the owner of a boarding stable and offered her services around the farm. She’d do anything — muck out stables, wash the horses, groom them, feed them. In return, instead of being paid with money, she’d get to ride the horses. I included this aspect of her life in the story because it tells us something about hard-working Emma. It gave her and her love interest Jeremy something meaningful and fun to do together and it also provided Jeremy the opportunity to demonstrate his heroism when Emma and the horse, Apple needed his help.
In my book Sanctuary I gave a horse a starring role in the story. After inheriting a rundown, abandoned horse ranch from her aunt, Nora the city girl is out of her element. She
has no idea what she’s doing. One day she spots a beautiful black stallion on her property. What was he doing there? Who owned him? She calls the local veterinarian and who shows up, but tall, dark and handsome Shaw. Shaw has a history with the horse and helps her solve the mystery. Knowing she needs assistance reclaiming her inheritance to its former glory, she leans on Shaw, and guess what, they eventually fall in love. The horse, Thunder, also takes a role in a future book when Nora and Shaw decide to start a not-for-profit agency offering equestrian therapy to disabled children.
Do you like horses? Were you horse-crazy as a child? If not, what childhood passion would you include in your own novel if you decided to write one?
**Heartwarming, life-changing Christian fiction.** An award-winning author, Laurie is living her dream life at the beach, writing novels. Laurie writes beachy inspirational romance that takes place in the South Carolina Low Country. She retired from the big day job and now focuses on writing full time. Strolls on the sand, soaking up the sun and riding the waves can be considered the best kind of research.
I was not horse mad, but I loved the ocean and still do.
My childhood passion was reading. Still is!! The only horse I ever ‘rode’, and I say that loosely, was a Shetland pony on a poultry farm where my dad worked for a time. The horse’s owner led me around the field. Once.
I was about ten or eleven at the time.
Hi Laurie! I was not horse crazy, but my granddaughter is intrigued because of watching Little House on the Prairie. As an adult, I have ridden a horse at church camps. Living most of my life on the shores of Lake Michigan, I enjoy reading books about small Midwestern beach towns, hiking through sand dunes, visiting unique artist studios, with a special interest in photography. Snow is melting. Spring is in the air in Michigan.
I wasn’t horse crazy I rode on a horse with dad a few times on the farm and a small pony but wasn’t into horses or horse books. I did read follyfoot, black beauty and My friend Flicker and one or two other books with horses. I was an Enid Blyton fan. I think even back then I loved climbing trees. Started at 2 with the first tree I climbed. I loved reading and with Enid Blyton’s books The Magic Faraway tree I imagined I was in those magical lands, With the Naughtiest girl in school I imagined being her. With Mr. Galliano’s Circus I was in the circus. Her secret seven and famous five books I too was helping solve mysteries.
I was a dreamer and had a very active imagination. I think If I did read I would want to write books that include adventures children can have and possible real life with the fantasy elements like The magic faraway tree or the Narnia series. Books that would ignite a childs imagination
I was not a horse-crazy child, but I had a time that I was crazy about dolphins. I had the same as you in the library: I had to read every book about Dolphins. Another child passion was talking to imaginary persons. I had the weirdest names for them. I told them all kinds of stories in order to fall asleep. I still have this habit. I tell stories to fall asleep although it can be quite strange for another person to hear me telling stories in bed. (lol) Strange but true: I have to tell stories or I won’t fall asleep.
You and me both Mary! On my honeymoon I got to ride horses on the beach! What a dream.
Yes, I was a huge reader as well. My mom was a teacher so she had summers off. In addition to riding horses, we spent a lot of time going to the lake to swim and read.
Renate, what a beautiful area to hike in! It appeals to me to go visit artist studios. We have several good ones around here.
I think some little girls are destined to be horse crazy. Maybe your granddaughter will be!
Those book suggestions sound wonderful! I’m going to look up Mr. Galliano’s Circus. They sound magical!
Marilene! I love dolphins too! My dream is to get in the water somewhere and swim with them.
Okay, true confessions here. Although I don’t have trouble falling asleep, I do talk out loud as I walk. I’m sure my neighbors think, There’s that nutty lady again. I walk and talk. I talk about my book plots, my characters, dialogue, conflict. After a good forty minute walk I can usually work through whatever problem is before me.
My passion when I was younger was reading, and still is!! I’m not crazy about the beach, as I burn in a very short time, even with sunscreen, though it’s not far from me, maybe 20 minutes, depending on traffic and how many red lights I hit. I like horses, but I was never horse crazy.
Reading is definitely a lifelong hobby, isn’t it? It always keeps us intrigued and we never run out of books to read.
I was horse crazy. I even wrote a book about horses in elementary school that my sister left out in the rain–I was so upset! We only could afford horses once I was in high school and it was too late for me to compete, but I did ride. The same sister who left the book in the rain was also horse crazy and did compete. Then, connections to connections, my third sister’s daughter is also horse crazy and competed at the state level in Virginia.
By the way, did you read Island Stallion? And all the sequels to the Black Stallion? I loved the Island Stallion the most because of the mystery side to things. And who wouldn’t want to find a secret island hideaway?
That does not sound quite fair that your sister got to go on to compete in horseback riding after neglecting your creation!! Your creation of a horse book reminds me of a children’s horse book I wrote for a college creative writing class! I’ll have to find that and pull that out.
I did read Island Stallion! I do remember them being very exciting!
I took riding lessons for several years starting when I was 14 and really enjoyed them. I used to love Lauraine Snelling’s YA horse series also. Some of the few books I re-read.
Hi Jessica! What type of riding lessons did you take? I’m goung to add that series to my TBR list, thnx!
I think horses are beautiful but wasn’t particularly crazy about them. I preferred dogs.
Maarilene. My first grade granddaughter is crazy about dolphins. I am her teaching coach and we have read every book available to this first grader on dolphins. She even wrote her own dolphin book for her January writing assignment. Imaginary friends are the bestest.
Horses can be somewhat intimidating due to their sheer size. I love dogs too. I’ve been Crazy Dog Woman about my last two dogs. :)
I have always thought Horses was Beautiful but I never had any! I had a Dog though and I have always loved to read the print books even as a child!
I am not really crazy about house, but I love to do crafts.
My first experience with a horse was as a child, we had just moved to a new place and a place for riding my mom took me. I was put on a horse and instead of going around the horse refused to move All the other kids were going around just fine but nope, not me he wouldn’t budge no matter what! 🤦♀️🤦♀️ Fast forward to when I go to a Dude Ranch with my daughter and we get on horses and are following all the directions, BUT! BUT! nope not my horse he keeps trying to get away from the wet ground, which wouldn’t be bad except that in his haste to avoid the wet ground I am being shoved against trees. Needless to say I was all scratched up after that ride and it was my last ride nope, not for me thank you very much!!
I grew up in the city and there were no horse aspirations for me or any on my friends 😥. I loved to read from a young age, that would have been my passion then…..and now😉!
I was horse crazy, too. I doodled horses and unicorns all through school. I also loved the Black Stallion series.
My BFF’s landlord let them ride their horse, and she would take me, she always steering and me hanging on for dear life. When I was an adult and had an opportunity to ride by myself, I was too scared.
Oh yes, horses are gorgeous creatures. And dogs are my favorite animal now. I have one who is extremely spoiled!
Oh crafts! Yes! What types of crafts do you do? I used to love doing counted cross stitch until it became way too hard on my eyes! I’ve also done stenciling.
I like horses but I was never crazy about them. My passion was reading and traveling.
Oh Lourdes, I don’t blame you. You had several bad experiences in a row. They do say that horses can sense when you’re nervous/scared and take advantage of you. My horse Carrick (the one in the picture jumping) tried to take advantage of me. My first horse, Chica, was so calm and slow that I never felt in danger, but Carrick was a wild man.
I always thought I’d love to vacation at a dude ranch but I’ve never made it to one yet!
Yes, I suppose if you were a city girl, there wouldn’t be a lot of riding opportunities. We’re so glad you grew up reading Paula Marie! You are such a huge advocate for authors and the books we write!
Yes. As an adult, even though I was an equestrian as a child, I get nervous. I didn’t realize how dangerous it could be as a child. Didn’t even enter my mind. But now I know what can happen! Break an arm, a leg, fracture your spine. Lots of danger! And you can’t really enjoy something if you’re scared.
I love to travel as well. I miss it so much due to the COVID isolation. Lori, what is the first trip you’re dying to take when traveling opens up again?
Enid Blyton was an English children’s author and was popular throughout the Commonwealth but not as well known in America. She wrote from very young to teens. You may have heard of Noddy she wrote that.
I was not horse crazy as a kid but I did like big cats (tigers, leopards, panthers, etc). I was crazy about any wild animals and still am.
I’m not sure what childhood passion I would include if I were to write a book.
Hi Trixi! Ooooh, big cats are cool and so beautiful, majestic. And, of course, scary!
I like horses, but I’ve never had a “close” encounters with them. I would include extreme sports ;)
When I was a preteen and living at home we had a horse and we named him Big Red, we would ride him and it was alot of fun. Your books sound like Great reads and the book covers are Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing about your books and for sharing your love of horses with us, what beautiful memories you must have, memories to be cherished for ever in your heart. Have a Great rest of the week and stay safe.
Oooh, which extreme sports do you like? I’ve done ziplining and parasailing but those are the extent of my extreme sports attempts.
Your Big Red memories sound really fun! I sent a link to this blog post to my mom and she said she spent time today thinking about those times in our lives, remembering how much fun we had together, and so greateful that we built all those fun experiences together.
I like to pet horses but I don’t like riding them.
When I was a teenager, I went to visit my cousins’ farm. Their farm was mostly for dairy cows and hay but they did have one horse. I was given the opportunity to ride so I mounted this horse and headed up the hillside into the fields. Never did more than a walk (unless it was by mistake :)) and when I was ready to turn around, that horse decided that it was done cooperating. I tried urging with my legs. I dismounted and pulled on the reins. Nothing doing. Finally, one of my cousins walked up the hillside to see what was going on. Turns out the horse was uncomfortable going downhill. All it took was a stronger pull from my cousin than I had been brave enough to try and off we went, all of us walking on our own. I explained to my aunt that I had been afraid to be too forceful for fear of a strong reaction from this large beast. At that very moment, this horse turned his head in our direction and gave this slow, “Who me?” blink and everybody broke out laughing. Except me, of course. Lol!
I remember reading a book when I was in elementary school, called “The Horsemasters”, about a boarding school where the students were responsible to care for the horses before breakfast and classes. Last one to the stables got the old, worn out broom!
My writing has included only things from my adult life. I suppose I might include drama and acting as something from my youth.
Thanks for a warm and engaging post!
I loved horses as a child, had posters on the wall, a toy pinto, and made a latch hook pillow, and Misty of Chincoteague was my favorite book.
I’ve only been on a horse a couple of times in my life when I was about 12 years old. I am no 66. I think I would have loved riding but my parents just couldn’t afford it. There were not many jobs to do at that age. I babysat a lot but had to pay for my own clothes. There were six of us and I was the oldest.
I remember not being such a fan of horses as a kid, but nowadays I really like them, and they’ve even been a part of our last two vacations as a family.
If I had to write something I was passionate about as a kid, it’d be reading.
Nope, neither horse crazy as a child nor as an adult. Love the ocean and never live far from jt though.
Yes! I was horse crazy as a child and teen. I never had one , but my dad later purchased a farm and got into Missouri Foxtrotters . I love to drive to the barn and hang out with them.
They’re fun to pet. They’re also fun to feed snacks to, apples, carrots.
What a great story! A reminder that horses are stubborn and will only go along with us if they want to! Also, thanks for another book title to check out for my TBR list!
You sound like a horse-crazy girl!! Did you ever get to ride? I bet you would’ve been great!
Yes I certainly understand the reality that having horses is a very expensive hobby! I was fortunate that my mom enjoyed horses and owned one named Cocoa as a child, so she pulled for me!
How exciting! I’m so glad you’ve discovered the joy of horses later in life!
Absolutely. My last 16 books take place on the beach so I understand the joy and love there!
Oh Kim! How exciting! You can go and get your horsie fix anytime you want. I’m so jealous!
LOL, I did ziplining and parasailing too, started with indoor skydiving – loved it – can’t talk my hubby into doing the real thing…YET!
We do skiing, snowboarding, and wakeboarding too
I love Horses! I always have and still do!
I learned English balanced seat. In most classes we walked, trotted, cantered and occasionally worked on patterns. I just rode for fun and never got into showing. Lauraine has tow series but my favorite was High Hurdles. Maybe I should go back and read them again…
I love horses but only have been on one once. I do want to go horseback riding again.
I wasn’t ever around hired much growing up, but thought they were beautiful. In high school my family moved to Kentucky and I started having a lot of sinus issues. After doing allergy testing, we found I’m allergic to some of Kentucky’s most common things: tobacco, bluegrass, and horses.
I grew up in the city. I was blessed to ride a few horses growing up. I was not over the moon about horses. They were beautiful, but I knew they were beyond something that I could own. I loved to read. I was able to take wonderful trips as well as adventures.