Youthful Enthusiasm

by Deb Taber

Not long ago, I went to a reading given by The Hearts of Horses author Molly Gloss. I love going to live readings—there is something about hearing a writer give voice to her own work that infuses it with a different kind of life than just seeing the words on the page. In addition to reading, Gloss talked a bit about her own horse background.

Growing up in rural Oregon, she never had a horse of her own but often rode with friends and neighbors. After many years away, when she got the idea of writing about a young woman who broke horses in the early 1900s, she knew she needed to get a little more hands-on background. Gloss started a BLM mustang with coaching from a professional trainer. The life in her eyes as she talked about the mustang reacting to her most subtle cues showed clearly her love of the horses around her.

I heard several people talking in the audience afterward. Some were horse owners, others just held onto their childhood dreams of quiet time with their equine friends. I overheard one woman talk about how the book made her feel like taking up riding, but at age 61, she felt to old to begin.

I'm a firm believer that you're never too old, yet I find that I, too, am a lot more cautious than I used to be after so much time away from horses. That hesitation is countered every month by the articles I read and edit...the ones that make me look forward to the opportunity to set my feet into stirrups and go out in the world with that special view you only get on horseback.

And speaking of special views, I'm pleased to announce the winner of part 2 of our newsletter's "Winter Wild!" photo contest. For those of you who don't get the newsletter, we split the contest into two categories, so here I give you the Winter Wild! Part 2 winner, Chris Johnson of Northwind Arabians. Congratulations, Chris! I hope you enjoy your copy of Molly's book.

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