Please enjoy this author interview by "AllAuthor"

Q.What is one lesser-known fact about your childhood?

I bought my own horse when I was 13 and had to support him myself. I babysat, cleaned houses, and walked polo ponies between chukkas (the play period.) I loved that horse, and I was so busy taking care of him, I never had time to get in trouble!

Q. Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?

My grandkids!!! They always tell me how much they love my books. That keeps me going.

Q. How would you describe your experience as a former teacher?

I loved teaching teens and pre-teens. I enjoyed the depth I could get into with my high school students, but I loved the energy of the younger teens in Junior High. I also learned that a good teacher is kind of like being on stage and entertaining an audience.!

Q. Why do you mostly write about horses or horse-fantasy creatures?

I have been a horse-lover since birth...I call it "being born with manure in my blood!" I started taking riding lessons when I was eight. When I wasn't on a horse, I war reading both fiction and non-fiction books about them. Thus, I developed a love of reading as well. Fantasy has always been a favorite genre of mine so combining fantasy and horses seemed like the perfect fit. have expanded my horse stories to include "coming of age," and "historical fiction" to challenge myself.

Q. What developed your love for horses?

As I mentioned, I was born loving horses. Owning my own horse and sacrificing to take care of him served only to deepen my love. Your love increases as you serve and sacrifice.

Q. What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?

My first book was a non-fiction book titled: "Riding Colorado." it is an equestrian trail guide book and is the first of a now, four-bok series about trails to ride in and around colorado. I researched and wrote those books for the selfish reason that I wanted to find all the cool trails to ride. I had five other horse friends testing the trails with me, so, yes, I shared the experience with them. 

As we would drive to the trailheads, I would tell them the fiction story I was creating that became "Behind the Mist-Book One of the Mist Trilogy."

Q. What is the significance of the title of your book, "In the Heart of a Mustang?

For several years, I worked for PATH, Intl,., The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. There I witnessed the healing power of horses not only for disabled and handicapped people, (I write about that in "PERCY-The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run,") but I was also touched by the effect horses have on troubled teens. I coupled that with my  interest in the bands of wild mustangs running free in ten western states and came up with "In the Heart of a Mustang." People who have adopted these wonderful horses love them so much.

Q. How much did you research about the longest Horseback ride in history while writing your book, "PINTO!"?

"PINTO!" took me two and a half years to research and many miles of travel. I started doing research on the internet. I found a little...just enough to pique my curiosity. I traveled to Oklahoma City to visit the National Western and Cowboy Museum. the research librarian didn't even know they had a collection of material. But, after searching in their basement, they found a box of original photographs and a few articles from the time. I went up to Bainbridge Island, Washinton to their little historical museum and was greeted like royalty. They were so excited that I was going to write about their hometown heroes. They have a permanent exhibit of the Overland Westerners and a driftwood sculpture of Pinto. In their collection are all the original journals still in existence that two of the men kept. I was able to take home a flash drive with the transcriptions of the journals. I read every word and highlight the events that Pinto could tell about. It was so much fun!

HORSES ARE HEALERS

HORSES ARE HEALERS-THAT'S NOT FICTION OR FANTASY!

 I was born with manure in my blood! What I mean is that once I took my first breath outside the womb, I needed a horse to survive! Some of you can probably relate to driving your parents crazy until they either let you take riding lessons or...better yet...got you a horse once they were convinced you wouldn't kill yourself. I bought my own horse when I was thirteen and taking care of him certainly kept me out of trouble as a teenager. Decades later, and now a grandmother, I am still a horse-lover and owner.

A few years ago, I worked for PATH, Intl., here in Denver, Colorado. PATH stands for "The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship." While there, I learned that horses are truly magical...something I knew intrinsically but had never put into words. The stories of the miracles that took place at PATH riding centers around the country came in almost daily, often bringing tears to my eyes. One autistic child, who had never spoken a word, got on a horse and started talking! Veterans who are suffering from the loss of a limb or PTSD, have programs with horses that help them heal and find joy in their shattered lives. Children with cerebral palsy learn to improve their balance and coordination. Children and adults who can't walk, get on a horse and fly!

As a former middle-grade and High School teacher, I was particularly touched by the programs for troubled teens. Many of these kids had never had a friend...until they met a horse. Many had never felt loved...until they met a horse. Many had never felt a purpose in their lives...until they needed to care for a horse. Many had always felt powerless...until they moved a thousand-pound animal through an obstacle course. This isn't fantasy, but it is magical!

This was my inspiration for my only non-fantasy fiction novel. My Award-winning, coming of age novel, In the Heart of a Mustang, is about a teenage boy who is sent to a therapy ranch in Arizona. He arrives with his suitcase and a huge chip on his shoulder. It takes a wild Mustang and a wise, old cowboy to knock that chip off. Literary Classics Reviews said: "In the Heart of a Mustang is one of the finest books ever written for teens and pre-teens." Grab a copy wherever books are sold and have a wonderful time at Promise Ranch!

Autographed copies are available on my website: www.dancinghorsepress.com

(Pictures are taken from the PATH webside.)

IN THE HEART OF A MUSTANG EARNS MORE ACCLAIM!

I am so excited to announce that Literary Classics, an organization that picks the best children's and young adult books for the year, has selected "In the Heart of a Mustang" as one of their finalists for the 2016 young adult category!

In their review they said: "In the Heart of a Mustang is one of the finest books ever written for teens and pre-teens. We strongly recommend it!"

I am really excited about this book and it is fun to have critics love it as well!

If you would like to get a copy for yourself go here:

www.dancinghorsepress.com

Also available in ebook version and wherever books are sold.

GREAT REVIEW BY VALLEY EQUESTRIAN NEWS

I am so excited to receive this wonderful review of In The Heart of a Mustang from the editor of Valley Equestrian News out of Minnesota. Other great news is that In the Heart of a Mustang has been selected by the Colorado Authors' League as one of just three finalists for their 2016 Young Adult Book Award! 

Everyone needs loyalty, love, and at times healing.

Lucky is the soul who finds all three

In the Heart of a Mustang.

A synopsis by author M. J. Evans followed by a review by Ley Bouchard, VEN Publisher

A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways.

A wild mustang mare is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other.

The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Review by Ley Bouchard

      In the Heart of a Mustang, MJ Evans weaves a tale of two souls whose spirits meet and are irrevocably changed! Following the subtle nuances of the relationship, we understand how two animals of different species communicate, learn from one another, and those messages impact the lives of everyone around them.  Horse lovers or even one who has never experienced the love of an animal will find this page-turner unforgettable.

     I found In the Heart of the Mustang educational,  touching, poignant; I experienced complete verisimilitude, often wondering if it is a work of non-fiction.

     There are many lessons to be learned in reading In the Heart of a Mustang and each reader will apply their own significance to each one. I most enjoyed seeing through the eyes of the young protagonist, Hunter, how both characters, a wild mustang and a young boy, are able to interact and learn vitally important life lessons, by spending time together.

     The story of a boy and a horse may be geared to a young reader but is definitely a book for all audiences, horse lovers or not.  I found the reading sagacious, clever, and informing.

     I believe In the Heart of a Mustang to be a very important book.  Many people may wonder how places like Promise Ranch or Dakota Boys Ranch benefit people or youth. And it’s a hard thing to explain how working with a horse can be therapeutic. The reader will know and understand this concept upon completion of this fine book by M.J. Evans.

In the Heart of a Mustang may be found at www.dancinghorsepress.com or it is available wherever books are sold.

COMANCHE-A FAMOUS MUSTANG

To celebrate the release on Oct. 5th of my new novel, In the Heart of A Mustang, I am posting about a famous mustang named Comanche.

Comanche gained fame because, for years, he was thought to be the only survivor of Custer's Last Stand battle at the Little Bighorn. It has since been decided that other horses probably survived as well but were captured by the Native Americans.

Regardless of that, Comanche was a wonderful mustang who was purchased by the army in 1868. He was wounded in battle and screamed when he was pierced by an arrow. The soldiers said he screamed like a Comanche Indian. That's how he earned his name!

After the destruction of General Custer and his troops on June 25, 1876, Comanche was found severely wounded. The poor thing was taken to Fort Lincoln in North Dakota where he spent a whole year recuperating. After recovering from  his injuries, he never did go back into battle. He participated in ceremonies to honor the memory of Custer and those that lost their lives in that battle. When he died at the age of 31, he was stuffed placed on display at the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History. 

There is a beautiful song written about Comanche by Johnny Horton. You can hear it here: 

https://youtu.be/dkIlxZxeK1s

If you love horse stories, read my new release: 

In the Heart of a Mustang

It is available in print or ebook wherever fine books are sold or on its website:

www.dancinghorsepress.com

IN THE HEART OF A MUSTANG

My newest novel, In the Heart of a Mustang, is available NOW in ebook format. It is available exclusively for Kindles. Click here to order:

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=In+the+Heart+of+a+Mustang

It will be available in print in September. I'll keep you posted about the release day.

ABOUT MUSTANG SALLY AND HER FRIENDS

In the Heart of a Mustang will be released soon!

My newest book which is titled "In the Heart of a Mustang" is about a boy who is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins  his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy's entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways.

Meanwhile, a wild mustang mare is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together - a mentor for one, a trainer for the other.

The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

The wild mustangs that roam the western United States are descendants of Spanish or Iberian horses that were brought to the US in the 16th century. The modern horses are now a cross with Quarter Horses, draft horses and any other horse that has been lost or let loose. They are now considered a breed of their own.

The name mustang comes from the word "Mustango" which means "ownerless beast" or "stray horse."

They are popular as riding or ranch horses due to their stamina and speed. In addition, their study legs make them less prone to injury. They come in a variety of colors. Mustang Sally, the star of "In the Heart of a Mustang" is a dun...a light tan body with black mane, tail and legs. See her picture on the cover:

In the book, I give you lots of information on how the horses live and how to train them.

Here is part of what you will learn:

The horses live in grassland areas of the western United States. They must remain on public land that is controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM.) They are allowed to run free on 34 million acres over several states. 

The mustangs live in herds. Most herds consist of 1 stallion and 8 mares with their young. Each herd is led by the stallion and one mare (I call her the "Alpha Mare.")When in danger, the mare leads the herd to safety while the stallion will stay and fight. 

These horses are protected under the 1971 "Wild Horse and Burro Program." It has been updated and amended many times since then. The BLM has set the appropriate management level (ALM) at 26,217. As of March 1, 2015, there were 58,150! As of July, 2015, 47,000 mustangs are being held in holding facilities at a cost of $43 million! 

In the book, Smokey, the ranch hand at Promise Ranch, adopts 12 mustangs. The adoptions in Arizona take place in Florence, AZ at the state correctional facility. There are generally around 500 horses and burros available. Adoptions take place on Fridays by appointment. It costs $150 to $700 per horse paid to the correctional facility and another $125 for a BLM fee. You must be pre-approved to make an appointment. You can call the BLM at 602-417-9421 or by downloading the app here: 

http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Planning_and_Renewable_Resources/wild_horses_and_burros/adoption_application.Par.32707.File.dat/BLM_4710-010.pdf

BE WATCHING FOR THE RELEASE OF

IN THE HEART OF A MUSTANG. 

I'LL ANNOUNCE IT HERE!

MY NEW BOOK IS ALMOST HERE!

I am excited to announce that my newest book is almost ready for release! I just got the front cover back from the designer. Isn't it cool! The back cover isn't ready yet. The interior editing and formatting is done, however.

The book is titled: "In the Heart of a Mustang." It is a young adult novel about a boy who gets in trouble with the law and is sent to a ranch for troubled teens. There he meets a wild mustang mare that has been adopted from the BLM. An immediate bond forms between the two. The boy learns a lot about himself as the old ranch cowboy teaches him how to train the horse. As tragedy befalls the boy, the mare saves his life. He, in turn, must save her.

You are going to love this story! My next post will be about mustangs.

THE SPANISH MUSTANG

It is a cold snowy day in Colorado. Fortunately I was able to ride Jazz this morning (in 10 inches of snow) before more snow started falling from the light gray clouds. So, I decided that it was a perfect day to send out a new blog post.

THE SPANISH MUSTANG
I live just north of Parker, Colorado. The entire area from Parker to Elizabeth and Kiowa is horse country. If you love horses, this is the place to live!!! We have horses of every kind and every discipline here. If you don't live here, you should be jealous of me because I get to!

I have just finished writing a Young Adult novel about a wild mustang that bonds with a troubled teen and they end up saving each other's lives. So, in honor of the story, "In the Heart of a Mustang", I want to tell you about the Spanish Mustang.

Elizabeth, Colorado is the home of the Sunflower Ranch which breeds gaited Spanish Mustangs. (See, I told you, you could find any thing horse-related here!)
On their website: http://sunflowerranch.com/ranch.html, is a cute story about one of their mares, Sorpresita.

It so happens that this flatbed trailer was left out in the pasture. One day, out of curiosity, the little mare decided to climb aboard. In so doing, she discovered that her hooves could make a great drumming sound. She proceeded to "make music" for a couple of hours a day for several days, until the trailer was removed! Isn't that a great story!

The Spanish Mustang is a direct descendant of the horses brought to the new world by the Spanish. These are different than the feral horses managed by the BLM and about which I wrote "In the Heart of a Mustang". Columbus started bringing breed stock, horses, cattle and sheep to the new world on his second voyage. Breeding farms were set up on the Caribbean islands and, eventually, Mexico. 

Catholic priests bred the horses and gave them to natives who converted to Christianity. The Apache Indians never converted to Christianity so they acquired the much desired horses by raiding the breed farms and stealing the stock. It appears that they traveled as far south as Mexico City to acquire the much desired horses. They are responsible for bringing the Spanish horses northward. Eventually, these horses numbered in the thousands. Some were lost or escaped and became wild throughout the west. They managed to both adapt to the demands of nature and mix with the native american's horses.

Today's Spanish Mustangs are being bred and controlled by the Spanish Mustang registry. They are being used for endurance, rodeo and ranch work as well as pleasure riding. 

If you are coming to Denver for the National Western Stock Show Jan. 10th to Jan. 25th, I will be signing books at the Colorado Horse Council's Booth each day until 2:30 except Sundays. Stop by and say "Hi". 

ROANEY-Probably the oldest horse

When people come to meet my horses, a frequent question is "How long do horses live?" As I rub their faces and look into their eyes I respond: "Forever, Just read Behind the Mist!"

The answer to that question really varies. Domesticated horses usually have the advantage of better feed, veterinarian and farrier care and freedom from preditors that wild horses don't have. So, the horses that are lovingly being cared for by humans live longer than wild horses as a general rule. Small horses and ponys live longer than large horses...this is also true for dogs. Some breeds have a longer life expentancy. Arabians are known for living well into their thirties. I have a friend whose little arab is now 33. I wouldn't say she is going strong but she is still hanging in there. Thoroughbreds generally die in their twenties. I have a wonderful thoroughbred that is now 21 and is doing great.

The oldest horse I have ever heard about is Roaney, a mustang. Roaney was born in 1923. His first career was as a cattle horse on a ranch in Wellington, Arizona. In 1935 he was purchased by William S. Hart, a silent movie star where he was known for playing the part of a cowboy. Roaney became one of the many horses that he used in his movies. Hart was a close friend of Will Rogers and the artist Charles Russell.

Mr. Hart loved Roaney and provided well for him. He kept him on his "Horseshoe Ranch" in Newhall, California. On St. Patrick's day of 1966, Mr. Hart threw a 43rd Birthday party for Roaney, complete with a 60 pound cake! Several celebreties were in attendance. Hart stipulated in his will that Roaney would live out his days on the ranch and be buried there. Roaney lived to 45 years old (equal to 180 for a human!) He died on April 26, 1968. He now runs across the flower-filled fields of Celestia. (IF you don't know what that means, you need to read Behind the Mist!)

If you know about a senior citizen horse that deserves to be honored, send me an email at: mjevansbtm@gmail.com.

Behind the Mist is available now as an ebook!

Get it for our Kindle at Amazon.com, Your nook at Barnes and Noble or on Smashwords!