WONDERFUL REVIEW FOR BEHIND THE MIST

If you haven't yet been convinced to read Behind the Mist, perhaps this wonderful review by Brainfood Bookstore in Longmont, CO will do the trick. This appeared in their March Newsletter.

New Book Reviews

Behind the Mist
by Margi Evans

Behind the Mist is an enchanting read that warms the heart and demonstrates the true power of love. This fantasy transpires in the land of unicorns, where these marvelous creatures roam free and magic is everywhere. This is not your average fantasy, but a tale with true morality much needed for today's youth.

Travel with Nick, an experienced Colorado trail-rider, and jazz, a seasoned show horse, as they explore the land of Celestia on their journey to join the legion of the unicorn. Celestia is a land full of magic, beauty, and danger, with surprises and trials for our dual protagonists along every step of the way. Nick and Jazz must trust in each other and banish their fears to let the power of love conquer all. Evans illustrates with ease, the unique powerful bond of a horse and their rider. With detail rich storytelling, anyone with a love for horses will be instantly hooked and everyone else will quickly fall for their charm.

An easy read that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages Evans constructs a world that engages all five senses and creates a sense of yearning for this perfect world. Evans displays her mastery of setting in her debut novel and inspires the imagination. Diverse vocabulary and numerous references to historical artists give Behind the Mist an educational edge lacking in common fantasy. Subtle Christian morals make this an uplifting tale much needed to bring light back into the darkened pages of the currently popular young adult books. Take a journey, go for a ride, and experience the magical world of Behind the Mist.

If you live near Longmont, Colorado, go in and visit this wonderful store. While you are there, pick up your own copy of Behind the Mist and Mists of Darkness.

OR

You can save $1 off the retail price AND get an autographed copy by going to the website: www.behindthemist.com. Both books are also available on all online sites and in ebook format.

MISTS OF DARKNESS IS COMING OUT SOON!

I have an exciting announcement for you! Mists of Darkness, Book Two of the Mist Trilogy is being released by the end of the month. It will be released first as an ebook with an exclusive on Amazon for three months. So, get your kindles out and add Mists of Darkness. You will love it. If you haven't read Behind the Mist yet, you can download it, too!

Mists of Darkness is the exciting story of the evil unicorn, Hasbadana, as he begins to carry out his plan to rule all of the inhabitants of the earth. A mysterious, thick, black mist descends upon horse venues all around the world. When the mist just as suddenly disappears, horses have vanished. Deep in the wilderness in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hasbadana begins training his enslaved army.

 You will love reading about Nick and his horse Jazz who have now become members of the Legion of the Unicorn. Jazz has earned  his horn and a new name: Lazari. Nick is the first unicorn rider. They join all of the unicorns of light as they struggle to find a way to stop Hasbadana in his wicked plan.

WATCH FOR IT ON AMAZON!!!

WIMPY - Fastest unicorn for 1/4 mile!

Readers of Behind The Mist will remember that future unicorns come from all breeds of horse. Today I would like to write about the truly American Melting Pot horse...the Quarter Horse.

The American Quarter Horse is a cross-breed of Spanish and English horses that were brought into America at the time of Columbus and beyond. They got their name because they are considered the fastest horses for a quarter of a mile. They have long been a favorite of the American Cowboy as a work horse. Quarter horses were used on the long cattle drives and for other work on a ranch.

Wimpy is one of the most famous quarter horses. He was the very first quarter horse to be registered in the American Quarter Horse Association registry. According to the article in Wikipedia: "He was foaled on the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas on March 3, 1937.[1] However, the original application listed his foaling date as April 3, 1937, and the original stud books gave his foaling year as 1935.[2] He was a son of Solis, himself a son of Old Sorrel, the King Ranch foundation stallion. Solis' dam was an unregistered and unnamed mare of Thoroughbred breeding who was by Right Royal and out of a mare by Martin's Best. Wimpy's dam was a mare named Panda, also sired by Old Sorrel. Panda's dam was a roan mare by Hickory Bill. Wimpy traced three times to Hickory Bill, making him quite inbred to Hickory Bill.[3][4]

He was a chestnut colored stallion, with a star and a sock on his left hind leg. When fully grown, he was 15 hands high and weighed about 1200 pounds.[1]

He was a grand Champion Stallion in March 1941 at the Southwestern Exposition Quarter Horse show in Fort Worth, Texas, which honor earned him the first number in the newly organized American Quarter Horse Association.[1]

He sired over a hundred and fifty foals for the King Ranch, before he was given in 1958 to George Clegg, who had bred Old Sorrel. However, Clegg was forced to sell Wimpy to Rex Cauble, who owned the stallion until Wimpy died on August 13, 1959, when Wimpy was twenty-two years old.[1]

Among his sons and daughters were Bill Cody, Kip Mac, Caballero, Wimpy's Image, Silver Wimpy, Wimpy II, Lauro and Showdown.[5] His grandget included Joe Cody, Marion's Girl, Codalena, Pandarita Hill and Show Maid.[6]

He was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 1989.[7] In September 1961 a bronze statue of Wimpy was erected outside the AQHA Headquarters in Amarillo, Texas.[1] "

A note: George Clegg, mentioned above in the wikipedia article is one of the most famous Quarter Horse breeders and credited with developing the breed as we know it today.

If you ask a horse person to name a famous quarter horse and they can only name one, it will probably be Wimpy!

Send me the story of your NOBLE AND GREAT horse. I don't care if they are famous or even registered...just loved!

You can email me at: http://mjevansbtm@gmail.com

or write to me on the Behind The Mist Facebook page

Young Adult Fantasy readers and Children Fantasy readers will love the new fantasy book: Behind The Mist. Behind the Mist is a wonderful book about horses and unicorns. It is available on its own website: http://www.behindthemist.com/ or wherever fine books are sold.

BEAUTIFUL BARBARO - Destined to become a Unicorn!

Some animals capture my heart...actually LOTS of animals capture my heart. But one of the standouts was Barbaro. Everyone loves a winner and everyone loves to root for the underdog (or I should say: "Under Horse!") Barbaro was both of those.

Barbaro was born on April 29, 2003. He was bred and owned by Gretchen and Roy Jackson at Lael Stables in West Grove, Pennsylvania. He was only the 6th undefeated horse to win the Kentucky Derby when he bested the field of 20 by six and a half lengths in the 2006 running of the roses. However, tragedy struck just 2 weeks later at the running of the Preakness. Barbaro broke through the starting gate prematurely. But the second start appeared fine. Within a short distance, right in front of the grandstand, Barbaro shattered his right hind leg in more than 20 places.

Dr. Dean Richardson at Univ. of Penn's New Bolton Center performed a difficult five hour surgery the next day. He fused the fetlock and pasturn joints by attaching a steel plate with 27 screws. Barbaro was then put in the recovery pool (see my post on Ruffian from January 5th) and Barbaro woke up calmly.

At first, all looked good. But by the 1st week in July, complications arose. Horses are designed to support their weight on all four feet. When one foot is injured, the horse tends to protect that foot by carrying more weight on the companion leg. When too much weight is shifted to the other foot for too long, Laminitis can develop. Laminitis is the inflammation of the Laminae in the hoof. Abscesses can then form which will leak out the white band on the sole of the hoof or out the coronary band at the top of the hoof. The swelling can pull the bones in the hoof away from the wall. This is, obviously, very painful.

Five more surgery's were undertaken to help this. 80% of Barbaro's left hoof was removed. It was unknown just how much would grow back. Now both hind legs were in casts! He was put in a supporting sling for hours at a time to help relieve the pressure and pain. His condition went up and down for the next few months. Thousands of cards, flowers and gifts arrived at his stall wishing him well. I remember well the press conference on Dec. 13th when his vets said he was doing well. Then Laminitis developed in both front feet. The owners and the vets decided there was nothing more they could do and had to put Barbaro down on January 29, 2007. I was so sad that day.

Barabo was cremated and buried in front of Churchill Downs. A bronze sculpture was created by Alexa King and was unveiled in front of Churchill Downs on April 26, 2009.

In his honor, Beanie Babies and Breyer both made horses in their respective mediums. Three scholarships were established for Vet students at the University of Florida. (I don't know the connection there...maybe one of the Jacksons went there...it is in "Jacksonville" you know!) Books have been written about him and in 2007 Universal Studios announced that they would be making a film about him titled: "Gone Like the Wind." It has been shelved, however.

For readers of Behind The Mist, Kit is an appaloosa mare, the Alpha Mare of the herd of trail horses in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, in real life, Kit is my beautiful, bay, thoroughbred gelding with a white star on his forehead...just like Barbaro!

Send me the story of your Noble and Great horse. He or she probably never won a race...just your heart! You can reach me at:

http://mjevansbtm@gmail.com

or on facebook:

Behind The Mist Facebook Page.