Monday, December 15, 2008

SPECIAL OFFER!


SPECIAL OFFER!


Just in time for the Holidays - a Special Offer! You can order and receive BELOVED SCHOOL HORSES or ANY of my books as an e-book that can be read on your computer or digital reader. The cover and all illustrations/photos from the original book are included in this pdf format. (Adobe pdf reader can be downloaded for free if you don't have it already)


Best of all, the price is reduced to only $5.00 per title! No hard copy to ship, so no other fees! If you want to order one for your computer, you can then forward it as a gift to unlimited number of friends & family. Such a deal! You can even print it out if you want.


Simply contact me at sharonminer@yahoo.com or 814-937-0704 and I will give you my current address in Florida to send a check. Once I've received the money, I send you the pdf file to your e-mail address.


Happy Holidays!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Lovely Horsey Christmas Book!



If you are looking for a hardcover picture book about a horse with an inspirational message, have I found the perfect book for you! I picked up an autographed copy at Hot To Trot Tack Shop in Cocoa, Florida for my granddaughter who has learned the magic of horses at the early age of three!


"Mint's Christmas Message" was published in 2003 by Mary Y. Spitz. The book is based on a real pony named Mint who lives on a farm in a small town of Port Washington, New York. The pony was given to a young girl named Rebecca, and her Grandpa Tom does not care for the festivities during the Christmas season. That is, until Mint helps him to understand the real meaning of of the season one Christmas Eve.


The artwork by Joanne Y. Pierce is detailed and beautifully portrays the farm scenes in winter.


This book has the Benjamin Franklin Award seal on the cover. The Benjamin Franklin Awards is an esteemed American book award regarded as the highest national honor in publishing, which includes fifty plus categories judged in excellence in both editorial and design. The award was established by Jan Nathan, founder of IBPA, twenty-one years ago. The first Benjamin Franklin Awards were awarded in 1987 and they are now announced each year at IBPA’s Publishing University, just prior to BookExpo America.


The award is administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association, IBPA, (formerly PMA) with the help of industry professionals coming from the library, bookstore, reviewer, designer, publicity and editorial markets.


Visit the publisher's site to learn more and order:



Sunday, November 2, 2008

Rodeo Rocky


I really enjoyed Kirstie's adventure with this wild horse!


After seeing a gorgeous bay horse encounter frightening situations at a rodeo, Kirstie wants to save it from more of the same. Her understanding mother steps in and offers a huge amount of money to buy the wild stallion so the bay won't have to endure any more rodeo hardships.


The traumatized horse takes awhile to trust the young girl but soon Kirstie is able to slip on a halter and lead him from the small paddock on her farm where he is first kept, to the bigger pasture with other horses. Rocky makes friends with another horse named Lucky who teaches him that all humans are not bad.


Soon, Kirstie is able to ride Rocky and they encounter more difficulties. As usual, Kirstie has one adventure after another but her love for horses keeps her from giving up.


The scenes are vivid and realistic, especially when Lucky is stuck in the muddy bog and Rocky helps to save his friend. The only fault is that a stallion (a wild one at that!) would not be turned out in a pasture with both mares and geldings, nor ridden and trained by a youngster.


But author Jenny Oldfield creates a great story with endearing characters and really makes you feel like you are on a horse ranch out west.
This is one of a new series out for young girls titled, "The Horses of Half Moon Ranch," by Jenny Oldfield. With over a million copies sold in the UK, Jenny Oldfield's loveable and adventurous heroine, Kirstie Scott, will win the hearts of girls and boys everywhere.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Wild Horses




Wild Horses by Jenny Oldfield


It's hard to believe that this book was written by a British woman. She included a descriptive setting of the Colorado mountains that gives the feel of a longtime resident. The horses' characteristics were also realistic except for a few instances - in America, head collars are called halters and the Quarter Horse breed is capitalized.


The story itself was enjoyable with a spunky heroine and an exciting climax. Kirstie attempts to save a wild stallion after he was injured in a rock slide. In return, he ends up saving her life after a flash flood.


After reading this book, it makes you want to book your next vacation on a guest ranch out west!
The cover is fantastic with a photo by Mark J. Barrett and so are the interior sketches by Paul Hunt.


This book is one of a new series out for young girls titled The Horses of Half Moon Ranch by Jenny Oldfield. There are over a million copies sold in the UK, and Sourcebooks, Inc. is the U.S. publisher. Visit: http://www.sourcebooks.com/spotlight/the-horses-of-half-moon-ranch.html


Next on my reading list is the second book of the series, Rodeo Rocky.
Visit the author's site at:


To purchase them, visit:





Happy Trails!


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Barbaro - America's Horse



"Barbaro - America's Horse" by Shelley Fraser Mickle


I met Shelley in March 2007 in Ocala, Florida. We both were signing our books at the Tack Shack's yearly outdoor event. Her book, "Barbaro - America's Horse," had just been released and it included the update about his passing a couple months before.


In 2006, Barbaro captured the hearts of America. First, with his win of the Kentucky Derby with a 6 1/2 length lead. Then, when he broke down just after leaving the starting gate during the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.


The story begins there and then flashes back to the colt's birth in Kentucky and his heritage. It continues with the decision by Gretchen and Roy Jackson to purchase him and his early training in Florida. The story follows Barbaro's life with insight to his possible thoughts about his care and races. Descriptions are included of his racing career under the guidance of trainer Michael Matz and jockey Edgar Prado, and his legendary win at the Kentucky Derby.


The ending explains Barbaro's surgery at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania, rehabilitation and the final decision the Jackson's had to make.


The book is complete with an introduction by the Jacksons, color photos inside and a fold-out poster of his win at the Kentucky Derby.


I enjoyed the background detail of Barbaro's life and his "thoughts" were a fun addition. I learned so much more about this wonderful equine athlete than what I learned on the news at the time.


The book is written for a young horse lover to easily read and also appeals to adults. Barbaro and his courageous and playful personality inspired many people, especially youngsters. Letters by several of them are included at the end of the book.


The book is available at bookstores and tack shops alike and a portion of the book's proceeds is donated to the Belmont Child Care Association and the riding camp at the Kennett Square YMCA.


Visit the author's Web site at www.shelleymickle.com/.





Thursday, June 26, 2008

Summer Special!





Looking for a gift book, beach read or a book for your children to add to their summer reading list?





I'm offering a Summer Special on my horse books:





Buy Two, Get One Free!





Each book retails for $14.95, but throughout this summer (ending August 31, 2008) order all three for $29.90 plus $5 shipping via U.S. Priority Mail with confirmation.





All books will be signed to designated names and must be shipped to same address. However, they can be signed to more than one name.





E-mail me your name, address, phone and who to sign them to, and snail mail a $34.90 check (made to Sharon Miner) with the same info to:


Sharon Miner


512 Northampton St.


Edwardsville, PA 18704





I'll confirm the order after I receive your message and check before shipping the books.



Or, if you prefer to order from Amazon (where some of my books can also be purchased as used from sellers) visit to see all six of my books:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Sharon%20Miner



Happy Reading!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Soul of a Horse



I received a request from writer Maryann Miller to post her book review of Joe Camp's book, "The Soul of a Horse." I haven't read it but Maryann gives a great description.

Maryann Miller Bio

A diverse writer of columns, feature stores, short fiction, novels, screenplays and stage plays, Maryann Miller has won numerous awards including being a semi-finalist at the Sundance Institute for her screenplay, A Question Of Honor. Her work has appeared in regional and national publications, and the Rosen Publishing Group in New York has published her non-fiction books for teens, including the award-winning Coping with Weapons and Violence In School and On Your Streets. A romantic suspense One Small Victory is a June 08 release in hardback from Five Star Publishing, and Play It Again, Sam is a July 08 release from Uncial Press as an e-book.

Other experience includes extensive work as a PR consultant, a script doctor, and an editor. She is currently the Managing Editor for WinnsboroToday.com, an Online community magazine, as well as a reviewer for ForeWord Magazine and BloggerNews.net.

Miller lives on some acreage in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her husband, one horse, two goats, two dogs, three cats, and an assortment of moles and gophers the cats have been unsuccessful at catching.

You can visit her at her Web site at: http://www.maryannwrites.com and read her blog at http://themanyfacesofgrief.blogspot.com/

The Soul of a Horse

One does not have to love horses to appreciate Joe Camp’s new book, THE SOUL OF A HORSE: Life Lessons from the Herd, but it doesn’t hurt. And those who don’t already love horses surely will by the time they finish reading.

Joe and his wife, Kathleen, started their small herd that now numbers six, just three years ago, both without a clue how to care for or train a horse. Because of his success with connecting with dogs in making the five Benji movies, Joe thought he knew how to work with a horse. Wrong. As he points out in the book, dogs are predator animals and horses are prey animals. That means they operate from polar opposite perspectives.

Like most novice horsemen, Joe learned some of his lessons by mistakes, but he was also lucky to meet Monty Roberts, the original horse whisperer, who introduced a unique way of connecting with a horse. Through his association with Monty and in doing further research about new approaches to caring for horses, Joe discovered that most domestic horses are living in an environment counter to the natural environment that has sustained the horse for 55 million years.

In the book, Joe addresses issues such as a horse going barefoot, not living in a stall, and not needing blankets or leg wraps. In addition to including his research and experiences in these areas, Joe writes chapters from the point of view of horses living in the wild. Those sections illustrate the point that all horses are genetically the same and are hardwired to live and function the same way.

By studying herd behavior, a horse owner can figure out how horses respond to leaders, how they discipline each other, and how they think. Yes. Horses think. Not on the level that people do, but enough to figure out who poses and threat and who doesn’t. Joe acknowledges that the same people who found his belief that dogs can think will dismiss this part of his book. But maybe a few who really need to learn this won’t.

The book is a “must read” for anyone who owns a horse or works around horses, but it has an even broader appeal. It can show a reader a different way to approach any relationship. As Joe says, “It’s (life) all about relationships, and choices, and trust. And these guys (the horses) taught us that the quality of life is often found in the choices we make. That we should approach every relationship – whether it is with a boss, an employee, a family member, or a spouse – from the other end of the lead rope. In other words, we should walk in their boots, not ours. We should gain understanding of what they’re about, what they want out of life and out of a relationship, and only then move forward.”

As a horse owner, I found the book engaging and relevant. I went out and tried a couple of the training tips and they worked. I also laughed at the foibles and mistakes, many of which I had made as well. My relationship with my horse will forever be changed because of reading this book.
Joe has written, produced, and directed seven theatrical motion pictures (including all of the Benji movies), which cumulatively grossed well over the equivalent of $600 million in today's dollars, making him one of the most successful independent filmmakers of all time. He has written three novels from his own screenplays, the inspirational nonfiction book Benji & Me , and several children's books. He has also written, directed, and produced four network television specials and a network series.

The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd
By Joe Camp
Hardcover - 256 pages $24.95
Harmony (April 29, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0307406857
ISBN-13: 978-0307406859

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Leave It To Chance


The debut novel, Leave It To Chance, by Sherri Sand involves a horse named Chance saving the emotional aspects of a single mom and her three kids. The aged horse that the protagonist, Sierra, inherits causes a series of problems to add to her black cloud following closely overhead - loss of job, loss of home and moving back in with her mother, and her child support check bouncing. Sierra desperately wants to sell the horse and use the money for her household expenses, but her family and even her best friend disagree. They feel Chance will help bond the family during this stressful time. But Sierra's painful and frightening memory of her childhood friend dying after being kicked by a horse compounds the problems Chance creates.


The neighbor who allows Chance to pasture on his farm creates a romantic atmosphere full of misunderstandings. Then, Sierra tries to understand her relationship with God throughout all the difficulties, especially when her son is injured during a fall off of Chance.


Leave It To Chance is a wonderful read for those who enjoy a light romance (no sex scenes, yeah!) and a story in a Christian setting without being preachy. Plus, the horsey details are accurate and well written. The cover gets an A+ too!


Author Sherri Sand resides in the Pacific Northwest and is currently on her Blog Tour. It can be viewed at: http://blogtourspot.wordpress.com/sherri-sand-blog-tour/




Monday, April 21, 2008

Deadly Heritage by Toni Leland


If you enjoy Romance Novels with a realistic equine setting, then you must read books by Toni Leland! I just finished Deadly Heritage and look forward to reading her three other novels.


Deadly Heritage takes place on a Quarter Horse ranch in Oklahoma and Toni describes in detail some of the history of the area. She includes that history in the plot of the story, creating the heroine, Kellie Sutton, with an interesting family background.


Kellie's most valuable horses have been secretly attacked to ruin her business. Made to look like a spider bite, the infection causes the death of her beloved stallion. The new sheriff investigates the case (along with other problems in town) and Kellie is surprised that he is her former sweetheart that she dumped many years ago.


Although the ending is predictable (love wins out and bad guys get their just desserts), the journey to reach the end is exciting, colorful and full of surprises. I just loved the young daughter, Sara, and her actions and reactions to the circumstances she encounters.


I applaud Toni for the way she writes the realistic details about horses, their health and personalities. A word of warning, however - if you have just recently lost a horse, the first few chapters may have you sobbing all over again.


But isn't that what makes a great novel? One that touches you emotionally?
Visit Toni's site to learn more about this creative author and her books:

Monday, April 7, 2008

Slim's Chance


If you enjoy reading inspirational true short stories about horses (like the ones I wrote in the Beloved Horses series), then read Slim's Chance by Cathy Moss.
Slim was rescued by an animal shelter in northern Virginia. He was in such bad shape when he arrived, that the vet didn't think he would make it through the night. But Slim was stronger than they thought, and with his gentle disposition Slim became a favorite at the shelter.
Cathy Moss, a volunteer at the shelter, agreed to provide Slim a foster home for the winter. Of course that temporary home extended several years. Her story of her time with Slim is short but sweet.
All the proceeds from the sales of Slim's Chance go to the Middleburg Humane Foundation Fund for Equine Rescue. Visit middleburghumane.com. The book is available at their site for $15 plus $4 shipping.


Saturday, March 22, 2008


I was contacted by Carol McCarthy, a publicist from Publishing Works, Inc. out of New Hampshire, about a horse book. It sounded interesting - different from other horse books - so I told her I'd be glad to do a review.


The media package includes a synopsis that in part states:


"When Liz Mitten Ryan took a leap of faith seven years ago to dissolve her old life, leave her job and relocate with her architect husband to a remote 320-acre ranch she had no idea where it would lead. Never would she have imagined that the silence and secluded serenity would enable her to access a higher consciousness that turned her from world-renown artist to author with her first book, One With the Herd: A Spiritual Journey."


I read it between a busy show schedule at HITS Ocala for the past six weeks. As a fellow horse lover, I understood the emotions the author shares with the reader as she immerses herself in a complete horsey lifestyle. For that is what it is - a lifestyle choice.


In this autobiography, besides her background and how they began their Gateway 2 Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, Liz provides stunning photographs and awesome paintings of horses, landscapes, sunsets and seasons changing. She shares her training methods and horsemanship ideas, and, although her insights were not new to me, she explains them with childlike amazement that is endearing.


But what really astounded me was the living conditions for Liz and her husband. They purchased the 320 acre "parcel" of land, and set up a wall tent with a wooden floor and walls. It had a wood stove and basic furniture, and a sleeping bag as their bed!


Even after their solar home was built (after the barn of course!) they now survive without radio, TV or newspapers. Sorry, I love living on a horse farm but I can't live without a microwave, PC and cell phone! And I look forward to reading USA Today and Writers Digest magazine as well as equine publications.


Liz describes here horses and other animals as she would characters in a book. In fact, many of the photographs have "quotes" by the horses.


Visit Liz and the herd on DVD at http://www.onewiththeherd.com/ or http://www.lizmittenryan.com/. This hardcover, coffee-table book can also be ordered at Amazon.com.

"One With the Herd is capturing hearts all across North America. It was a finalist in the New Age category of the U.S. National Best Books 2007 Awards. Funds raised from book sales benefit Hugs for Homeless Animals and Thoroughbred Charities of America. Mitten Ryan will also consider donating book sales funds to any animal group who would like to use the book as a fundraiser."

Monday, March 10, 2008

Horse Blogs!

I was invited to have my blog listed on this site: www.horse-blogs.com

Check it out for finding blogs on everything equine!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Benefit Raffle A Success!



I was thrilled with the results of the raffle! We raised $1,145.00 for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern & Central Florida. In the cover letter to them, I suggested sending a horse loving kid to an equestrian summer camp. Maybe they can send two kids!


These photos were taken that day. The one on the left shows some of the winners with Tracy Bartko (black coat) the leading Grand Prix rider of the HITS Ocala 2007 season.


The other one features two trick horse trainers: Denise Hopkins with Cleve on the left and Carole Fletcher with Hercules. They entertained the families during Kids Day at HITS just before the Raffle drawing. Both are in my Beloved Sport Horses book and they had autographed their chapters along with a dozen riders for the special edition books in the Gift Bags raffled off.


It was wonderful having so much enthusiatic support - even some of my family from the east coast of Florida came by to visit and help!


Many thanks to all!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

HITS Hosts Benefit Raffle!


HITS (Horse Shows In The Sun) Ocala is hosting a Benefit Raffle featuring a special edition of my book, "Beloved Sport Horses." All proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will go to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern and Central Florida.

This book is a special edition due to the fact that a dozen of the people included in "Beloved Sport Horses" have signed their chapter. Some of the trainers I interviewed and have signed include: Katie Monahan Prudent (International Show Jumper), Tracy Bartko Magness (Leading Grand Prix Jumper of HITS Ocala 2007 season), Frank Barnett (Trainer featured in a Western Horseman issue), Lynn Palm (Renowned Trainer), Carole Fletcher (Trick Horse Trainer), Karen Orloff-Yatsko (PA Expo Performer) and others.

Winning Edge Tack Shop (123Tack.com) is also a sponsor and they have donated 10 Ariat hand bags that hold the book along with numerous donations of gifts and certificates from area businesses. Ten lucky winners will receive their stuffed bag (valued at more than $200) during The Talking Phone Book Kid's Day at HITS on March 2, 2008. It is a fun day for little horse lovers with a Moon Bounce, A & C, Cleve the Trick Horse, Hercules the Miniature Horse, performances by young riders and more!

Raffle tickets are $5 and winners need not be present on the day of the drawing.

Contact me if you would like to purchase raffle tickets!
Thank you for supporting Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Trickonometry


I purchased Carole Fletcher's book, "Trickonometry - the Secrets of Teaching Your Horse Tricks," to share with riding students I was teaching at Camp Chateaugay in Upstate New York last summer. They loved it! Several kids (8 -12 years of age) worked with the school horses and a couple of them became quite good at a few tricks. They even demonstrated the tricks at Visiting Day to the delight of their parents!


I met Carole in Florida last winter at HITS Ocala winter horse show circuit. We were both there for Kids Day and I asked if I could interview her for my book, "Beloved Sport Horses." In it, she shares her story about her Paint Horse, Mr. Ed-Ucation, and the tricks he performs in front of schoolchildren to encourage them to read.


In 1976, the first horse Carole taught tricks to was named Dial. Since then, she's taught several including the famous Rugged Lark. She performs at a variety of equine events and offers clinics. Currently, she is training a Miniature Horse named Hercules. They visit hospitals etc. and Hercules wears tiny sneakers!


The book is easy to understand with step-by-step directions. There are simple tricks like hugging and answering yes or no, and familiar circus tricks like bowing, sitting up, laying down and standing on a pedestal.


Carole believes that the learning process for a horse should be fun. By teaching your horse tricks you can improve communication, keep him sharp and in a happy frame of mind, no matter what breed you have or the type of riding you do.
I can personally say that we had loads of fun during this unique learning session!
Visit Carole's Web site at: http://www.trickhorse.com to learn more.