Home – THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT HORSE trilogy

Mrs. Bridgestone

‘The elderly woman’s smile mapped lines across her pale features. Her silver hair was pulled back to reveal a strand of white pearls looped over a simple charcoal dress. “I am Mrs. Bridgestone, and you must be Jennifer. It is so good of you to come.” The woman smiled knowingly at Meagan. “I believe your daughter and I have already met.” ’ —excerpted from Eclipsed by Shadow (Book #1 of ‘The Legend of the Great Horse’ trilogy (p. 1)

“Do you believe in legends, dear?”

“Welcome,” a quavering voice greeted them, brave in the vast space.

Meagan gave a little exclamation and whispered, “Mom, I do know her.”

“Come in, please. I am so happy you could join me.” Thin, withered hands motioned to a facing couch. “Nelson, please show them in.” Jennifer grasped Meagan’s hand firmly as the butler led them into the room.

The elderly woman’s smile mapped lines across her pale features. Her silver hair was pulled back to reveal a strand of white pearls looped over a simple charcoal dress. A bejeweled cane leaned against the arm of the couch. “I am Mrs. Bridgestone, and you must be Jennifer. It is so good of you to come.” The woman smiled knowingly at Meagan. “I believe your daughter and I have already met.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Mrs. Bridgestone,” Jennifer said graciously. “My daughter did not tell me you two were acquainted.”

“We met on a delightful occasion last summer. How is your beautiful young horse, dear child? I won’t make the mistake of saying ‘pony’ again.”

Meagan was about to say the horse was fine, thank you, when her mother interrupted. “We sold her two weeks ago,” Jennifer said firmly. “We had an offer too good to pass up.”

Meagan looked at her mother in surprise.

“Yes, so I understand. I was sorry to hear that.” The old woman looked past her guests and motioned to the butler. He carried forward a silver tea service.

Jennifer kept her smile fixed. “Your home is so lovely, Mrs. Bridgestone. Though I must say, I am confused about the nature of this meeting.”

“Of course you are, dear. Allow me time to explain.” The elderly woman waited as the tea was poured, accepting her cup with a polite murmur. “I am afraid, Jennifer, that by the end of this meeting you will quite think me a crazy old lady.”

« “Meagan” || “The First Ride” »

The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy is an adventure through history … each section is about a different time period. The above excerpt is from “Home,” the 1st section of Eclipsed by Shadow, set in modern-day California.

Eclipsed by Shadow (Book #1 of the trilogy) won national awards including the Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.

__________

» See All Excerpts from The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy.

» Read the 1st Chapter online.

» See the Media Kit for more information about the trilogy.

Check out the trilogy’s page on Facebook!

Meagan

“Horses had been Meagan’s life since she had first been lifted onto Moose’s broad back. Her books were horse books; her toys, horse toys. Riding lessons and a pony were all Meagan wished for on birthdays and Christmases. Every conversation included horses.” —excerpted from Eclipsed by Shadow (Book #1 of ‘The Legend of the Great Horse’ trilogy (p. 20)

Her books were horse books;
her toys, horse toys.

Horses had been Meagan’s life since she had first been lifted onto Moose’s broad back. Her books were horse books; her toys, horse toys. Riding lessons and a pony were all Meagan wished for on birthdays and Christmases. Every conversation included horses.

To answer her daughter’s passion, Jennifer had arranged for three instructors. The first had been Jennifer’s own father, who spent summers teaching his eager granddaughter the nature of the animal and its care. Though Meagan enjoyed Western riding she longed to jump, so an Old School, cavalry-type drill sergeant was found, an instructor with a reputation for turning out tough, disciplined riders with classical basics. After watching one drill session, Tom was sure his daughter would give up riding altogether.

Meagan did more than survive the cavalryman, however: she thrived. Difficult horses were given to her and she succeeded, and steadily moved up the competition levels. In time, Meagan attracted the attention of a prominent trainer. The man’s credentials included international competition and the coaching of two former Olympians. He became Meagan’s trainer that afternoon.

One week later her father lost his job.

Jennifer knew why Tom put his foot down. Money was scarce and horses could be only a small part of the new budget. But Tom never understood, not really. To him, once Meagan was out of pigtails and able to steer a horse, riding lessons had diminished value. It was Jennifer who understood what horsemanship demanded and the values it instilled.

« See all Excerpts || “Mrs. Bridgestone” »

The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy is an adventure through history … each section is about a different time period.

The above excerpt is from “Home,” the 1st section of Eclipsed by Shadow, set in modern-day California. (p. 20 Hbk)

__________

» See All Excerpts from The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy.

» Read the 1st Chapter online.

» See the Media Kit for more information about the trilogy.

Check out the trilogy’s page on Facebook!

#26- The Great Escape

Wind rose in Meagan’s ears, and time stretched into a series of still photographs as the young thoroughbred gathered and stretched. The ground blurred and together they lifted into the air. – Eclipsed by Shadow (excerpt)

“The horse must never be ridden…”

“It’ll be all right, girl.” Meagan led Promise a step toward the waiting thieves. The filly put her head low into Meagan’s hair, trembling. “Come on, girl, you’ll be fine.” Promise took another tentative step, stopped and snorted, then went another. Meagan hesitated. What am I doing? She trusts me.

Glancing at the fence joining the Cromwell’s yard, Meagan saw an escape. With a quick motion she jumped up and pulled herself onto Promise’s back. The filly swung around, accepting the weight and understanding instantly.

Meagan heard shouting behind her as Promise reached for the safety of speed. The pasture was small but both horse and rider meant to go beyond. Fluid strides lengthened, swallowing the earth in quickening gulps as the pasture fence rushed towards them. Wind rose in Meagan’s ears, and time stretched into a series of still photographs as the young thoroughbred gathered and stretched. The ground blurred and together they lifted into the air.

Excerpted from Eclipsed by Shadow, the award-winning 1st volume of “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy. (Hrdbk pg. 83)

Book II: The Golden Spark will be published Fall 2010.

Read the 1st Chapter online!

#25- Panicked Thoughts

Promise let Meagan come close, but gave no signs of relaxing. Every fiber in the horse was prepared for flight, and her wide eyes never left the two men. – Eclipsed by Shadow (excerpt)

There was no time to do anything except cooperate. Meagan took the halter and walked back to the patio.

She spoke softly to her frightened filly. Promise let Meagan come close, but gave no signs of relaxing. Every fiber in the horse was prepared for flight, and her wide eyes never left the two men. Meagan reached to carefully remove the broken bridle.

“Leave it on!” Randy growled, stepping forward.

Promise flinched, tearing the bridle from Meagan’s hands and racking her raw mouth as it twisted. The horse stepped into a patio chair, tangling herself and almost falling. Hooves clattered on brick as the filly bolted across the patio and through the gate to escape. She ran bucking wildly into the pasture, running to the farthest corner.

Meagan remained frozen as Randy stooped to pick up the halter she had dropped. He threw the harness to her. The halter fell on the bricks.