‘The Legend of the Great Horse’ trilogy – Page 6 – THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT HORSE trilogy

The First Ride

The herd’s stallion trotted fretfully around the edges of his band. A stallion may choose his group but he is not the boss. Equine society is based on friendships and roles—the stallion was waiting for the group’s leader to make a decision, and he wished she would hurry. – Eclipsed by Shadow (excerpt)

A prehistoric horse herd-inspection…

“It’s all right,” Meagan calmly told the wary circle of horses. She moved slowly as individual horses stepped closer to sniff suspiciously. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She stroked the gray mare’s neck to show her good intentions.

The herd’s stallion trotted fretfully around the edges of his band. A stallion may choose his group but he is not the boss. Equine society is based on friendships and roles—the stallion was waiting for the group’s leader to make a decision, and he wished she would hurry.

The actual chief was a squat sorrel mare. She paced around Meagan with tight steps, her head held stiff and high. She was not pleased. Yes, this noisy pale monkey was interesting, mildly, taking a predator’s position to do nothing but gurgle. But the mare was impatient. She had a specific destination in mind today, a sheltered area with quality grass. The clinging creature was plainly too clumsy to be a concern, so perhaps a good day’s grazing could still be had.

To Meagan’s relief the sorrel mare snorted and swung around. The stallion moved to the rear as the herd fell into a brisk trot.

“Really, I won’t be any trouble,” Meagan assured the horses as they moved off, patting her mount’s coarse neck. The little mare flattened her ears and crow-hopped.

« “Mrs. Bridgestone” || “The Scythian Tomb” »

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.

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» 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!

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” »

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» 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!

Into the Dark: Special Author’s Edition (PDF)

Thank you for your interest in The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy!

Readers’ Update 10/25/16:
This offer was my answer to reader requests for an ebook version of the series’ conclusion. I created a ‘home-made’ ebook for interested readers, since the scale of piracy of the first two book ebook versions eliminated both the resources and logical sense of preparing a separate retail edition.

Now the prior retail ebook versions of the first books have stopped working optimally. As this was caused by blind and continuing technological changes without consideration for earlier ebooks, I have lost hope in this format and it is time to pull the plug on this version as well.

If the ebook field rationalizes it is my hope to offer all the books in electronic form once again.

The original post:

As the author, I’ve decided not to sell an “ebook” version of Into the Dark (#3).

Instead I am offering the complete book in PDF form for readers of the first two book … no electronic versions of this title will be made available for sale at this time.

The password is the name of Meagan’s foal …

This work is copyrighted: this special PDF version is provided solely for existing readers who wish to enjoy the whole trilogy electronically. This special PDF version may not be sold or otherwise commercially distributed.