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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Linda or Allen Anderson
Angel Animals Network
POB 26354, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426
Email: angelanimals@aol.com, Phone: 952-925-3309, Fax: 952-925-4729
Websites: www.angelanimals.net, www.horseswithamission.com
In Tough Times People (and Horses) Serve in Record Numbers
Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 7, 2009
– Despite challenges of bad
economics the number of volunteers in this country has increased by about one
million. (Volunteering in America July 2009 Report) Those giving service are not
all people, though. In their new book Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True
Stories of Equine Service (New World Library, September 2009), best-selling,
award-winning St. Louis Park, Minnesota authors Allen and Linda Anderson
chronicle 21 true stories of horses who have found their life’s calling. These
horses give without expecting a return, other than maybe the occasional carrot.
Horses with a Mission is available in bookstores nationwide and online.
The
Andersons say, “If you’ve ever thought that horses only display abilities on
race tracks, in riding stables, in beer commercials, or in movies, you’re
missing out on their ever-expanding services as sentient partners and willing
coworkers.”
The book
introduces horse volunteers who aid in therapy sessions, give disabled riders
freedom and mobility, heal childhood abuse, save lives, help people fulfill
dreams, and bring messages of hope and unconditional love to those who need them
most.
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Carson Kressley, equestrian
and Emmy award-winningTV host as the “Fab Five’s” fashion expert on Queer Eye,
says, “This collection of stories will remind anyone who has ever had a horse as
a best friend, confidante, and soul mate of what a special gift that can be.”
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Stories include:
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Molly, a
three-legged pony and survivor of Hurricane Katrina, had her story go viral on
the Internet, land in the New York Times, and featured on CBS evening
News. After her loss of a leg, surgery, and a prosthetic device, Molly inspired
the people of New Orleans and admirers around the world. Now she visits
children’s hospitals, nursing homes, and other places to spread her message of
hope and recovery.
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Sankofa, a
wise-beyond-his-years Arabian stallion, made it possible for social studies
teacher Miles J. Dean to complete a cross-country journey in tribute to African
American ancestors. Miles’s goal was to heighten awareness about Black Cowboys
and the contributions of African Americans. Millions of adults and school
children followed their odyssey as Miles and Sankofa made history come
alive.
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Viola, a
Norwegian Fjord horse who was imported from Norway to become a broodmare in
upstate New York, eventually made her way to Tanya Welsch and MN LINC (Minnesota
Linking Individuals, Nature, and Critters). Viola put her mothering skills to
excellent use as a co-therapist in the animal-and-nature-facilitated
psychotherapy, learning, and wellness program for youth and families. With her
innate maternal wisdom, Viola is incredibly intuitive and nurturing, especially
with at-risk youth.
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Diana, wild
mustang and lead mare of the rare Gila, Arizona herd of wild horses, protected
her herd, teaching the great lesson of forgiveness. Her rescuer Karen Sussman
documents the plight of wild horses who faced elimination until they found
refuge on a ranch, in the Badlands, on the Cheyenne River Sioux
Reservation.
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“With hearts and minds open, we can
learn from thewild and domesticated horses in this wonderful book.” – Joe
Camp, creator of the films starring the canine superstar
Benji
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Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary
True Stories of Equine Service
By Allen and Linda Anderson
September 22,
2009 · Animals · Trade Paper
$14.95 · 186 page · B&W Photos Throughout ·
ISBN: 978-1-57731-648-0
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