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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
Minnesota Therapist and Rare Norwegian Fjord Horse
Offer Healing and Hope to At-Risk Youth
Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 10, 2009 -- Viola, a Norwegian Fjord horse who was imported from Norway
to become a broodmare in upstate New York, eventually made her way to
psychotherapist Tanya K. Welsch and MN LINC (Minnesota Linking Individuals,
Nature, and Critters). The pair teamed up to change the lives of at-risk youth
in an innovative and highly effective treatment program that involves learning
the true meaning of “horse sense.” Their story is featured in the new book
Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service (New World Library,
September 2009) by best-selling, award-winning authors Allen and Linda
Anderson. Horses with a Mission is available in bookstores and online
nationwide. www.horseswithamission.com
Viola put her mothering skills to excellent use as
a co-therapist in MN LINC’s animal-and-nature-facilitated psychotherapy,
learning, and wellness program for youth and families. With her innate maternal
wisdom, Viola is intuitive and nurturing, especially in emotionally charged
situations where traditional therapy and talking about issues might fail.
The Andersons say, “The story of Viola and Tanya proves that
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.”
Carson Kressley, equestrian and Emmy award-winning
TV 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.”
Other Stories in Horses with a
Mission include:
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 and Kaye T. Walsh visit children’s hospitals,
cancer camps, nursing homes, and other places to spread Molly’s message of
hope.
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.
Dean’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 Dean and Sankofa made history come alive.
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.
“With hearts and minds open, we can learn from the
wild and domesticated horses in this wonderful book.”
-- Joe Camp, creator of the films starring the
canine superstar Benji
Horses with a
Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service
By Allen and
Linda Anderson
September 22,
2009 ·
Animals ·
Trade Paper
$14.95 · 186
pages ·
B&W Photos Throughout · ISBN: 978-1-57731-648-0
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