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Why I Wrote A Horse Book

January 31, 2021 | By Tracie Barton-Barrett | Reply More

The answer isn’t as simple as “Because you love horses.” While it’s part of the answer, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

It was May 2018. I had just submitted my semester grades as a psychology instructor teaching a subject and students I adored. However, a few days later, without any warning, my teaching contract was not renewed, despite a positive end-of-year performance evaluation.

I was shocked, hurt, angry, devastated, confused, and lost—which is how many of us feel when we’re grieving. Metaphorically, I had been not only bucked off a trusted horse, but dragged and trampled on as well.

In the midst of my fog, a fellow author and dear friend treated me to lunch where we discussed our current projects. Although the details are still fuzzy from my bereft brain, I briefly mentioned that although I had already fleshed out my second book, including a strong outline and completely written end scene, at some point, I wanted to write a horse-focused book. I went on to say that there was never a time in my life when seeing, riding, or even being near a horse didn’t calm, enchant, energize, soothe, hypnotize, and strengthen me. I felt more connected to Life on a horse than anywhere else.

“There was never a time in my life when seeing, riding, or even being near a horse didn’t calm, enchant, energize, soothe, hypnotize, and strengthen me.”

She said, lovingly, yet matter-of-fact, “Sounds to me like that’s the one you need to write now.” It’s amazing how an objective point of view can snap everything back into focus.

I was starting to feel that maybe I could get back up on that horse.

A month later, I drove from North Carolina to my home state of Michigan to clear my thoughts, get some footing, and regain even more focus. I met another incredible friend and mentor who helped edit my first novel, at her cottage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. When I shared my idea about a horse book, she helped brainstorm and idea-share how to bring it into fruition. Our discussions, as well as the beauty and calm of Lake Michigan, allowed me to develop even more details about the book.

I then knew I could get back up on that horse again.

Every summer, pre-COVID, my husband and would travel on a big trip. We had already booked and paid for a good amount for our July trip to Montana but with our income slashed in half, it was still up in the air, wondering whether it was prudent to go.

So glad we did.

I will forever be grateful for my supportive husband, Daniel, who asked, “Would we regret not going? You only live once.” One of the pre-planned and pre-paid activities of our trip included a Bucket List item, a stay at a dude ranch. At the beginning of our stay, we were the only guests at the small, family-owned, working ranch. On our first night there, they paired each of us with a horse for the duration of our stay. Daniel was paired with a dark bay named Shadow and I was paired with a stunning buckskin named, you guessed it…

Spirit.

Those three nights and four days in the Montana mountains on Spirit gave me the room to breathe as well as the muse to write. Spirit also came along at a time in my life when I needed him, as most animals do. In addition, the warmth and direction of the ranch owners and beauty of their ranch allowed me to develop my footing with stronger legs.

When COVID hit and shut the world down, I turned my attention to creating and fleshing out my manuscript, with the help of fellow authors.

Although my novel is inspired by Spirit, it is not a real-live account of his life nor my time with him. However, my hope is that Finding Her Spirit shares the collective story and amazing heart of horse-loving children and young adults that grow into horse-loving adults. This picture of Spirit and me, taken by Daniel, has not only been my screensaver for years, my FaceBook profile pic, and back cover pic, but also remains one of my all-time favorites.

I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see Spirit again or if he’d even remember me. But his patience and gentleness forever changed my life. I’m grateful for all the support along the way, but it ultimately took a horse to help me “get back up on the horse.”

He helped me find my spirit.

I hope that Finding Her Spirit helps you find yours.

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FINDING HER SPIRIT

Packing for college in 1991, Maren Markey stumbles upon her old diary. Reliving moments from her past, she remembers weekend visits with her Daddy after her parents’ divorce, struggles with her new stepfamily, a new friendship, romantic interests, and a strong connection with a special horse. Through it all, Maren’s deep love for horses serves as a constant lifeline in her ever-changing life. Join the ride as Maren finds her Spirit.