War Horse and other Horse Tails . . . . .
I’ve just come back from seeing the new film War Horse. It was amazing. The visuals were stunning and the story very thought provoking. There were a few scenes where I had to watch through my fingers – notably the soliders fighting in the trenches scene. But, despite my emotional reaction to the animals being injured, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
Now, I’m probably biased, because I absolutely adore horses. My husband and I own eight of varying breeds, ages and temperament.
This is Sharnah (And me) She’s twenty five years old and I trust her completely. She gets cranky sometimes, but I can put anyone on her back and she simply plods along at the pace indicitive of her rider. She gave me confidence in horses after a long break away from them. I’ve had her for five years. Sharnah’s previous owner had to part with her after a battle with a serious illness – and this person had owned her since she was a two year old filly. So I made a promise that Sharnah had found her last home with us. She actually talks to me when I fill up her feed bucket, and I swear sometimes I can hear her saying ‘it needs more mollasses!’ As you can see she is a Palomino (every pony mad, little girls’s dream horse). She’s about 14.1 hands and a part Quarterhorse.
While I watched the movie War Horse is occured to me that I had been dreaming about horses since I was five years old. Black Beauty, My Friend Flicka, The Silver Brumby – these were some of the first books I ever read. And movies like the old black and white Gallant Bess would have me glued to the television.
Churchill said the best thing for the inside of a man or a woman is the outside of a horse – and for me that’s true. I spend every afternoon feeding and grooming or riding – it’s my down time, away from writing. But of course I adore writing about horses and the heroine in Made For Marriage, my first Harlequin Special Edition, is a riding instructor who owns her own riding school. I like being able to bring that part of my life to my stories.
Next month, as part of my Horse Tails blogs, I’ll highlight Zeb – my 17.3 hand black Thoroughbred who has a special place in my heart.
If you plan to see War Horse I’d love to hear what you think of it. Or do you have a favorite horse movie or book?
Cheers.
Beautiful horse Helen. I love riding but haven’t done it in probably 30 years now.
Thanks for dropping by Patti. And thank you for thinking Sharnah is beautiful. She is a darling and very much loved by my hubby and me and all the local kids. I have a fifteen year break before getting back into the saddle five years ago – and it truly is like riding a bike – you never forget 🙂
Lovely post, Helen. I can relate very much to your love of horses. Looking forward to the next one about Zeb. 17.3 hands is a whole lot of gee-gee!
My favourite horse book would have to be Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion….and all the books that followed in the series. I couldn’t read enough of those babies when I was a wee lassie. They were so fantastically romantic. Perfect for a dreamy-eyed horse mad girl.
Cathryn, I love The Black Stallion. Can’t believe I forget to add it to the list. And you’re right, 17.3 hands is one big steed (But there’s no shame in using a ladder to get up!) Thanks so much for dropping by. 🙂
I was never a real horsey girl but as an adult I love reading about them. Can’t wait for your book and look forward to seeing war horse too. Lovely photo of you and Sharnah btw 🙂
Hi Rach! Great to see you here. And Sharnah is even more adorable in the flesh 🙂
Sharnah is gorgeous (and she does look like a Barbie horse!). So glad you enjoyed War Horse. And I’m looking forward to reading more about horses on your blog. I love the idea of Horse Tails blogs!
Hi Louise – thanks for stopping by. And yes, Sharnah is a little ‘Barbie’ horse like. Hope you can stop by for more Horse Tails 🙂
She’s so lovely. I was that little girl who dreamed of her too! You’ve reminded me of some of the books i need to get for my princess.
Thanks for visiting Bec – I think most little girls dream of a Palomino of their own 🙂
Beautiful horse Helen! I was very horsey as a teenager but grew out of it. I still like going for a ride though. She looks very gentle. Good luck with the Horse Tails Blog. Great name.
Hi Lee – thanks for dropping by. And yes, Sharnah is a gentle girl. She has a few bad habits though – like getting her on a horse trailer is a nightmare. But to ride she is a dream. Great to see you here and hope you can come back for more Horse Tails!
Hi Helen, I rode a horse once and nearly fell off and have been a little hesitant ever since. I love stories about horses though. 🙂 Sharnah is a beautiful horse. Love her colour. Looking forward to more horse tales.
Hi Laura – thanks for stopping by. I have fallen off a few times – not so bad on Sharnah because she;s short – on Zeb though, who;s 17.3hh – a different story 🙂 Just have to hand on tighter!
Loved the movie and had the same reaction.
very thought-provoking and it’s stuck with me.
I was told to look up a movie about the Civil War staring Don Johnson.
~Angi
Your horse is beautiful!! When I was a little girl, I kind of got into horses mostly because most of my fellow little girls at school loved them. haha. But of course I think they’re beautiful creatures too. I was looking back on a diary entry I wrote when I was 10, where I mentioned driving down south of where I live and seeing little lambs and “Caliminos” in the fields (by Caliminos I actually meant Palominos. ;)).
Anyway, I actually stopped by to say I just finished your book, MADE FOR MARRIAGE, and I really enjoyed the read!! Noah was a totally swoon-worthy hero, so thank you for giving him to me for a little while at least. haha. I will say you sure know how to write a sexy man!!
Hey Helen
I loved War Horse, but sobbed through it. I will buy it – and put it alongside the Note Book in the watch only when needing a good cry pile….
War horse reminded me about a book I read as a kid Thunderhead, by Mary O’Hara ( rather it was read to me as I didn’t read well at that age…) the follow on from My Friend Flicka. Where the horse triumphs, no matter what the odds are.
You take care – 17.3 is a long fall down… but enjoy that gallop along the beach!
Bye 4 now
Tina