As many of you know I have written several manuscripts for children’s picture books. Illustrating is also one of my passions so they go hand in hand.

Having ridden horses for a large part of my life I have learned about the benefits they offer people with disabilities. As a young rider I watched a friend with Cerebral Palsy  become the state champion. She and her big red horse were a perfect team with lots of blue ribbons and trophies.

More recently I volunteered at an equine therapy facility in Decatur, GA. I watched many people delight in the movement and connection with these big hairy beasts.

I have been working for several years on a picture book about the experience.

You may remember this illustration that won a first place in our local SCBWI competition.

P.J. Tried and Tried

This is exactly the way I would feel going into the field to catch a horse on the weekend mornings. A little love, a little treat, and a whole of lot of equine energy running around me. It was pure delight and a little terror.

My manuscript is mixing those feelings and some extra sensations to share the experience of being with these big hairy things.