(April 5, 2005)

Call it serendipity or call it fate, but I knew my horse the second I laid eyes on him.

In November 2004, I was at Equine Affaire promoting my first novel, RIDING LESSONS. My publisher had just asked me to write a sequel, so between promotional events I was letting my mind wander and soak up the horsey atmosphere. Since my first book featured an unusual horse (a liver chestnut with white brindling), I knew I needed a horse that was at least as striking for this one. After one of my book signings, I decided to take a tour of the breed pavilion and window shop.

A Father's Love, by Michele Pope Melina.

One of my favorite pastimes is surfing the internet. My work as an artist involves research leading to more knowledge for my painting. I happened upon an internet equine newsletter one day called Equiworld. The article introduced me to the Kuntz family and their dedication to saving the Nokota® horse from extinction. I have been a painter for over 30 years working with subjects dealing with historical subjects and themes that teeter on the edge of our disappearing culture.

Dark Horse, Bright Day

Heidi Harner, an incredible equine and plein air artist from Lafayette, Indiana, often visits the Nokota® Horse Conservancy on the spacious North Dakota prairies, where her roots have inspired her love for wide open spaces.  Why she paints what she does:  "Horses are beautiful in their line, form and movement; dogs bring much joy to our lives, and when I paint landscapes outside on location, I feel I am nearest to God than most other times".  Heidi generously donates a percentage of the sale of her Nokota® paintings to the Nokota® Horse Conservancy.  Please visit Heidi's website at www.HeidiHarnerArt.com.

Margaret Odgers is the author of a wonderfully humorous book by Half Halt Press entitled The Dressage Rider's Survival Guide. "Margaret is a working wife and mom with three kids, three horses, on a tight budget with a sincere and somewhat pathetic (she says) desire to become a good dressage rider."