Bowie, MD – March 17, 2011 – A new young adult novel by Valerie Ormond highlights the Maryland equestrian community, military family life, and the plight of unwanted horses. Through the story of Sadie, a 12-year-old horse lover, and her tri-color Pinto, Lucky, Ormond takes readers through a tale of heartbreak, determination and love.
“Believing In Horses,” from J.B. Max Publishing, is Ormond’s debut novel. A career Naval Intelligence Officer, she decided to combine her love of horses and writing with her first book. Ormond and her family live in Maryland, which serves as the backdrop for Sadie’s story. The story begins with Sadie’s move to Bowie and her dad’s deployment to Afghanistan.
Throughout “Believing In Horses,” Ormond draws on first-hand knowledge of Maryland horse rescues. Freedom Hill Horse Rescue in Calvert County and Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue in Prince George’s County worked with Ormond to give the book a realistic feel.
“Unfortunately, unwanted horses are a reality,” Ormond says. “I wanted to ensure that Sadie’s story fairly represented the challenges that unwanted horses face, but at the same time tell an uplifting story that speaks to both horse lovers and military kids – both of whom face similar challenges in adapting to a changing life.”
Ormond sprinkles well-known Maryland establishments into the book. In addition to the rescues, “Believing In Horses” features Loftmar Stables in Bowie where Ormond keeps her own horses, as well as the Maryland Horse Council and The Equiery.
“When I started reading it, I could not put it down, not because Loftmar was in the book, but because it was great reading,” says Jan Martin, owner of Loftmar Stables. “The book has great ideas, thoughts and values spread throughout the story. I stayed up until 3 am and finished it. It was fun that I recognized some names and that Valerie included us as a part of her book.”
Ormond is already working on a sequel, “Believing In Horses, Too,” which will highlight equine therapy and more aspects of military family life.
“Believing In Horses” is available at www.believinginhorses.com for just $11.95. Ormond will sign all copies. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to all the horse rescues mentioned in the book.
