Susan Friedland, known for her award-winning blog Saddle Seeks Horse and nonfiction horse books, including her latest, “Marguerite, Misty and Me,” will appear at Equine Affaire in West Springfield, Massachusetts, from November 9-12. Friedland will be available for anecdotes and interviews, offering a unique opportunity for attendees and media to dive into the hidden history of beloved horse book author Marguerite Henry. Next to a replica statue of Misty of Chincoteague, Friedland will be signing books at the Taborton Equine Books booth throughout the four-day event. She will also sign during afternoon pop-ups at the Impressions of Saratoga/The Dark Horse Mercantile booth alongside Upset, a miniature horse.
With over two decades of experience in the field of history education, Friedland took her passion for research and primary source analysis on the road to Wisconsin. There, Friedland uncovered the early history of a young Marguerite in Milwaukee, where she lived as a girl and worked her first job at a library. Friedland also visited Rancho Santa Fe, California, where the Newbery Medal-winning author lived in her later years. After weeks spent poring over the personal papers of Marguerite Henry from the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature at the University of Minnesota, Friedland journeyed to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to see the famed annual Chincoteague Pony swim. Along the way, Friedland met friends who knew Marguerite during various eras of the prolific author’s life. Friedland also delved into the unique subculture of Chincoteague Pony enthusiasts.
“One of the reasons I was inspired to bring the backstory of Marguerite Henry to life is because of my personal geographic connection to her. I learned how to ride in Wayne, Illinois, the same equestrian community where she lived decades earlier when she wrote her most famous books like ‘King of the Wind,’ ‘Brighty of the Grand Canyon’ and my favorite, ‘Misty of Chincoteague.’ I love history and horses, so I plunged in to write Marguerite’s story as a way to honor the woman who brought the joy of horses to millions of fans,” Friedland said.
Since the July launch of “Marguerite, Misty and Me,” Friedland has been on a speaking tour with notable stops at the Chincoteague Elementary School, the Museum of Chincoteague Island, the Chincoteague Island Library and the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky. Future tour stops include the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society and the Milwaukee County Historical Society in March of 2024.
Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to learn about Marguerite and Misty, the iconic author and pony team who have delighted generations of readers and riders. Meet Susan Friedland and snap a photo with the charming Misty look-alike statue at Equine Affaire from November 9-12.
About Author Susan Friedland:
Susan Friedland is just as crazy about horses today as she was running around her yard on a hobby horse as a child. Her written work has been featured in magazines including “Horse Illustrated,” “Young Rider,” and “Sidelines,” and she is a host of the Barn Banter podcast. Susan’s new release “Marguerite, Misty and Me: a Horse Lover’s Hunt for the Hidden History of Marguerite Henry and Her Chincoteague Pony,” debuted on Chincoteague Island during the 98th annual Chincoteague Pony Swim.
Media contact: Susan Friedland at susan@saddleseekshorse.com or 626-203-6518.
Instagram and Facebook: @saddleseekshorse
Website: saddleseekshorse.shop