18/ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 THE RIDER
Filling Stockings By Lori Rafter
The leaves have fallen from the trees, the days are getting short- er and the temperatures are drop- ping. We all know what that means - time to start Christmas shopping! Does it seem like every name on your list is hard to shop for? Those of you with a horseperson on your list don’t realize how lucky you are. Pretty much any- thing ranging from toys to arts and crafts, clothes for the person, clothes for the horses, auto acces- sories, china and giftware, etcetera, is available with an equine theme and will be sure to please.
If you haven’t already been doing so over the past year, start paying attention to what your loved ones have to say concerning wants or needs relating to their horse ven-
tures. Perhaps they have indicated an interest in attending a clinic or seminar that they just can’t afford – you could be their hero and give them a ticket in their Christmas stocking. Maybe their horse needs a new barn halter or sheet. It is easy enough for even a non horseperson to get the size off the old one, take that to the tack shop along with knowledge of their favourite colour, and purchase them a new one with help from the experienced staff. Almost all things horsey come in a variety of price ranges. You may even find some- one to personalize that perfect pur- chase with a name, photo or logo - but be sure to arrange that early enough to avoid disappointment. A word of caution here: if everything in their tack box is royal blue don’t
come home with red or some psychedelic pattern no matter how much more pretty or affordable it is!
The Royal Winter Fair is a treasure trove of Christmas gift shopping for just about anyone. Arrive at the show armed with your list of names and you could easily stroke each one of them off while visiting the huge number of vendors and artisans exhibiting at the show - And don’t forget some- thing special for your big four legged friend at home.
Still not sure what to buy? Why not opt for a gift certificate to their favourite equine themed gallery or tack shop and let them do their own shopping. That way you can be sure they will be happy with their gift!
Shedrow Is A Winner Right From The Gate
Written by Dean DeLuke
Published by Grey Swan Press, Aug 2010 Hardcover, 255 pages
By Kelly Bowers.
An attractive photo on the cover entices curious page flippers to venture into the world created by author, Dr. Dean M. DeLuke. Although Shedrow is definitely an ‘equine novel’, enter with cau- tion. Gratefully, this first time author has not penned a lighthearted
romance novel and it is not for the weak of heart. DeLuke has crafted a medical thriller with ele- ments of racetrack lore and an abundance of sus- pense that will grip you like a vice.
The decision to get involved in thoroughbred racing seemed an innocent enough distraction, excit- ing really. Being part owner of a beautiful three million dollar thorough- bred racing stallion was the opportunity of a life- time. Chiefly Endeavor was young, full of himself, full of life, full of possibil- ity. For Dr. Anthony Gio- vanni, a successful Man- hattan surgeon, it was not just an escape from the reality of his ailing mar- riage. It was the realiza- tion of a dream; the thrill of the race, the glory of the win- ners circle and the love of this self-assured horse. What could possibly go wrong - or in this case - how wrong could it possi- bly go? Our protagonist soon finds himself immersed in the dark and dangerous side of thor- oughbred racing. His optimism is crushed by lies, betrayal, ambition, greed, revenge, and the brutality of organized crime. Like a skilled surgeon, DeLuke cuts to the bone of this novel, revealing terrifying secrets. Various settings keeps the reader on edge, first in a New York city hospital operat- ing room where his patient teeters on the brink of death, into of the rolling hills and past end- less fence lines found in Lexing- ton, Kentucky and Saratoga Springs, NY, even a short stint in a modest St. Lucia hospital. The plot quickly speeds ahead like a racehorse, over- flowing with action and unbe- lievable characters. This intense narrative reveals human nature at it’s worst; Race fixing, insur- ance fraud, kidnap, infidelity,
torture, and even murder. Bad relationships abound and it becomes evident that nobody can really be trusted. The diverse collection of unlikely characters come from big money, the rac- ing elite, medical experts, and members of the mob. Most unexpected though, is a small band of creepy Kentucky hillbil- lies who live at the dump in a dilapidated trailer. They will make your skin crawl, for good reason.
DeLuke has rightly been compared to both Dick Francis (equine mysteries) and Robin Cook (medical thrillers). He shares characteristics of both but it’s difficult to know which aspect of his writing is most reflective of the author, the horse tale, medical thriller, racing drama, or murder mystery. Truly a winning combination. This book is dark, disturbing and brutal, but riveting. Equine enthusiasts, mystery buffs and crime junkies all get their fix. Is there the possibility of a sequel?
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