JANUARY 2014 THE RIDER /33 The Rider Recommends:


youngsters entertained on snow-days, and it appears that we’ve got a lot of those heading our way. Author Heather Young and her spe- cial equine friend, Norman, have just published their second book called NORMAN AND THE BULLY which offers young readers an insight into what makes a bully tick and how to over- come the fearful effects they have on their vic- tims. Through the gentle voice of Norman, the real-life one-eyed rescued racehorse, we learn what caused the anger and destructive actions of his new stable mate, Brutus the show- jumper, and we follow Norman’s thought pro- cess as he remedies the situation, not only sav- ing himself from further anxiety but actually helping turn around the bully’s own behaviour. The resulting friendship between the two for- mer adversaries offers inspiration and empow- erment to bullying victims of all ages. With


By Glenda Fordham Here’s a great book for keeping the


of the proceeds from sales goes to Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue (www.heavencanwaite- quinerescue.org) and the LongRun Thorough- bred Retirement Society (www.longrunretire-


man and Heather early last year and regular Rider readers will remember how Heather met and fell in love with the 1,200lb bundle of joy who changed her life in so many unexpected ways including becoming a writer, or as Nor- man prefers, co-author of his books. The big bay gelding is the son of famed racehorse Aly- deed, and Heather recently moved Norman from his previous home in Stouffville to a new barn close to Ottawa with luxurious accommo- dations that befit his new celebrity status! As with the first Norman book, a portion


colourful fun illustrations by Ramir Quintas, the book is ideal for parents to read to the kids before bed or as a little book children can read to themselves over and over again. I had the pleasure of interviewing Nor-


Norman and the Bully


the Bully from his website www.Normanthe- book.webs.com (check out the Limited Offer tab for special autographed copies) and you can follow Norman’s adventures via social media: facebook.com/NormanTheHorse


for writing such a topical and heartwarming story. We look forward to meeting Norman in person at Ontario horse shows throughout 2014 – check the website for dates.


twitter.com/NormanTheHorse Bravo and thanks to Norman and Heather


or


ment.com) a registered charity located on the backstretch of Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, which helps provide many of Ontario’s thor- oughbred racehorses with a dignified retire- ment once their days at the races are over by fostering, rehabilitating and retraining them prior to their adoptions into loving, permanent homes…just like Norman. You can purchase copies of Norman and


The Legend Of Phar Lap & The Mystery Behind His Demise


released an exciting new eBook about a cold- case “murder” that is eight decades old, a case that still causes arguments, accusations and stirs national pride for Aussies and Kiwis. I’m talking, of course, about Phar Lap, considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time but whom most North Americans have long forgotten. In her new book, The Death of Phar Lap: The Unsolved Never Ending Mystery, Cindy offers up startling new evidence that has come to light over the past decade that may finally resolve many questions surrounding the remarkable horse’s sudden death.


in the mid-80’s and starred Toronto-born Aussie actor Tom Burlinson (who also starred in The Man From Snowy River) and when the closing credits rolled on that movie, audiences still didn’t know what really happened. As Cindy’s book suggests, we may now have some sort of resolu- tion thanks to 21st century scientific analysis of viable remaining horse hairs and a deathbed con- fession by a trusted member of the stable staff. It certainly makes for a stirring read and I recom- mend you track down the movie to watch once you’ve read her book.


the Great Depression when horseracing and gam- bling were the only ways that many people thought could save them from the hopeless poverty pervading North America, Europe and even Australia and New Zealand. Just like the booze business during Prohibition, gambling and racing were ruled by the mob and when Phar Lap proved time and time again that he could not be beaten by fair means or foul, it has been a long held belief that the American mob bosses had him killed to prevent huge betting payouts once the horse arrived in the US to race at all the big tracks. Phar Lap’s story was brought to the screen


tales of legendary racehorses Secretariat and Seabiscuit brought to the screen and although their stories are inspiring and history-making, none compare to the mystery and conspiracy sur- rounding the sudden demise of the great big red “wonder from Downunder”. The author takes us back to the early days of


Over the past few years, we’ve seen the


|By Glenda Fordham Ontario author Cindy Crank has just


ping and death of Ireland’s own racing icon, Shergar, in the early1980’s, yet another unsolved real-life equine murder mystery. For updates and news, please visit Cindy’s website www.cindy- crank.com


wins, 3 second place finishes, 2 thirds and 9 unplaced. The Death of Phar Lap: The Unsolved Never Ending Mystery is available in Kindle format on Amazon.ca Cindy’s next book will focus on the kidnap-


to be stuffed and mounted and put on display at the Melbourne Museum. As a small child in the sixties, I stood in front of a big glass case staring up at the giant red horse that still brought many of those viewing his remains to tears. To this day, I can still “hear” a man in the crowd cursing loudly, damning “those bastard Yanks” for killing Australia’s pride and joy. And each year when the Melbourne Cup is run, the whole coun- try stops everything for a few minutes to listen or watch the race and I’m sure there are still many horse lovers who offer up a prayer for the late lamented Phar Lap as the newest batch of con- tenders run around the track. Phar Lap’s racing stats: 51 starts with 37


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