Windy Meadows was built in the early 1980's. It was a very prestigious and successful Arabian horse breeding & training facility. Throughout the years the name changed several times. It was a public boarding stable and hosted several well known horse trainers. In 2004 it returned to a private breeding & training center and was given back it's original name. Windy Meadows. Today it is home to many horses & dogs, and of course the characters of The Tails of Windy Meadows.
Ellen Troutman "Miss Ellie" the author has spent her entire life with horses. Training, riding & showing has been her career for over 25 years. She has traveled all across the country competing locally to nationally with her show horses. "Miss Ellie" founded Ellingsworth Ridge Inc a 501-C-3 Charitable Equestrian Outreach Program for underprivileged and disadvanraged youth in 2000. The outreach program is simply for children who can not afford to ride. Grants & Scholarships are made available to children and organizations who want to participate in equestrian activities but have special circumstances and limited budgets. In conjunction with the non profit, Miss Ellie has taken in over 250 surrendered or donated horses. She is also the youth director of SAHIBA as well as being seated on the SAHIBA board for 2010, a member of the Arabian Horse Association, APHA, AQHA, The American Saddlevred Registry, The Hackney Society, UPHA, United States Equestrian Federation. Personal charities include the Humane Society, Home of the Innocents, Casa, Foster Care and Cedar Lake Lodge.
Frequently asked questions:
How long did it take to write the book? The book was started in August of 2008 it was submitted for publishing in August of 2009 and released in December 2010.
What/who gave you the idea? My Mom gave me the idea. We talk almost everyday, and I tell her lots of stories about the farm. She told me that I should write down these stories and make a book she even gave me the title. The Tails of Windy Meadows. I thought it was a cool idea but I was simply a horse trainer and hadn't written much since college. My friends & family always tell me I'm great at telling a story, that I have a good sense of humor and that the book was a great idea.
Are the character's real? Yes each of them are very real with their own unique personalities.
Will there be more books? Yes, there are books coming out for each of the characters and some special books.
Will there be new characters? Yes, but I don't want to give to much away.
Do you do readings & signings? Yes, use the contact us page to contact me to find out more.