Straight From The Horse's Mouth
I spent a GREAT day at an equine veterinary center the other day. There's a chapter in Apocalypse Rising where one of my main characters tames a very ill-mannered horse.The scene came out as I planned and although I was happy with it, I wanted to make sure I got the feel of it right. Grey, the main character is so good with horses, I wanted to instill that sense of confidence and experience with the reader.
I'm touchy about scenes in cases where the author has a lot of expertise on a specific topic. I have to watch this when I write about dogs or homesteading. I can go overboard if you let me and I have to keep reminding myself it's not about the dog (or horse). It's about the story.
After visiting with the vets, their amazing associate, and the horses (of course), I felt I had the scene pretty close the first time. But with their help I think it reads even more intimately now.
This equine center is walking distance from my house, but I'm still gimpy, so I drove out there, notebook and camera in hand.
They were such nice people! They answered all my questions and I got up-close and personal with one of the horses where I could touch, smell and study the animal.
They let me examine the horse's mouth, her feet, her coat, and gave me some valuable tips about behavioral problems. I got to wander around to my heart's content, but I didn't want to wear out my welcome. They had patients to tend to and I didn't want to get in their way.
I am so glad I did this. It makes me feel I nailed Grey just the way I needed him. There's a lot to be said for authenticity.
*** Now, I want a horse.
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I only said that so I can see Greg cringe. hehehe.
Comments
That is a beautiful horse.
Have a good weekend.
He is terrified I'm going to ask for a horse.
I wouldn't mind having one, but they are expensive animals to keep and they aren't particularly practical unless you work them.
Have a great weekend, Dru!
I imagine your hubby's look about horses would be the same as mine about a trip that involved flying over an ocean, LOL
Not to mention I already have a horse-sized rottie that likes to sleep in my bed.
But if I could afford it, yeah, I'd like to have a horse.
And also, now that I look at heliduck again, he does seem to be a duck with a very steampunk hat.
...I hope never to hear about mishaps there either. :grin:
I was reading this fast, and misread "Grey" as "Greg".