Katlyn, a freshman in high school, has discovered the wonderful, exciting, challenging world of horses. She is learning that she has an affinity for horses and the skills needed around them. However, while riding a horse new to her, the horse bolts and crashes through the arena fence. Katlyn avoids physical injury but discovers that she is now terrified that she will be unable to stop any horse she is riding. She loses all confidence in her ability to stop a horse. She, who had never been afraid of horses or riding one, is now afraid- sure that she will be run away with again. To compound the problem, when her mother learns of the incident, she determines that riding is too dangerous and forbids further riding. Despite her fear, Katlyn knows she can't lose horses from her life. They are too much a part of who she is. Katlyn loves her mother and knows that she is in turn loved. But she is beginning to recognize that while she is loved, she is not understood by her mother. Somehow, she must change her mother's mind about not riding. She must also find the courage to overcome her fears. With the help of her best friend Cilla and her instructor, she embarks on the journey to re-learn the skills she has lost, find the joy of riding again, and become the equestrian she knows she was meant to be. Bolted was written because it speaks to a truth virtually all riders have faced at one time or another-fear. Horses are powerful animals with a mind of their own. Riding them and becoming one with them is a constant dialogue to convince them that you the rider will take care of them and tell them when their instinct to flee is justified. Riders know that at some point in their riding journey, the horse didn't take their word for it and made his own decision- whether it was to bolt, or shy, refuse a jump or buck. And the rider went flying off! Whether that moment ends the rider's association with horses or not is up to the rider, her commitment, and her courage. Her decision plays a part in the journey that determines the adult she will become.
About the Author: For as long as she can remember, Susan Maire has been in love with and involved with horses. She was finally able to convince her parents to let her take riding lessons when she was twelve years old. She has spent most of her life since then, spending every free moment either with her horses or her dogs. She has also taught owners the basics of riding and dog obedience, and has coached many in the finer arts of showing both horses and dogs. She has first-hand experience with the sometimes difficult, sometimes scary, but always challenging and exciting journey to becoming one with a horse, and has partnered with riders to experience this same connection with their own horses. Mrs. Maire has shown horses over the years winning regional awards and earning her Century Club award, where the combined age of the rider and horse in competition must equal one hundred or more. With children of her own who are riders, and years of teaching, Mrs. Maire is well versed in the teen angst of indecision, doubts, fears, and triumphs involved in becoming a skilled equestrian. She is a published authority on English Setters, having written How to Raise and Train an English Setter, the definitive guide to the breed, in 1964. She has recently published a historical novel of William the Conqueror and King Harold II entitled The Oath, utilizing her training as an attorney to explore William's alleged right to the English throne.