Episode 87: On Gypsy Vanner Horses, Random Acts of Kindness & Starting Local with Diana Hasen (Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast)

Episode 87: Welcome to the Equestrian Author Spotlight podcast! In each episode, you’ll hear inspirational stories from horse book authors including writing advice and marketing tips to help you write your own horse book. If you are an author, aspire to be an author, or simply love horse books, then you are in the right place!

In this week's episode, you'll meet Diana Hasen and discover the work she's doing with her Gypsy Vanner horses. You'll learn ...

• About Diana's horses — Stevie & Harley — and the book series they inspired. They are Gypsy Vanner horses, originally from the UK. The breed is known in the UK as Gypsy Cobs. 
  
• What inspired Diana's mission to enable her Gypsy Vanners to become horse ambassadors to unite people by fostering connections through acts of kindness. Her ultimate goal is to help people and bring them happiness by providing opportunities for adults and children to be around horses and ask questions by participating in acts of kindness. This includes efforts to unite communities and deliver gifts and donations to let people know they are not alone.
  
• ​And MUCH more!

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Watch Diana Hasen's Interview on YouTube!

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Or listen to the audio version.

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About Diana Hasen

Diana Hasen has loved horses her whole life and has cared for Stevie and Harley, her Gypsy Vanner horses, for more than a decade. Gypsy Vanners are a unique breed of draft horse bred for gentleness and they have a unique affinity for being around people. Stevie and Harley are no exception. Over the years Diana has found great joy in sharing them with the people in her life, but the time has come for her to extend that reach to the greater public. Stevie and Harley are horses with purpose – they need a job! They want to be goodwill ambassadors who bring happiness to the greatest number of people.

After years of working in the food industry and raising her family, Diana was presented with the opportunity to pursue her lifelong love of horses by acquiring Stevie and Harley. Loving and caring for them for more than 10 years has fulfilled half of her dream; sharing them with others will extend that dream and provide a job and a purpose for the horses by fostering connections with people. The time and opportunity for Diana, Stevie, and Harley to pursue their collective dream and engage with the public is now. Stevie and Harley want to be a presence that stirs up excitement wherever they go. Do you want to meet them? They would love to meet you!

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Diana Hasen Interview Excerpt

​Carly: You have two beautiful Gypsy Vanner horses. Tell us about Stevie and Harley!

Diana: Stevie & Harley are Gypsy Vanner horses, originally from the UK. The breed is known in the UK as Gypsy Cobs. I have had these guys since they were yearlings and have been involved with most of their training. They are both sweet and they each have completely different personalities. 

Stevie is very affectionate and responds well to positive attention. He loves to be groomed and loves to eat grass. Stevie is also exceptionally good at figuring out how to undo gates and doors. He is very observant and a bit of an opportunist. 

Harley is playful and very treat-motivated. As soon as I get near him, he comes over to begin searching me for a treat. He loves to be close to people and is very sweet and cooperative. Harley can also be very wiggly while he's being groomed. 

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Diana with Stevie and Harley

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Carly: Stevie and Harley are goodwill ambassadors to spread kindness and joy. Talk to us about their events, projects, and campaigns.

Diana: With Stevie and Harley, I want to spread joy – especially to children – with planned events and activities, but also through random acts of kindness. Many people love horses and animals, but they don’t have the time or means for ownership. Providing access for people to be around horses and giving my boys a job is a priority for me, especially now when the world relies so heavily on digital connection. This is a chance for Stevie and Harley to make real life connections and maybe provide a little education along the way.

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Watch Diana, Stevie and Harley in a bagpipe Christmas parade here: https://www.stevieandharley.com/news-events

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Carly: Stevie and Harley inspired a children’s book! Tell us about their book.

Diana: I'm working with an amazing team to create a children's book series about Stevie and Harley's fantastic adventures, inspired by the real horses and their community. The book is full of beautiful illustrations by local artist Jency Latta. 

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The first book in the series, Stevie and Harley's Purpose, follows Otto G. Rowe. He is an old man who loves his flying machine and his Gypsy Vanner horses Stevie and Harley. With most of his life behind him, he wonders about the future for his beautiful horses and how he might share them to bring happiness to the people in his town. Stevie and Harley want to have a purpose, but can Otto G. Rowe come up with a plan?

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Connect with Diana Hasen

Website: https://www.stevieandharley.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevieandharley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevieandharley/
Buy the Book: ​https://amzn.to/3jXh0Y1

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About Your Host Carly Kade

Photo: Shelley Paulson Photography

Carly Kade is an award-winning author, horse owner, creativity coach, and the host of the Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast. She helps fellow writers start, grow, and expand their author careers. Creative writing makes her spurs jingle!

Carly's In the Reins equestrian romance book series was written with horse lovers in mind, no matter which discipline they ride. The horses are as vital to moving the story forward as the human characters are.

These books are perfect for poolside reading, taking to the beach, or settling down with after a day of horseback riding.

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