Episode 97: On Loving American Saddlebreds & The History of the Breed in Michigan with Heidi Madsen (Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast)

Episode 97: 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 Author and Michigan American Saddlebred Historian Heidi Madsen. You'll learn ...

• About Heidi's lifelong love of horses and history, which led her to take a deep dive into Michigan’s role with the American Saddlebred Horse and write the book, Gaited In The Great Lakes.
  
• How she rebounded and got her manuscript back after her first publisher went under, including advice for authors who are preparing a manuscript for publication.
  
• And MUCH more!

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Watch Heidi Madsen's Interview on YouTube!

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Or Listen to the Audio Version.

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About Heidi Madsen

Heidi Madsen has had a love affair with horses since she was a small child, and that passion for horses grew over the years. In 1991 Heidi was introduced to the beautiful American Saddlebred and that love of the breed is still very strong some 30 years later. Heidi has worked at some of the largest American Saddlebred farms in Michigan. Heidi has always been a lover of history and when the idea for her book came about, combining the two things she loves, history and The American Saddlebred, well she was all in.

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Heidi Madsen Interview Excerpt

Carly: ​You've been a lover of American Saddlebreds for a long time. Tell us how the breed came into your life and the work you've done with the breed.

Heidi: In 1991 I was introduced to the beautiful American Saddlebred and that love for the breed is still very strong some 30 years later. I first started out as a groom for Taylor Creek Stables and then was a riding instructor at Jeff Nevitt Stables in Linden, Michigan at Sailaway Farms.

Even though I haven't shown at the big shows, I have shown in Michigan. At the 2002 ASHAM Horse Show, I won the Show Pleasure Driving Championship with Dakota’s Cloudburst, for owner Dr. Carol Haggerty. The horse was expertly trained by Wes and Sena Bowling of Taylor Creek Stables.

I have also been involved with the American Saddlebred Horse Breeders Association and currently work on the Youth Committee. 

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2002 ASHAM Show Pleasure Driving Championship with Dakota’s Cloudburst

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Carly: Tell us what readers will learn in your book Gaited in the Great Lakes.

​Heidi: In Gaited in the Great Lakes, readers will learn about Michigan's role in the history of the American Saddlebred horse. They will read about the farms, stallions, show horses, owners, and trainers, of the Great Lakes State, including the Dodge Dynasty and how they made Saddlebred history while in Michigan.

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Gaited In The Great Lakes (Michigan’s role with the American Saddlebred Horse)

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Carly: The art on your book is beautiful. Tell us about the cover.

​Heidi: My dear friend, James Walls, is an amazing equine artist. The way Jim captures the true essence of the horse is remarkable. I was thrilled to have him work with me on my book cover. I was blown away, and he is working with me again on the second book cover. The next book will be published in 2022.

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Heidi Madsen's 2nd Book will be Published in 2022

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Carly: How do you feel about being an author?  

Heidi: I never thought in a million years I'd be writing books about a horse breed that I'm so passionate about and the people who are around it. There was a quote I heard from the movie Sister Act. It was something along the lines of, if all you can think about when you wake up is being a writer (or whatever her quote was), then you're destined to be a writer. That's exactly how I am. I wake up, get book ideas at three o'clock in the morning, and write stuff down. Ideas come from all over the place. You just never know. If you love what you do, you do it, and you don't really question it 

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Connect with Heidi Madsen

Heidi Madsen and WC Bob Bobaloo from All Roses Farm in Versailles, KY

Website: www.gaitedinthegreatlakes.weebly.com
Facebook: Gaited In The Great Lakes
Instagram: www.instagram.com/michigansaddler16/

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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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