Lynne M. Caulkett

The love of animals can touch our lives. Often we learn life's most valuable lessons from our four-legged friends. But sometimes that love is met with ruthless abuse, neglect and mistreatment. In this collection of uplifting stories for all ages, you will meet some remarkable horses who have lived through unthinkable pain and suffering, but because of some special "angels" who weren't afraid to get involved, have triumphed over the pain they endured to be given a "Second Chance."You will feel their pain and then celebrate their joy as they journey from abuse to the safety of loving hands and hearts. Their stories are nothing less than miracles, and their spirits are inspiring.

Young Maggie Mae Stanton's world is turned upside down when a truck accident brings a young girl to live with them. Accustomed to being an only child, Maggie has a hard time adjusting, much less sharing her home with a stranger. And the young girl who was thrown into their lives had worries of her own and it made for a tumultuous beginning for both girls. Follow their story as the horses they both love bring life changes for each of them.

This third and final book in the "Sweet Dreams" trilogy features the adventures of young Alexis Carter, great-granddaughter of Jack Sweeney, and her quest to master the equestrian art of barrel racing. Finally realizing her dream of owning what she considers to be the perfect barrel horse, problems for the headstrong teen just seem to escalate, as she encounters a battle of the wills with her demanding trainer who questions her overconfidence and stubbornness. Despite this, the feisty young rider is unwavering in her dogged attempt to pursue her mission of becoming a winning barrel racer, and faces each obstacle with willful determination. The final chapters bring a close to the Sweeney family saga, a story that has been enjoyed and followed by many faithful readers for the past four years.

This newest book by Lynne M. Caulkett focuses on the expanding field of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding. "Big Smiles, Small Miracles" is the story of some of the children and their families involved in this remarkable form of physical and mental therapy. Heartrending in its graphic presentation of the challenges of children who have rare diseases and the handicaps that they face from the moment of their birth, their stories of courage, determination and success will warm your heart. A must read for anyone who has ever loved a child or a pony.

When twleve-year-old Kayci Sweeney first lay her eyes on the sleek black horse standing in her grandfather's barn, she knew immediately that this was the horse that had been in her dreams since she was a small child. The dream was always the same. The young girl rides a majestic black horse in front of the judges at a national horse competition, head held high, while thousands of spectators shout their support for the girl and her horse. To make this dream come true, Kayci plunges forward with determination into the adventure of a lifetime with this special horse. In these chapters you will share in her persistance, her hard work, her heartaches and her triumphs. The close bonds that the girl and her mare form are heartwarming. You will feel it from the beginning. Journey with them as they travel down the road of competition.