Thistle and Her First Day

In a cozy horse stall, at Waterdam Farm, Lady Thistle takes her first breath and sniffs the air of her new surroundings. The first day of a foal's life is busy as she learns to stand on very wobbly legs and drink her mother's milk. But exciting sounds-of nearby horses, the farm dog, and cats outside the barn-keep her ears occupied and Lady Thistle isn't focused on eating. Polly knows her tiny filly needs to nurse and get the nutrients she needs...but she's just so distracted! The farm family and the veterinarian are attentive and offer a helping hand to ensure Lady Thistle starts off on the right hoof.

Based on a true story, this is the second book in The Lady Thistle series.

Donna Anderson Horbal grew up close to Waterdam Farm in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Witnessing Lady Thistle's birth-then watching her grow and develop-shaped Donna's future as an equestrian. Working with horses for over 30 years isn't just a hobby, but a way of life. Donna currently cares for five horses on her property-and loves every second spent with them. Her adoration runs deep for this beautiful animal, and she hopes to share a little glimpse into her equine world through these real-life stories on the farm.

After graduating from college with a degree in Visual Arts, he began his career as a commercial illustrator and soon became an art director and creative director for corporations and advertising agencies, winning more than 100 national and international awards.Now, after 4 decades in the commercial art field, Steven has fully embraced his love of fine art painting. Since that time, he has painted internationally in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, India, South Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. And his work is now in demand by corporations (McDonald's, The Coca Cola Company, REI COOP, etc), major universities, art collectors, athletes and private individuals across the globe.He was selected to be a 2020 Executive Fellow in the Clark Hulings Fund's Art-Business Accelerator Program. He is recipient of the United States Sport Academy's (USSA) prestigious International Sports Artist of the Year award. And he was awarded the American Sport Art Museum and Archives' (ASAMA) "Zhenliang He Cultural Medallion".Steven has been invited to the 2020 (now 2021) Summer Olympics in Tokyo to stage 'live' painting events at multiple venues. Also, concurrent with the Summer Games, he will have a solo exhibition of his narrative, Olympic-themed paintings at the prestigious Tokyo American Club.