Horse Poetry

Horse poetry is an excellent way to introduce young readers to poetry.

"Lightning Reed - A Mighty Fine Steed"

by Carroll Pulis

This is a story about a horse with a winner's reputation. The beautiful sorrel with lightning bolt markings on his neck has traversed many landscapes from Arizona, to New Mexico, as well as Colorado and encountered many friends. This vivid poem set off with beautiful illustrations will be enjoyed by all animal lovers, especially horse lovers, everywhere! There is an audio download with this book.

Carroll Pulis, author of her first children’s book, “Lightning Reed – A Mighty Fine Steed,” grew up in Morristown, New Jersey.

After marriage and three children, the lure of the West beckoned the family and they moved to Wickenburg, Arizona.

Carroll raised and sold AKC registered Labrador Retrievers. Horses were then purchased. The first one was for 50 Cents, and was a wonderful old Palomino named “Pal” that taught the kids how to ride. Roping horses were soon added, including an ex-racehorse and a pony horse off the track.

The corral was finalized by a 7-year old polo pony named “Lightning Reed,” which is the subject of the book. The Pulis family joined the Wickenburg Saddle Club, the Horseman’s Association, and Carroll was invited to join Las Damas, a women’s riding club by the illustrator of the book, Patti Georgas.

In 1987 the family moved to Durango, Colorado, and Carroll and Lightning began to explore the beautiful mountain country. They became “Ghost Riders,” with the San Juan Mountains Association, teaching the mountain bikers, hikers, and hunters trail etiquette.

Carroll and her husband Art took time out from kids, work, horses and dogs to do a 5-month missionary training in the Crossroads Program with YWAM, Youth With A Mission, including 2 months in Ukraine. Later Carroll and Art went with YWAM in Colorado Springs where they led a missionary team to Tibet, Nepal and India.

After returning, Carroll and her husband Art moved back to Wickenburg.

Carroll had begun to document the adventures of Lightning Reed for a book, but changed the book to a children’s story in the form of horse poetry to dedicate to her granddaughter. Her friend and accomplished professional artist, Patti Georgas illustrated the book. The pictures depict Isabel’s mother Liz’s work with the horse in dressage, jumping, and western pleasure and her grandmother “GiGi” Carroll’s trail riding . Princess Buttercup, a yellow Labrador Retriever, grew up with Lightning and she was added to the book as well.

Carroll and her husband reside in Mancos, Colorado, in the summer and Wickenburg, Arizona in the winter.