First meeting!

I am excited to start the research phase of my UConn polo book!

Tomorrow I meet with Dr. Jim Dinger, longtime UConn polo coach. He has a ton of archives, photos and of course--stories--to share with me.

Now, I really need to hear from YOU! 

You played for the UConn polo team? You currently play for the team? You took polo lessons? You are a UConn polo fan?

This is what I would love to know from you:

1. What do you love about UConn polo?
2. Who was your favorite pony and why?
3. Your favorite match?
4. Most memorable moments?
5. Any humorous "behind the scenes" stories?

...and any other nuggets you'd like to share. It's YOUR stories that give the book its heart!

My e-mail is soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

And THANK YOU!

Below is a photo I took of Moe, my favorite UConn polo pony. He was the ref's horse for this particular game, and was retired later that year. He was a superstar in the arena---I loved watching him stop on a dime, then spin around and fire on all cylinders to send the dirt flying. What a horse!

My Horse, My Heart--PUBLISHED!

*wipes brow*

Wow, I can't believe the day has arrived. The first book is published and ready for the world! Click the link to get your copy:

My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut

Thank you to everyone for your help and support--so many people worked behind the scenes to get this book FINISHED and in print. I could not have done this without you. Take a bow!

This book journey introduced me to world of Morgan horses and their loving humans. I discovered that the Morgan horse world is incredibly warm, gracious, supportive and helpful. I made friends, and was given opportunities to swing a leg over a couple of amazing UConn-bred Morgan horses. Sheer joy!

Oh my goodness, thank you. I am humbled and honored!

I hope all of you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

warmest regards from Hampton, Connecticut,
Helen

My Horse, My Heart

Under a tree, my beloved steed

Earth and roots now hold you near.

Twisted branches scrape the painted sky

With sun to soothe and stars to guide.

My old friend, he is there in the nimbus

Wind shapes his hoof and molds his ear.

I see him in the rays through my window

I hear him in the gust through the flue.

My horse, my heart-- he is near.

My horse, my heart--he is here.

-Helen Scanlon, 7/10/11

Calling all UConn Polo Players, past and present!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell me all about your experiences playing for UConn polo!

My first book, My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut is now published, and my second book, The Great Red Horse: A Colt is Born is nearly complete---so now I am deep in the research phase of my third book, Hearts of Fire: The History of UConn Polo. 

Send me your memories: soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

And, thank you. It is YOUR memories that will give this book its "heart of fire."

I already have a cover---yup, I like to think way ahead! This painting is called The Iron Horse: UConn Polo Pony, Moe. I included actual grains of the UConn polo arena in the painting. So much fun to paint my favorite UConn equine star!

Moe was a great polo pony, and he is now enjoying a richly-deserved retirement. UConn polo fans will miss seeing him tearing around the arena, but we are so happy for him.

Way to go, Moe!