We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Sue Bowles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melanie Sue, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Most recently – that would have to be my newest book: LIBERTY BISCUIT. As the founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, animal welfare is the cornerstone of our work. We’ve been in operation for over 30 years, and we have intervened on behalf of 100s of at-risk horses (and also many dogs, cats, pigs, goats, llamas, and so on…). I’ve always known we were making an impact in the lives of animals. But I wanted to reach young people about empathy and compassion for animals.
Although I’ve written three non-fiction books for adults, and dozens of feature articles for various magazines, I had always envisioned writing fiction, a novel for ages 8 and up. LIBERTY BISCUIT is that dream come true. I’m very excited about the story and feel certain it will be an inspiration for kids. Adults are loving it, too. I just finished a sequel, which will be released in fall of 2024.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was born and raised in Michigan. Then moved to Florida in my early 20s where I earned my living as a professional firefighter/medic. While working full-time, I also founded the sanctuary.
When my husband Jim and I retired, we expanded the facility, and our rescue work, from 50 acres to 320 acres. We worked with law enforcement all over the country. At one time, our herd of horses numbered in the 70s. However, all these years later, the sanctuary has come full circle. As we’ve gotten older, we felt the need to step away from active rescue work and downsize back to smaller acreage. We are now located in North Carolina on 50 acres – committed to the horses who are still with us, but we are no longer adding to the herd.
My three nonfiction books chronicle the story of Proud Spirit in detail: “The Horses of Proud Spirit” “Hoof Prints: More Stories from Proud Spirit” “The Dogs of Proud Spirit”
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Anyone who knows that I’ve devoted my life to at-risk horses are always surprised to learn that I was not a ‘horse-crazy’ kid. And it’s even more surprising to learn that when I first began to dream about opening the sanctuary, I really knew very little about horses. When you think about all that – someone who isn’t a horse person and doesn’t know much about them wants to take in ones who have been abused, starved, neglected, and more than likely need specialized care? On paper, that really is rather absurd. Experienced equestrians told me over and over that I was making a huge mistake. I was going to fail.
But in my heart and in my mind, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I could see it. I envisioned creating a place for horses who have been failed by humans. A sanctuary where they could heal…where they could function as a herd, and live in peace and freedom.
I was determined and undeterred. And I was very dedicated to educating myself, fully, about horses and everything they need to be happy, healthy, and thrive. Although you never stop learning, I am proud of the extensive knowledge I’ve attained and the hundreds of horses that I’ve helped recover from abuse. Today, over 30 years later, Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary stands as one of the most successful, longest existing privately run facilities in the United States. We have an exemplary reputation.
When you believe in a dream, don’t let anyone (or anything) stop you. Acknowledge and use the talent you have, then go from there. I knew I was capable of learning about horses and their care, and I had unlimited patience for helping animals learn to trust again. If I stayed focused and worked hard, how could the sanctuary fail? Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to your best friend. Taking a step forward helps diminish fear and doubt, which in turn helps build confidence.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Inspiring others. I love helping someone, who isn’t quite sure they can pull something off, see that, yes! Yes, they can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.horsesofproudspirit.org
- Instagram: MelanieSueBowles
- Facebook: MelanieSueBowles
- Other: My publisher: www.horseandriderbooks.com
Image Credits
Melanie Sue Bowles