Meet the Horses of Meadow Lane
Every barn has its characters — the dream horses, the mischief-makers, and the wise old souls who quietly teach us the most. Meadow Lane Farm is full of them, and each horse plays a part in Charli’s journey in If You Follow Your Heart.
Cruise Control
The bay Thoroughbred, Cruise Control, was Charli’s “heart horse” — the one who changed everything for her. Charli loved Cruise so much that when Sonny (her mom) sold him without asking, it shattered her trust and drove her away from Meadow Lane.
Cruise Control (or Cruisie) was born at Meadow Lane the winter Charli turned ten. His dam was French Lace, and though Cruise never went to the racetrack, he grew into a beautiful, brave, and sensible 16.3-hand Thoroughbred. Charli helped raise him and rode him for the first time when he was four and she was fourteen.
Most of his training was done under Charli’s guidance, with help from instructors and clinicians. Few others ever rode him. Together, they won countless ribbons in equitation and hunters — even beating Ted Caldwell often enough that Ted’s father kept buying him “better” horses. Their final show, at the Kentucky Horse Park, became Charli’s last ride.
Every rider has that one horse — the one who defines a chapter of their life. For Charli, Cruise Control was it. Even years later, he represents the ache of what was lost and the question of whether love and forgiveness can coexist.
Hoover
Every barn needs a comedian, and Meadow Lane has Hoover. This small pony with a big personality was Charli’s first mount — and her introduction to the humbling side of horsemanship.
Hoover thinks he runs Meadow Lane. He’s the type who considers rules “suggestions” — the one who’ll undo a latch, steal your brush, and dump your grooming kit just to watch you react. Refuse him a snack and he’ll find one anyway. If Hoover doesn’t want to wear a fly mask, he rubs it off. Buy him a grazing muzzle, and he takes it as a challenge.
Always on a diet and never without an opinion, Hoover earned his name honestly. Older than the dirt he stands on, he’s the rascal you can’t stay mad at.
French Lace is the matriarch of Meadow Lane — Charli’s first show horse and a true confidence builder. She’s the kind of mare who carries first-time riders safely around the course and somehow helps everyone win ribbons.
A first-class broodmare as well, French Lace competed in shows even while in foal. During our story, she’s in her twenties — a little arthritic, a little gray around the muzzle, but still full of dignity and wisdom.
Bird
Bird is a dapple-gray mare just starting her show career — elegant, sensitive, and sharp. She notices everything: tone, mood, intention. She demands honesty.
Luca wants Charli to ride Bird, convinced her value will soar under a skilled, female rider. But Charli has no plans to ride again. Luca also claims he and Sonny co-own Bird — and that she’s a warmblood.
Is she? Maybe. Maybe not.
Streetwise
Streetwise is the young black gelding who hasn’t had an easy start. Rough handling from Luca left him anxious and uncertain. Co-owned by Sonny and Luca, he’s still underdeveloped and distrustful. Luca keeps him for himself, calling him a warmblood, and tells Charli he’s “too green” for her.
Streetwise has raw talent and presence, but what he truly needs is patience. Beneath his tension is a horse who could blossom — if someone shows him that people can be fair.
Bozzy
The sweet, wise chestnut pony from my children’s story makes a cameo appearance at Meadow Lane as a lesson pony and French Lace’s companion. Bozzy and Hoover are partners in mischief — and in keeping everyone humble. Bozzy's personal motto is "An always good pony doesn't teach their rider the important lessons."More Horses
There are others, of course — June’s (from Last Wish) new rescues, Bet Lynch’s event horses Hear Me Roar (Mouse) and Dancing Slippers, and a few mystery horses you’ll meet when you read If You Follow Your Heart.
Why They Matter
To some, a horse is just an animal. But to those of us who’ve spent our lives in barns, we know better. Every horse teaches us something.
Bird teaches patience.
Streetwise reminds us to look past fear.
Cruise Control shows that heartbreak can be the start of growth.
Hoover keeps us laughing.
And the others remind us that there’s always another ride waiting ahead.
At Meadow Lane, horses aren’t background characters — they are the heart of the story
Would you like to meet all of the Meadow Lane horses? If You Follow Your Heart is on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited
