THE CHRONICLER OF FANCY HORSE LEGENDS.
Kristi Schumacher’s new children’s book,
Legend of the Fancy Horse, is planned to be
the first in a trilogy.

It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that beauty lies within. In the newly released The Legend of the Fancy Horse, local author and Eau Claire native Kristi Schumacher gracefully reminds us of those messages.

As a freelance artist, Kristi is no stranger to creating masterpieces. This story, inspired by an Appaloosa she had as a child, starts with a little filly being born on a dark night. Although the filly’s birth was much anticipated, the other horses in the Appaloosa herd are disappointed that she is plain and subsequently deem her to be unworthy. Despite this, the mother mare believes her filly is beautiful and names her Fancy. Distanced from the herd, the filly shows her true character and grows more beautiful both on the outside and from within.

The Legend of the Fancy Horse sends another positive message. One of the most frequent lines – “be as different and as varied as the snowflakes that fall in winter” – drives home the point that differences are unique and should be accepted. Living up to her goal, Kristi not only found a strong voice but also a way to inspire others.

As the first story of a trilogy, The Legend of the Fancy Horse was published locally and released in late November. Actually seeing the finished product in print was years in the making. Kristi wrote the children’s story more than 20 years ago and since that time has completed illustrations as well as wood carvings to coincide with the beloved horses within the story.

The book can be purchased locally at The Local Store, Borders, and The Potting Shed.