Pre-orders for Caballo Press of Ann Arbor’s Horsenameographies: Life Stories in a Race Horse Name by Lovers of Horses Everywhere are now being accepted. The book is available exclusively at www.caballopress.com. In September 2009, horse lovers were asked to submit their life stories in a race horse name with the idea that the best-of-the-best would be published as a collection. In a little over three months, over 800 names from all over the world were submitted via the internet.

“Yes,” Caballo Press’s publisher and the book’s editor and designer, Rudolph Alvarado commented, “we were extremely surprised by the response and the cord that the concept of horsenameographies struck with horse lovers. However, we were even more surprised by the race horse names and the stories that went with them. Some stories were extremely humorous, some were uplifting, and some were tragic, but all of them made me stop and take stock of my own life. I am sure that it’s going to do the same for horse lovers throughout the world.”

Galley proofs of Horsenameographies have been in the hands of reviewers across the country for a couple of weeks. In one recently published pre-release book review, equine essayist Marion E. Altieri wrote, “Wrapped in platinum, with a bow made of golden stars, this book will bring us to our knees and to tears of joy. But the most compelling thing that this book will do is move each reader to settle down for a while and genuinely go within. . . . I tell you, as a writer, a horse lover and as an Alpha Mare who wants to help shield you from the storms and guide you to safety–this book will bless you immeasurably, and help you grow the garden that is your beautiful Life.”

Here is a sample of what reviewers are raving about.

One horse lover wrote that “Nervous Breakdown” captured his life in a race horse name, because, as he jokingly revealed, “I’m sound physically but unsound mentally! I must be to be in this sport.”

“SOULSAVER,” was submitted by a thoughtful horse lover who wrote, “I chose this name because 10 years ago a race horse named Kim’s Rahy came into my life. He was injured and his racing career was over. At that time, I was feeling as broken as he was. People say I saved a race horse – but what really happened was that we saved each other! So definitely : SOULSAVER !!”

The race horse name, “Lonely Runner” was contributed by a widow. In explaining the name, she lovingly wrote, “Missing Mel. I still miss my husband & soul mate of almost 58 years. I now find myself having to run the race of life on my own. Miss you, Mel.”

Horse lovers were also allowed to submit photographs that captured the essence of their race horse names. Forty-one of the photographs and drawings will be showcased in the book. “Being a book full of memories, the black and white photographs that accompany some of the stories offer us the time to ponder what we’re reading,” Alvarado offered, ” and it gives us an opportunity to meet the person we’re reading about face-to-face. It’s funny how you feel you know them after reading a small piece of their lives.”

The book is being edited and each race horse name appearing in the book is being carefully designed by Alvarado, the winner of the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. Alvarado won the honor for his biography of race caller Joe Hernandez. Horsenameographies: Life Stories in a Race Horse Name by Lovers of Horses Everywhere will be released to the general public on April 14, just two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. Ten percent of the book’s profits are being donated to ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption Program and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue.