
Sandy Collier is an amazing woman. In fact, she could easily be the heroine in any writer’s story. She’s smart, savvy and can out-ride the men—as she did when winning the prestigious National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in 1993. Up to that point, that event had been dominated by the good ol’ boys club. And, so far, her victory is yet to be achieved by another woman in the open division.
Although horses have been a dominating life force for Sandy since she was a child, she’s extremely well rounded in other interests, as well. She excels at golf, has been a lifeguard at Cape Cod, and shushed down the slopes in Vermont, keeping them safe as a member of the ski patrol. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Sandy is also a licensed pilot, a realtor, and a martial artist. Wait—there’s more! She’s made a weeklong backpacking trip by horseback, alone, riding one horse and ponying three behind. All in all, I’d say without a doubt that she could give James Bond a run for his money, wouldn’t you?
Oh—one more thing…Sandy has just published her first book, called Reining Essentials: How to Excel in Western’s Hottest Sport.
She’s here today to answer any equine or nonfiction publishing questions you might have. Fire away! And to thank our visitors for stopping by today, we’ll be drawing one lucky winner to receive a signed copy of Sandy’s book, Reining Essentials, plus a copy of my debut novel, Where the Wind Blows.
So if you will, please help me give Sandy a warm welcome…..

Sandy, to kick off your visit today I have a couple short questions for you. First, taking horses out of the equation, of all the things you’ve done or perhaps dreamt of doing in your past, what would be your dream career?
I am living my dream career! I feel so fortunate to spend my days with the animals I love in such an amazingly beautiful place like Santa Ynez Valley!! And I’m surrounded by wonderful people. I constantly ask myself “What did I ever do to deserve such a great life?”
Congratulations on your debut book! Can you tell us a little about how it came to be and what were the challenges in getting it done?
My part was the easy part! It’s all things I’ve learned over the years and
do on a daily basis. It’s what I teach my non pros and at clinics every day. The hard part was Jennys….she had to coalate, organize and present the information in an easy to follow book.
Sandy, what goals are you looking ahead to in the years to come? Or what grand achievements are you gunning for on your horizon? Inquiring minds want to know….
My goals seem more modest to me as I grow older. I’m more interested in the quality of my relationships, sharing what I’ve learned, making a difference (I’ve recently taken a position on the advisory council for the therapeutic riding program here in the county)…..but I’d love to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity one more time before I hang up my spurs!

Please leave a comment or question for Sandy by clicking the tiny comment link just below. (Look closely)
Thanks and happy riding!