The author
Never grew out of that horse phase
Layona Varell is just as crazy about horses today as she was running around her yard on a hobby horse as a child. After a 22-year career teaching middle school English and history, Layona took her passion for horses and turned it into an equestrian author and speaking career.
Her work has been featured in numerous magazines including Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, and Sidelines Magazine, just to name a few. She's been actively blogging on her award-winning blog since 2013, co-hosts the Horse Illustrated Barn Banter Podcast, and has been a speaker at Equine Affaire, Pony Club Convention and American Horse Publications Conferences.
Layona has published six books, with her seventh on the way. When she's not travelling on equestrian adventures, she's trotting around on her retired race horse, Tiz A Knight, in her home state of Illinois, or wintering in Ocala, FL.
- Horse Illustrated
- Young Rider
- Sidelines Magazine
- Barn Banter Podcast
- Equine Affaire
- American Horse Publications
Speaking
Sharing a passion for ponies, horses, riding & writing
Layona has presented on the history of Newbery Medal-winning author Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague at the following:
- Museum of Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague, VA
- Chincoteague Elementary School, VA
- Chincoteague Island Library, VA
- Middleburg Library, Middleburg, VA
- International Museum of the Horse, Lexington, KY
- Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI
- McHenry County Historical Museum, Union, IL
- Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- Gail Borden Library, Elgin, IL
- Huntley Public Library, Huntley, IL
- Woodstock Public Library, Woodstock, IL
- Fox Valley Saddle Association, Hampshire, IL
- St. Charles History Museum, St. Charles, IL
Invite Layona to speak
She would love to speak at your school, library, historical society, or equine event. Reach out to her at susan at saddleseekshorse dot com and schedule a program today!
Read One With The Horse