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About D.H. Anderson
A real horse, a real farm, a real story
D.H. Anderson (Donna Anderson Horbal) is a Pennsylvania equestrian and the award-winning author of the Lady Thistle children's book series: true stories about a horse born at Waterdam Farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Donna grew up close to Waterdam Farm. When a retired racehorse named Polly arrived, round and moving slowly, and then gave birth to a tiny filly, Donna was there. Watching Lady Thistle grow shaped her future as an equestrian.
More than 30 years later, horses aren't a hobby for Donna; they're a way of life. She cares for five horses on her own property and loves every minute with them. The Lady Thistle books share that world with children: true events from the barn, told gently, with "Did You Know?" pages that teach real horse care along the way.
Award-winning: 2024 Farm-tastic Book of the Year
Polly and the Birth Day, Book 1 of the series, was named the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's 2024 Farm-tastic Book of the Year. The Farm-tastic County Book Program promotes agricultural literacy and places the selected book in public and elementary school libraries across Pennsylvania. See the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Farm-tastic Book Program.
State Senator Camera Bartolotta visited Waterdam Farm to meet Donna and learn how her life with horses inspired her to teach children about our equine friends, including her volunteer readings at schools and libraries and her book donations across the region. Read Senator Bartolotta's December 2024 E-news.
The Lady Thistle series
Each Lady Thistle picture book is based on a true event in the life of a Thoroughbred filly born at Waterdam Farm, written by D.H. Anderson and illustrated by award-winning artist Steven Lester. Published by Orison Publishers, for ages 4 to 12. Book 1 is also available in Spanish.
The series includes Polly and the Birth Day, Thistle and Her First Day, Thistle Starts Exploring, Thistle's First Hoof Trim, Thistle Goes for a Ride, Thistle Gets Hurt, and A Book to Color.
Find the books in the Lady Thistle store, at equestrian retailers State Line Tack and HorseLoverz, at Hallmark and Agway stores, and at Amazon, Target and Walmart. See all of D.H. Anderson's books on Amazon.