Lukas Meets the Mustangs - Excerpt from the World’s Smartest Horse Children’s Book

Karen sat on a tree limb while Lukas looked for the longest strand of grass he could find. Sunshine streamed through the fluttering leaves and a squirrel was high overhead with a plump nut stuffed in its mouth. Lukas blinked and turned to look at Karen in shock, "Absolutely not, impossible," was all he could think to say.



"Now, Lukas, it’s part of our job – we must do this for the animals." "B…b…buuut, Karen, we’re a family and he‘s an outsider." Lukas stammered. "He doesn’t belong here."



"We were outsiders too once, Lukas. Don’t you remember?" Karen had a point there, but he wasn’t going to share her with anyone, now that they loved each other so much. "Why does he have to come here of all places?!" Lukas groaned.



"Because he’s alone," Karen said gently. What could Lukas say to that? "Well…I don’t know. Oh, all right I guess, but just for a little while." Sometimes he wished his job was just playing with Karen all day like it used to be.



And so, Franklin arrived the next day. Lukas glared at the new arrival and shook his long red mane in irritation. The ex-racehorse who had suddenly invaded his family was strikingly pale and thin. Lukas had twinges of guilt as he remembered what it was like when he had to look for food in the dirt and when he had a rumbling empty stomach. "Why are you here, anyway?" Lukas demanded.



"I did all I could, chap. My legs finally gave out." Franklin explained. "I was in thirty-six races and just didn’t have any more left in me," he sighed heavily. Lukas softened a bit looking at this poor haggard stranger. "Hmmm. Is Karen going to help you find your job too?"



"I’m not sure," the newcomer said. "The rescue lady brought me here to keep me safe from the auction," Franklin said slowly. The auction! Lukas bristled hearing that word. "Then you’re welcome here, Franklin," Lukas assured his new friend. "Karen will know what to do."



Franklin brought very upsetting news from the outside world. The racetracks were in trouble and more horses were disappearing across the borders. "Racetracks?!" Lukas said in alarm. He thought there was only the one where he came from. "Oh no, bloke," explained Franklin, while shaking his head sadly. "There are many of them and not just for us Thoroughbreds either. Other breeds are disappearing too."



At this, Lukas’ head was spinning with concern. "And," Franklin added with disgust, "They’re going after our wild brothers too – the Mustangs who’ve been on their lands for hundreds of years." Franklin and Lukas looked at each other aghast, "How could this be?" Lukas kept repeating to himself.



And so, the World’s Smartest Horse (according to the World Records Academy) and Guinness World Record Holder became acquainted with Marge Mullen, a modern day Wild Horse Annie. Annie, a life-long horse lover and advocate, worked tirelessly until the end of her days to protect the mustangs. Through Marge’s guidance and support, Lukas met many new friends and became the first four-legged member of the Equine Welfare Alliance. This honor imparted in Lukas and his owner/trainer Karen Murdock a further dedication and direction for their efforts: to promote a collaborative global community based on love for animals and a sincere desire to help those who are less fortunate.



Copyright 2011 Karen Murdock is a retired psychiatric nurse, who has been fixing problem horses for over 30 years. Owner of PlayingWithLukas.com. She uses a combination of shaping techniques, a specialized version of clicker training and positive reinforcement. Her unique approach uses games and play as a way to connect and bond with horses to develop confidence, increase focus, improve performance as well as build willingness and trust. All of her services and proceeds go to benefit the horses.