about the Author
J.L. Hardesty
(Jo West Lauter)
Jo has been involved with horses in one way or another for most of her life. Prior to World War II, Jo's father, Keith Hardesty, was an officer in the Illinois National Guard's Horse Drawn Field Artillery. He introduced Jo to the horse when she was just four years old . . . and the love affair began.
As a teenager, Jo started colts, galloped half-wild horses across auction stages, gave riding lessons, and exercised potential racehorses along the riverbeds of Southern California. During the 1970's and 80's she earned prestigious positions as the manager of that period's three most successful Arabian horse ranches. In addition, she has edited four respected equine trade periodicals. An expert in the fields of horse breeding, management, and marketing, Jo is a highly regarded member of the horse community.
A horseman of merit, and a writer of extensive experience, she brings to her work an unusual degree of insight and understanding.