Silver Charm - And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds

by M.J. Evans

When champions retire, who fights for their tomorrow?
In the high-stakes world of horse racing, thoroughbreds capture our hearts with their thundering hooves and breathtaking speed. But what happens when the cheering stops and the spotlight fades? Silver Charm is not just a biography of this famous horse’s life and career. It also takes readers behind the scenes of an extraordinary mission to save racing's greatest athletes from a fate worse than losing.
Follow the incredible journey of Silver Charm, the oldest living Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, and discover the passionate network of "old friends" who've dedicated their lives to ensuring retired racehorses live out their golden years with dignity and love. From the boardrooms of racing executives to the rolling pastures of retirement farms, this is a story of second chances, unwavering loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and horses.
Part heartwarming rescue story, part insider's look at the racing industry, Silver Charm reveals how a movement of dedicated individuals transformed the future for thousands of Thoroughbreds. Their victory isn't measured in lengths or times—it's measured in lives saved and legacies honored.

Because every champion deserves a champion.
Perfect for horse lovers, racing fans, and anyone who believes in the power of compassion to change the world. Gold Medal winner of the Literary Global Book Awards.

202 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

I am a graduate of Oregon State University. Upon graduation, I spent five years teaching at the middle school and high school levels. My writing, at that time, was limited to curriculum. That was not fun.

While raising my children, I coached their Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams for seventeen years. I helped them write their own stories for the competitions. During this time, I also wrote two parent handbooks for the Salem, Oregon School district on sex education.

About fifteen years ago, I was able to combine my passion for horses with my love of writing. I researched and wrote two equestrian trail guide books for the Denver area. By “research” I mean that I spent every Friday riding my horse on a new trail, be it on the plains or in the mountains. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! The result of that work was the publication of Riding Colorado-Day Trips from Denver with Your Horse, and Riding Colorado II. Both books continue to sell very well in the Denver to Colorado Springs area and have made my horse famous.

I was able to combine my love of horses with my love of fantasy in my first Trilogy. The Mist Trilogy, comprised of Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and the Rising Mist received a gold medal from the Mom's Choice Awards. My next fantasy, an allegory of the Revolutionary War, but with Trolls and Leprechauns, won first place in the Purple Dragonfly Awards for fantasy. I took a brief (2 year) break from writing fantasy to complete a contemporary, coming of age novel titled "In the Heart of a Mustang." This YA novel won first place in the Literary Classics Awards for Young Adult fiction and second place in the Nautilus Awards in the same category.

On October 1, 2016, I released the first book of my new fantasy series "The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles."

I have now expanded my writing interests to include Historical Fiction: "PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History," and "The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII."
I have also had fun working with illustrators on five picture books: "PERCY - The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run," and "The Skullington Family Series."

I describe myself as a “Mozart” type of writer as opposed to a “Beethoven” writer. When I sit down to write, the words just flow and I don’t have to go back and do a lot of revisions.

Reviews

[Susan O.Pincus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this very interesting and informative book, M.J. Evans, a true horse enthusiast from a young age, weaves a wonderful true story of the famous racehorse Silver Charm, and the many people who were a part of his successful life of racing and retirement. Her descriptions of the exciting races he participated in, made you feel you were there watching history happen. As the 3rd richest racehorse in history, making almost $7 million in his racing career, the author described in detail, what made him so special. After his racing life was over, it is comforting to know how peaceful his retirement life is, and many other retired thoroughbred horses as well. I highly recommend this book, whether or not you know anything about horses!

[Wendy Anderson]

Charming

Silver Charm by M. J. Evans is another flawlessly crafted book. I’ve read many of her books and this one is more biographical, but still enthralling. The description of Silver Charm’s life takes you into the stalls of the Kentucky Derby and beyond. You get a real idea of what the racing world is like. I particularly like the pictures of the beautiful horses and especially Silver Charm. I do have to say this book gives you good feelings that this horse was well loved, well cared for and enjoyed a happy retirement because not all did. I really did shed a tear for poor Ferdinand. What was most satisfying was reading about how other thoroughbreds were saved by multiple sources, so it was a relief that so many were saved. Evans conveys the horses’ personalities and shows how big their hearts are, and Silver Charm’s was as big as his wins. This book was awesome as always with M. J. Evans and I highly recommend such a fascinating read.

[Suse Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed and informative

This book is filled with information about the horse racing industry and the horses used in it. The reader follows the life of Silver Charm from birth to winning a Kentucky Derby to retiring in a beautiful setting. We learn that most thoroughbreds aren’t used for racing after the age of 5 and that caring “horsemen” have taken action to ensure horses are cared for after being used in races. Horses were not always treated with care after fulfilling their purpose - some were slaughtered and their meat was sold. Legislation is in the Safe Act to ban this practice and will hopefully be passed by Congress. The photos of Silver Charm are a nice touch.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who knew little about the thoroughbred industry, this gave me interesting insight into the sport's tumultuous history. I was especially interested in the reforms that were implemented when it was discovered horses were being treated with care and were being slaughtered and their meat sold (which still happens today, which is partly why all horses are branded with tattoos instead of microchips to safeguard against this). And of course, the stories of Silver Charm were moving too. They say all horses are descended from Secretariat, but Silver Charm and his fellow champions are the ones who ultimately reformed the industry.

[Ollie Kayuro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew almost nothing about horse racing, so this story was fascinating; it opened a completely new world to me.

"Silver Charm has owners, trainers, exercise riders, jockeys, grooms, farriers, vets, and many more people who hover around him at all times."

"Horses sleep for short periods all through a twenty-four-hour day.  This is called a polyphasic sleep pattern. Horses will sleep for fifteen to thirty minutes several times throughout the day and night. They sleep for a total of just two to five hours a day."

A beautifully written one that stays with you long after the final page.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a touching read. The connection between the characters and the horses felt genuine and inspiring. I loved learning about the rescue and care of thoroughbreds, and the message of compassion and second chances really stood out. It’s a great read for anyone who loves animals or heartfelt stories with purpose. I gave it five stars because it was emotional, educational, and beautifully written.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book special is its balance of excitement and compassion. The racing moments are engaging, but the stories of rescue, loyalty, and second chances are what truly stay with you. It’s an eye-opening and emotional read that shows how kindness can change lives both human and animal. A wonderful choice for horse lovers and anyone who enjoys meaningful true stories.

[Cindy Grenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Book

Learning about the life of a race horse was fascinating. It was part heart break and part triumph on and off the track! I loved that the author personally visited some of the rescue farms.

[Garima Bais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Charm is such a beautiful and inspiring read. It’s not just about a famous racehorse, it’s about what happens after the races are over. The book follows Silver Charm, the oldest living Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, and the amazing people who make sure retired racehorses are cared for and loved.

I loved how it showed both the excitement of the racing world and the quiet kindness of those who rescue and protect these animals. It’s heartwarming, eye-opening, and full of hope. If you love stories about compassion and second chances, this book will work for you.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great behind-the-scenes look at not only one of the greatest racehorses of our modern time but also what goes into the breeding and training of one to make it to the top levels of the sport. You could feel the excitement bleed off the pages during the race scenes while also enjoying the calm peacefulness of retirement in the Kentucky bluegrass. I really enjoyed reading this insightful book.

It was a very interesting and in-depth look at the making of a champion. It was well researched and very thorough. Starting with his breeder all the way to the retirement farm, Old Friends. I liked that it included the backstories of all his connections, like his owners, trainer, and jockey.

You could also feel the passion for Silver Charm on every page. I loved that some pictures were included so you can get a sense of the excitement and passion that went into caring for this great horse. I have been lucky to visit with Silver Charm many times and I relished getting to relive his greatest moments.

This is a wonderful book for both horse obsessed people and those new to the sport. Everyone from younger readers to adults can enjoy this story as it's written in an easy to understand way while also being very detailed. I would definitely recommend it to all!

[Valerie Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapestry of a Triple Crown Winner
M.J. Evans uses a weaving metaphor, based on a poem she wrote. throughout this book to demonstrate how interwoven the lives of humans and horses can be. “Silver Charm – And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds” celebrates the life of the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner, currently enjoying his life at Old Friends Farm in Kentucky. Fate, miracles, and belief in the colt tell the story of this horse hero and a Triple Crown winner. Evans demonstrates her excellent horse knowledge throughout when speaking about Thoroughbred training and explaining the intricacies of equine health and personalities. I particularly liked her bringing to light the great work of horse savers through Old Friends Farm, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the California Retirement Management Account, and the Retired Racehorse Project. I highly recommend this book!

[Jodi Bowersox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a horse owner several times in my life, I have never really followed horse racing. I found the story of Silver Charm to be both educational and fascinating reading. I learned so much I didn't know. Evans will take you down multiple paths that all reach the same point--taking care of the horses after the races are over. In a dark world in dark times, Evans brings light and hope and all the positive energy of people working together for a worthy cause. Well done!

[Veva J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds is a captivating and important book. It successfully weaves together the history of a sports legend with an inspiring look at the people who have transformed the racing industry to ensure its champions are cared for after the cheers fade. It's a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses, proving that a great story often continues long after the finish line.