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. Buy it now!
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.
Over twenty 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 and the Reader's Favorite 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 until the first draft (the foundation) is done. Then I can go back and correct and embellish all I want. My newest venture (2026) is an Adult Mystery series set in the world of Harness racing! It's fun to try new things.
Silver Charm by M.J. Evans is a deeply moving tribute not only to an extraordinary racehorse, but to the profound bond between horses and humans, and the reality these incredible creatures face after they are retired from the racetrack.
The author tells the story of one of racing's most beloved champions, tracing Silver Charm's journey from an unassuming young horse to a Kentucky Derby and Preakness Steaks winner, whose courage and determination captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The book goes beyond the track to explore the relationships between the horse and the people who cared for him, highlighting the dedication, challenges, and emotional highs and lows that define life in the racing industry. Through a compassionate and intimate narrative, the author paints a portrait not just of a remarkable athlete, but of the trust, resilience, and connection that underpin every success in the world of Thoroughbred racing.
As someone who has worked within the horse racing industry, this book resonated with me on a very personal level. Evans captures the spirit, grit and quiet nobility of Silver Charm in a way that goes beyond statistics or race results. She brings to life the emotional landscape behind the scenes: the early mornings, the unspoken understanding between horse and handler, and the bittersweet reality that comes with loving an animal whose life is so intertwined with competition. There is a tenderness in the storytelling that honours not just his victories, but also the vulnerability and trust that defines a racehorse's life. It reminded me of countless moments in the yard, those small, often unseen interactions, that build the foundation for greatness.
Evans does a beautiful job of acknowledging the people behind the horse as well: the trainers, grooms, and connections who dedicate their lives to these animals. It's a reminder that every champion carries with them a team of quiet, devoted individuals whose stories are just as important. This book isn't just for racing fans; it's for anyone who understands the heart of a horse. It's about loyalty, resilience, and the kind of love that asks for nothing in return but gives everything. Reading it felt like revisiting a world that is both demanding and deeply rewarding, a world I know well and hold close. Silver Charm is ultimately a story of connection, and for those of us who have lived and breathed the racing life, it feels like coming home. 🐎🌳
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!
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.
Humans are cruel to animals because they are so rarely recognized as sentient beings deserving of care and respect. Factory farms are obscenities. The milk industry requires cruelty because babies are a side product and are taken away from their mother who grieve for them--and many of the babies either become veal or dog food. Breeders of many species from dogs to horses throw away the animals that aren't outstanding and raise more animals than there are home for them. Even the "best" animals bred get thrown away when no longer useful. My response to this cruelty is to avoid supporting the cruelty and support rescues instead. I am vegan and don't use leather products. I support some farm animal rescues and a local cat rescue. My dogs came from a rescue. This book is the biography of a racehorse but is also the "biography" of racehorse rescue, based on understanding that every horse is a sentient and valuable being deserving of a happy and healthy life.
Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds is the story of a thoroughbred racehorse who stole the hearts of people in the horse racing community. Silver Charm, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and many other championship races, rose from humble beginnings to greatness in the 1990s.
Written as a biography, M. J. Evans teaches us not only the story of one horse, Silver Charm, but the horse racing business as well. Her passion for both is apparent as the passages are both heartfelt and genuine.
Using the analogy of weaving a tapestry to describe the lives of the horses and the people who breed, nurture, and race them, she brings home the idea of how seemingly unrelated events in their lives are all interconnected.
This is a fun book to read, even for those of us who are not familiar with horses and horse racing.
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.
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.
This was a unique book for me, about racing horse's or thoroughbreds. The main one was called Silver Charm, a horse originally trained by Bob Baffert. Silver Charm won many races and awards. It also told of what happened to the horses in retirement, the slaughter house. But thankfully in later years more humane retirements on farms or ranches were made possible! The owners, trainers and others saved these beautiful creatures and gave them a peaceful retirement when possible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about horse racing and the Hero's who saved these beautiful creatures in retirement! A great read!
A wonderful book about Silver Charm and his life. I loved it. I have been watching and following The Kentucky Derby since May 1988! I watched Winning Colors win the race ridden by jockey Gary Stevens and trained by D Wayne Lucas. He was my favorite trainer. Sadly he passed away in June 2025. I have never missed The Kentucky Derby race or missed following the horses, trainers and jockeys leading up to the road to the triple crown. My heart was captivated forever. Silver Charm won The Kentucky Derby in 1997 ridden by, again the legendary Gary Stevens and trained by Bob Baffert. At age 31 Silver Charm is the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner. Living his charmed and best life!🐎🌹
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.
Sweet memoir of a racing legend, who appears in one of my three thoroughbred’s pedigree. I remember being heartbroken when Touch Gold beat Silver Charm in the Belmont. It was nice to read his story and learn that he is still alive at age 32. Truly a remarkable horse.
It was also enlightening to read about many of the thoroughbred rescue foundations across the United States. The thoroughbred horse is truly an exceptional athlete, and they are capable of so many more careers than just “running fast.”
Like many others, I've long been fascinated with Silver Charm and thousands of Thoroughbred horses! My grandfather owned one when I was just a little girl who'd climb on the fence and slip on his back as he came in from the desert pasture for feed and water. Later we owned a big tall gelding off the track who was a challenge as he'd often take off and run away! I loved this story and it brought back those wonderful days of my uncle and ponying the big red horse Stimi in the sand wash before he returned to the track.
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.
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.
I am a horse lover through and through. Silver Charm's story helps me believe that good people still exist because so many people stepped into his life when he needed them and actually cared for this beautiful Thoroughbred. There is so much more information about retired race horses between the covers of this book. Loved it.
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.
This book describes Silver Charm to a T. He was a great race horse. This book also goes into retirement for race horses and where they are kept to live out their lives. I enjoyed this book a great deal. Recommend it highly
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.