The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

Thomas’s father, Sergeant Whatley, is fictitious, though inspired by true commanders such as Lieutenant General Frederick Browning, Major-General John Campbell, and Lieutenant General William Gott. The emblems on Thomas’s father’s war medal, along with the sayings Utrinque Paratus and Bellerophon et Pegasus, are real. The medal comes from the British First Airborne division and was also used by soldiers trained in the Special Air Services; its insignia of a winged horse and rider was rumored to have been designed by Browning’s wife, the celebrated author Daphne du Maurier (whose books happen to be among my favorites).

Many readers ask me what exactly happened to Emmaline in this story. Some think she didn’t survive her illness, and the final chapters represent her dream of being at peace. Some believe she did survive and stayed at Briar Hill to help the other children. I do not think there is an answer, just as I cannot tell you if Thomas really is the Horse Lord, or if the winged horses were real or existed only in Emmaline’s imagination. I think each reader is entitled to believe what she or he wants to believe. Whatever Emmaline’s truth, I know for certain that darkness can be defeated by hope, and I know that one girl, no matter how small, can make her dreams come alive.

Ride true,

Megan Shepherd

It is fitting that the idea for Emmaline’s story came to me on a road trip, because creating this book was its own journey, and I’m fortunate to have worked with such a special cast of real-life characters along the way.

I knew Rebecca Weston was the perfect editor for this book when she sent me her own spectral shield complete with eight magical colored objects. As we worked together, I was deeply inspired by her dedication to craft, her keen insight, and her passion for timeless storytelling. In short, Rebecca, you made me believe in magic again.

My agent, Josh Adams at Adams Literary, championed this book right from the start. His belief in this story gave me confidence at a time I desperately needed it, and I am grateful for his unwavering support. Also, I am especially grateful to A. Adams, this book’s first young reader, for her advice and enthusiasm.

Thank you to my early readers, Megan Miranda, Carrie Ryan, and April Tucholke, who were kind enough to offer critiques and invaluable friendship. Thank you as well to my friend James Ballantine for lending his expertise on British military history, and to my father-in-law, Gene Shepherd, for his medical knowledge.

I’d like to express my gratitude to the team at Delacorte Press and Random House, who have also championed this book: Barbara Marcus, Beverly Horowitz, Judith Haut, Dominique Cimina, Anna Gjesteby, John Adamo, Kim Lauber, Melissa Zar, Nick Elliot, Laura Antonacci, Adrienne Waintraub, Lisa Nadel, Kate Gartner, Heather Kelly, Jenica Nasworthy, Colleen Fellingham, Tamar Schwartz, Alice Rahaeuser, Shameiza Ally, Susan Hecht, Kate Sullivan, and Whitney Conyers. Also a special thank you to Daniel Burgess for creating such striking artwork.

And finally, my husband, Jesse, can be blamed for encouraging me to stare at walls and daydream in the first place. Thank you for believing in me.

And as always, a special thanks to my readers. If writing this book was a journey, then you are the destination, and I hope my words have found a home in your hearts.