On the Rocky Mountain Horse Association show circuit, Rockin' Dobbin was a champion.
He also was an adverting star, appearing in print and TV advertisements for Mane 'n Tail hair care products for horses.
Around children, he was "a gentle giant," said his owner Diana Medler. When he met children, especially those who were ill, he would put his head down for them to pat and for them touch his mane, which was more than 5 feet long.
In the eyes of those children, Medler could see how they wanted to be riding Rockin' Dobbin.
The children inspired Medler to write a book about Dobbin's adventures helping children during their dreams.
She will be signing copies of "Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" starting at 1 p.m. today at Hastings in Richmond. The book features colorful artwork based on original paintings by Amanda D. Olson.
Medler loves to read the story to children. Just this week, she appeared at Northeastern Elementary School in Fountain City.
"I love to see their faces... Their eyes just sparkle," she said. "The book seems to have captured the imagination of children. When they clap, that makes me feel good...
"Children are just fascinated because he was a real horse."
Children, Medler said, ask questions about the length of the horse's mane, if he was nice, if he would bite and if she rode him. They like hearing that Dobbin wanted a hug everyday.
The story also has inspired recognition. The book was chosen for the 2010 Reader's Favorite Award and also received a five-star approval rating from Reader's Favorite, an organization that rates children's books.
Sadly, Dobbin has not been able to enjoy the book's success. He died at age 17 just before the book he inspired went to print, Medler said.
Rockin' Dobbin had been part of Medler's family for a long time. She and her husband bought him from a man in Irving, Ky., and brought him to their Indian Hill Farm, which is in Randolph County but has a Williamsburg address.
Dobbin was a breeding stallion and the International Champion of the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. He also won other honors.
On the farm, Medler used the Mane 'n Tail products on Dobbin and one day decided to share his beauty with the makers of Mane 'n Tail, sending them a letter and a photo Soon, Rockin' Dobbin was the star of the company's commercials and advertisements. He remains one of Mane 'n Tail's featured horses,
"He's just kind of known around the world," Medler said. "He's getting to be kind of a legend. He lives on."
Reporter Rachel E. Sheeley: (765) 973-4458 or rsheeley@pal-item.com

Reviews

Here are a couple more reviews for my book
By
Angela Cater "Angela Cater, Children's writer... (Manchester, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dobbin and the Stardust Trail (Paperback) Like most young girls, I went through a few years when I was crazy about horses. "Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" would really have captured my imagination with its beautifully whimsical horse illustrations by Amanda Olsen. Diana Medler's story tells of a magical and heavenly herd of horse who visit children in their sleep at night and take them flying amongst the stars. When a little girl, Sarah is seriously ill in hospital and it seems like medicine can no longer help her, Dobbin and his child friend, Diana, find a way to reach her in her dreams and start her on the road to recovery.This is a story that will capture the imagination of young children, and the delightful paintings will make it one that they wish to return to. It is made all the more special by its dedication to a real horse "Rockin Dobbin" who was the inspiration behind the story.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Dobbin is a great children's story, April 20, 2011
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Author Lori A. Moore (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dobbin and the Stardust Trail (Paperback) Not only is Dobbin and the Stardust Trail a fun story for kids, but as an adult, I enjoyed reading about the history of the real horse (Rockin' Dobbin) and all that he inspired. His photo with his tremendously long mane is fantastic! Children will enjoy this story of a horse who visits them in their dreams and takes them on fun adventures.
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Dobbin and the Stardust Trail by Diana Medler ISBN 978-0-9821563-8-4
Review by Chris Phillips
Medler has written a wonderful tale of friends helping friends. The illustrations by Amanda D Olson enhance the words, transforming them into an exquisite dream for children.
Diana, the main character, and Dobbin are partners in a dream existence. They travel to the fields of a heaven populated by magical horses. On a particular night Diana hears of a horse that has been left alone and his little girl Sarah, who has not called him from the fields. Diana and Dobbin must fix the situation and save Sarah.
The characters are well developed for the shortness of the book. Medler is able to start here a series that could well become another family tradition.
Hopefully, Medler will write many tales of Diana and Dobbin’s adventures. The enclosed picture of the horse Rockin’ Dobbin and his life story are wonderful extras.
Published by Good Sound Publishing, 2009. (www.goodsoundpublishing.com) ($10.99 USD SRP/Amazon $10.99 USD) Reviewer received book from the author.

Book Signing

I will be at the Hastings Book Store in Richmond, IN reading my book and signing them. The time is Saturday, February 25th, at 1 pm . This should be fun!!! Hope to see you there. Adding a few pictures of some of the horses who have lived on our farm.

School Visit

I will be at Northeastern Elementary School tomorrow reading my book. Looking forward to visiting the school and seeing the children. My daughter went to this school. It will be like going back in time to see these halls, again.

Newspaper Interview

Hi, I am going to do an interview with the Palladium Item Newspaper in Richmond, IN about my book today. This will be for a book signing I will do at Hastings in Richmond on February 25th. I will be reading the book for story time and then sign books. Looking forward to this time. I will keep everyone informed how the interview goes.

Travel Time

I went to Lexington, KY on Saturday to deliver a gelding to his new owner. I always love traveling to Horse Country. The farm where I took him to was beautiful and horses were running the fields. The people there had my book and were asking when the next one would be available. They wanted details about my other stories. Makes a person feel really good about the enthusiastic response from readers. This picture is my granddaughter and one of our horses. I thought you might enjoy seeing this.