Tami Hoag Donates Westfalen Gelding - Fhilosopher to   Become a Professor at The University of Findlay's Equestrian Studies Program

Wellington, FL (July 6, 2010) - Fifteen-time New York Times bestselling mystery writer and professional Grand Prix dressage rider, Tami Hoag has donated Fhilosopher, her 11-year-old Westfalen gelding by Fidermark to take midterm tests as well as dressage tests at The University of Findlay in Ohio.  Hoag describes him as a "wonderful horse with an incredible character and a lot of quality."

While Fhilosopher will be an asset to the college, Hoag explained he has limitations that will not allow him to be a top FEI horse.  Therefore, her loss will be the gain of UF students.  In fact, instead of the judge's bell, Fhil will start his day to the school bell.  Hoag said, "with Fhilosopher, the students will learn what it feels like to ride a truly world class mover, and how to maintain a soft consistent contact with the bridle with a horse that sometimes likes to play hide-and-seek with the bit!  He will make any student who mounts him a better rider with a greater awareness for quality of gaits."

Janet Harms, head dressage instructor of the English Equestrian program stated, "Fhil is a wonderful asset to our program; enabling students to observe correct training and apply it to the horses they are assigned.  Students will see what it has taken to train a horse to Fhil's level and thus gain even more appreciation, with a discipline like dressage.  We have been fortunate to have many great school master horses donated to our program from across the country with each being special in its own way.  Fhil is not only a beautiful asset, but is talented, knowledgeable, athletic, and has the presence to be a "Fhilosopher" to our students.  Special thanks to Tami Hoag for her special gift and we are proud to have Fhilosopher in our program."  Harms added, "here at Findlay, the Equestrian Studies Program offers a variety of equestrian programs in bachelor's and two-year associate's degrees with a concentration in English or western disciplines."

As Hoag parts with Fhilosopher, she concludes "it's a win-win situation for everyone.  Findlay will get a top-notch horse, and I know Fhil will have a terrific home with excellent care, and plenty of young women fawning over him on a daily basis.  He will love it!"

Hoag released her latest mystery novel Deeper Than the Dead, this year and it quickly became her fifteenth New York Times bestseller.  Fans can look forward to the sequel of Deeper Than the Dead called Secrets To the Grave, scheduled for release in December of 2010.  For more information about Tami Hoag, or to see a list of her novels, visit her website at www.tamihoag.com.

Photo: Tami Hoag aboard Fhilosopher who will be at the head of the class at The University of Findlay's English Equestrian Studies Program in Ohio.
(Photo courtesy of Tami Hoag) Permission given by JRPR, Inc. and Tami Hoag.


UPDATE:

Spring Semester 2012

Fhilosopher has settled into college life quite nicely.  He has been ridden by several students and by our head Dressage instructor - Janet Harms. 
Here Fhil is being ridden by senior student - Emily Staadecker.
What a beautiful pair!