Virginia horse person of the day

Dennis' book “Gotta Run” was published in 2001. According to the book's back cover, here's what it's about: "Gotta Run is Elsie Sandford's only hope. If he can win the Dogwood Stakes she can stay in horse racing. If not, she may lose everything. But Gotta Run is hungry, bleeding, and lost in the Nevada desert. His greatest challenge is just staying alive in this hostile world of mountain lions and mustangs. Can Miss Elsie find him in time to enter the race? Can this pampered, eastern Thoroughbred even survive in the desert?"

Meet R. Dennis Campbell

       Born: 1950, Washington, D.C., by way of the Shenandoah Valley.

Current residence: Amelia.

Family: Married since 1972, three adult children.

Pets: Judy, a Jack Russell terrier.

Horses: Currently down to one Thoroughbred hunter.

Occupation: Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Powhatan, Virginia, and Bishop Coadjutor, Anglican Orthodox Church.

What is your “claim to fame”?:  My greatest claim to fame is talking Sue into marrying me and staying with me for more than 38 years. Next comes my three children, who raised me as much as I raised them, and who have grown into good and successful human beings.  Third is the Church, which I have been privileged to serve for more than 33 years.

Hobbies: Family, work, horses.

Philosophy on life: Love God.  Love thy neighbor.  Go to Church. Ride horses.

Best horse advice ever received: "Keep the horse between you and the ground," from Cliff Hunt, MFH.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?:  I do have a cell phone, and I know how to use it.

 

Here are Dennis' five tips for people contemplating writing a horse book:

1. Know horses

2. Have a story

3. Do it your way
4. Enjoy it
5. Keep your day job