​​​EQUUS Film & Arts Fest | The Mustang Summit

The first of a series, The Power of Kindness shares how
Li’l Herc helps ‘Marie’ heal from a difficult time in her life
due to a lifelong illness. Because she is unable to run
and play or even go to school, Marie feels ‘different’ than
other kids, and worries things may never change for her.
She spends a lot of time with her dog, Frida, while
reading books about places around the world that she
dreams to visit someday.

Li’l Herc is sure that he can help Marie—because he
knows that “horses are good at helping people.” Through
his horse sense, and kindness, Li’l Herc helps Marie
grow stronger, physically and mentally. As their
relationship deepens, so does Marie’s hope that she can
have her own adventures. Li’l Herc offers to be her travel
companion because that is also what horses are good at
doing. Frida will join them because true friends always
stick together.

Li’l Herc is based on Hercules, the real-life Lusitano bay
colt owned by first time horse owner and author,
Suzanne Kopp-Moskow. Li’l Herc is brought into Marie’s
life by Frida, based on Suzanne’s real-life tri-color
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to help Marie overcome
her sadness and frustration. The story is inspired by the
author’s own struggles from childhood.

Bringing Li'l Herc from paddock to paper,
is French artist and multi-media illustrator
Beatrice Bulteau of Portugal.