There’s nothing better than a good children’s book, unless it’s one that is based on real life. That’s the case with Zobo: The First Mustang, the first in a series of books that follows the real history of the mustang in America.
Zobo with his mother, Rain
I see you’ve established two wild horse preserves in New Mexico, and you’re working on starting another one in Texas. Where did your passion for horses come from?
I’ve always been around horses since I was seven, but in ‘99 when I found out what was happening to the mustang it became important to understand their plight and help to preserve them for future generations. It was on their back this country this country was built.
It’s quite a process to produce a picture book. What’s the toughest part?
Finding an artist that understands your concept.
Zobo’s father, Sombrillo
What does the future hold for Zobo? Will there be more books coming?
Zobo is the first generation. The series brings the lineage forward from the area of present day Vera Cruz, Mexico to the government preserve they graze on today. I am presently working on the eighth book in the series and the tenth line of Zobo’s descendants.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was in a kid but didn’t get serious until I was in high school.
Who are your favorite authors?
Thurber, Diaz, Castaneda. I like this quote from Castaneda: The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.
The path Zobo and his family would have taken.
What are you reading right now?
Historical documents from New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.
Bio: Pam and Carlos live in Bastrop Texas on a little parcel of land with their friends; three dogs, Bob, Mindy, and Trish, two cats Molly and Terry, three chickens (the chickens all look alike so they are hard to name), two donkeys, Bella and Storm, and two horses, Bliss, and Crackers. They all live together in harmony most of the time but, sometimes in chaos. When they are not enjoying the bright sunshine of Central Texas or the fantastic sunsets they are thinking about where Zobo’s descendants are going next. Since 1999 Carlos has been rounding up and preserving wild horses. He has established two wild horse preserves in New Mexico. Together with his wife Pam they are trying to raise enough money to purchase land here in Texas to open up another wild horse preserve. They are not asking for donations, which is why they are writing the Zobo series. Through the sale of the books and the development of the movie project, they hope to raise enough money to purchase land for a new preserve.
Ashley O'Melia, Author 
I was the photographer for the New Mexican Horse Project and would like to give some photographs to Carlos. Please contact me same place as before