Mary Jane Parkinson

Mary Jane Parkinson is a name synonymous with Arabian horses. Her passion for these majestic animals began at a young age, when she was known as a “horse crazy” kid. Little did she know that this interest would turn into a lifelong career. Today, she is a renowned author and researcher.

Author Mary Jane Parkinson at home.

Her First Book

Mary Jane’s journey began in 1975 with the publication of her first book, The Kellogg Arabian Ranch: the First 50 Years. The book chronicle the history of the Kellogg Ranch and its influence on the Arabian breed. It was an instant hit.  And in 1984, it was updated with a new addition that brought the Kellogg history to 1985. Then, in 1990, the Romance of the Kellogg Ranch, celebrated 75 years of Kellogg breeding, educating, and entertaining.

In 1986, Mary Jane (“Janey”) co-authored The Tersk Heritage: in Recognition of the History and Future of the Arabian Horse. This book is a tribute to the Arabian horse breed, and was well received by the Arabian community. Mary Jane’s next book: And Ride Away Singing, published in 1989, presented the breeding philosophy of Brazy Tankersley of Al-Marah Arabians, prominent and enduring names in the Arabian horse world.

Gladys Brown Edwards: Artist, Scholar, Author (2006), was written about Janey’s dear friend, the late Gladys Brown Edwards. It brought new appreciation for GBE and presented a number of her paintings, sculptures and writings on the Arabian horse.

Editor: Arabian Horse World Magazine

In the early 1980s Mary Jane’s writing skills caught the attention of Arabian Horse World Magazine, and she joined the magazine as a staff writer. She was eventually named editor of the magazine. For many years, she contributed articles and help shape the content of the publication.

Parkinson Today

Janey lives on a small ranch in the San Diego, California area. Her home is enlivened by the antics of two mini-dachshunds. Her office is overcrowded by books, works of art, and dozens of bulging files – all on Arabian horses.

Janey’s love for the Arabian horse has not waned since she was a young girl. Her contributions to the literature are noteworthy. Her contributions to the Arabian horse community are significant. She educated and inspired generations of owners and would be owners of Arabian horses. Her passion for these animals is contagious. And she remains a vital figure in the world of the Arabian horse.

. . .

See the Mary Jane Parkinson Exhibition

at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum

Now Through December 31, 2025