Ander Erhart

Ander Erhart is Mary Fred's primary romantic interest throughout the series.

From Image Cascade:

Although destined to become a doctor, Ander "still entered and won calf-roping contests. He talked with a soft drawl and walked with a cowboy's rolling gait. His face was always tanned, and a myriad of sun wrinkles framed his eyes. His hands were slim-fingered, strong and capable; his eyes probing and alert."

Though sometimes bossy toward Mary Fred, he offered her a balance for her impetuous nature, particularly as it related to her involvement with horses. Their mutual love of horses brought them together and sustained their relationship.