Humans and horses have worked and played together for centuries, and this bond finds its way into everyday life when you have a child who loves horses. My oldest son read horse books, played with model horses, and sat astride his stick horse to ride far and wide in search of . . . who knows what? Best of all, he found and married a horse lover, and, together, they dream of a barn and pasture for that someday horse of their own.
The Horse of My Heart captures this adoration of horses in thirty-two stories, written by a team of horse-lovers and expertly corralled by editor, Callie Smith Grant. Sometimes it’s the little girl who grows up to find her heart’s desire in some horse barn, but just as often it’s the mum or dad with the longing for a four-legged friend who doubles as transportation.
Along with this selection of stories, readers will find articles profiling famous horses in history along with informational pieces about horse-lore from the origin of the term “horsepower” to the secret identity of most Amish buggy horses.
“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man,” is a quote I’ve heard attributed to Ronald Reagan, who may have gotten it from Winston Churchill, but a Google search just muddies the waters with names like Woodrow Wilson’s physician and someone named Theodore Parker. At any rate, whoever said the words would appreciate the evidence for their truth provided in the pages of The Horse of My Heart:
“”Horses are herd animals, and Tash and I had found our herd – together. She was my kindred spirit.”
“Baja was a true blue friend who stuck closer than a brother.”
Accounts of horses sleeping outside their owner’s bedroom window, helping their riders to overcome fears, and bringing out the hero in people are just a small cross section of the inspiring tales offered. Writers share their experiences of relationships of mutual trust, and acknowledge that, as they have trained their horse, their horse is also training them.
This inspiring collection is a sure hit for the horse-lovers on your Christmas list.
This book was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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I love animals and I think horses like dogs are also sensitive to humans. I love this. I hope to get a copy soon.
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Michele,
I loved you post…possibly because I loved horses as a young girl…still am entranced by them. I always had my nose in a book like “Misty of Chincoteague” etc. I wanted so badly to go to a camp where you were assigned to a horse and slept over them in a bunk in the stable. I truly think there is a bond between animals and humans if we take the time to establish it. I think I would really like this book! Thank you..
Blessings,
Bev
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What a fun fact about Bev Duncan, horse lover! I have a number of young friends who are in love with horses, and my dear daughter-in-love. Obviously, I had to read and review this book! So glad that it brought back good childhood memories for you!
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As always, Michele, I’m amazed by your prolific reading and reviewing skills. I think back to grade school–reading the book was easy, but writing a concise review was so difficult.
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You’re so sweet and encouraging. This book about horses is one that I would have loved as a young person, and that’s one reason why I reviewed it!
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We have quiet a few books about horses and this looks like a nice addition to our collection.
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Great review, Michele! I’ve always found horses to be fascinating creatures, so this sounds like an awesome book to read. Thanks so much for sharing! GOD bless you, Beautiful! 🙂
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I love this book too. I am finishing it up now and hope to review it next week. The story of the male horse protecting the little baby just grabbed at my heart. Thanks for sharing on Literacy Musing Mondays. 🙂
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So many good horse stories. I’ll be looking for your review!
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Michele, it is amazing all that we can learn through animals & God’s creatures. I read “Flash the Donkey” last year & was touched deeply. Thank you for sharing about this book!
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I was one of them! I ate, drank, dreamed and drew horses from sun up to sun down!
When we were married, 37 years ago, my husband made an oral contract with me that if I married him he’d get me a horse. Now I’ve had 3.
I never wanted to just “own” a horse. Having it boarding it someplace was out of the question. So, what he really promised me was a farm.
For the past 20 years I’ve been able to look out my windows and see my horses right outside my door!
God is SO GOOD! He truly grants us the desires of our hearts!
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Sounds as if you should have been one of the chapters of that fun book!
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So glad you shared this, Michele! This will be the perfect gift for a friend of mine! Have a blessed day!
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So happy when my book reviews are helpful!
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My youngest would likely love this book. She loves horses! Thanks for sharing with What to Read Wednesday.
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Ooh, I’ve got some kiddos who would sure enjoy this book! Winter Promise curriculum actually has an entire year of science and history called equestrian studies! This book would go perfectly with it, I’m sure! Thanks so much for linking this up at Booknificent Thursday this week!
Tina
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I’ve heard of that curriculum! What fun!
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