Yes, I know I’m supposed to be writing my own novel, but I started this book a while back and wanted to finish it. It was really, really good, but have the tissues handy if you read it!
Chosen by a Horse is a memoir by Susan Richards. She agreed to foster a Standardbred mare and her foal when they and nearly 40 other mares and foals were confiscated by the SPCA from a farm where they were abused and neglected. She brought this mare, Lay Me Down, back to her own farm even though she lived alone, already owned three horses and Lay Me Down was so sick she had no guarantee of survival. The foal was inexplicably returned to the abusive owner (apparently to be surrendered to a vet to whom the owner owed money), but Lay Me Down eventually recovered from the malnutrition and lung infection she was suffering from when Ms. Richards brought her home.
You would think that a horse who had been abused, nearly starved, and denied medical care would be the either the meanest or most skittish horse on earth, but Lay Me Down had a big, loving heart and over the following months, she helped Ms. Richards – who had a past just as horrific as Lay Me Down’s – open up her own heart through caring for this wonderful horse.
I won’t give away any more of the story, because you really should read it for yourself. It’s a really good book; very well-written and touching. I will tell you that when I got to the end, I was reading it in bed next to Bill, who was already asleep, and I was sobbing so hard I was afraid I would wake him. So you’ve been warned – grab a hankie with this book.
My one and only complaint is that there was only one photograph, on the title page. I sure would have loved to see some pictures of Lay Me Down and the other horses (Hotshot, Tempo and especially the lovely Georgia). But I guess Ms. Richards is more like me than Bill – at our house, Bill pretty much takes all the pictures, and I prefer to live the moment rather than photograph it. Apparently Ms. Richards feels the same way, and only takes pictures when the moment demands it, such as the one on the title page (in the book, she talks very specifically about taking that one photo, and why). But she paints such a vivid picture with words that you can imagine everything in your head almost as well as if you did have a photograph to see.
All in all, Chosen by a Horse is one of the best books I’ve read, fiction or non-fiction. Definitely a must-read.
OMG! I was bawling at the end of this book…a great read for any animal lover, not just a lover of horses.
I read this book while flying from Missouri to Eastern Washington. It was so good that I was actually happy to have my connecting flight delayed in Denver so that I could finish the book without interruption.
Wow, it sounds like a book that I should read. I have problems with my eyes so I only ready very special books but I think this one would qualify. Thanks for the tip.
I love how you wrote about a book. And it sounds really really good book, too. I think I am going to buy and it and read it. Great Post!!:)
When I first read this book I rented it from the local library and was just bawling at the end because at that time I was going through the same things with my horse, questioning myself and if I was doing the right thing. I just stumbled upon this book and it really helped me out during such a rough time that I went out and bought it so I could read it again and again.
PS Love the book review, if you are an avid reader, I’d love to see more horse related reviews on here.
Wow sounds like an amazing book! I’m going to have to go find it. Thanks for the book review I don’t usually see many around now that I’ve left school. lookig forward to some more.
I can’t wait to read the book, going to get it tomorrow! I even plan to grab a few extra copies for Christmas gifts….
Thanks!
Mikki,
Thanks for an excellent book review. I was actually considering reading this book, but hadn’t gotten around to buying it…not sure if it would be worth it.
But now I know I need to check it out!
Maybe instead of writing your own novel, you may want to consider writing horse-related book reviews for horse publications/magazines?
Great job!
Dear Mikki
This is the author of Chosen By A Horse. I want to thank you for your beautifully written and generous review of my book. I deeply appreciate your kind words. Good luck with your writing your novel. Let us know when we can buy it.
Susan Richards
Wow, what a lot of feedback on this post! I think Shelly is on to something – more book reviews are in order. Any excuse to read more books!
Did all of you who said you planned to buy it, get it yet? Because I’d love to hear what you think.
And did all of you notice that the AUTHOR posted a comment? Thank you to Ms. Richards for taking the time to write. All the praise of your book – mine and the others who posted – was well-deserved. Such a deeply moving story. I hope you too, are working on a novel and we’ll be able to read more from you soon! (Don’t hold your breath for mine.
)
I am dying to read this book now that you mentioned it. How did you find out about it?
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hi! I just wanted to thank you for suggesting this wonderful book! I am also a new horse owner (1 year) and I read your website all the time. You offer some great advice that I will be using for sure. I found “Chosen By a Horse” on eBay and just finished it last night. I was crying so hard that my 10 year old daughter came in and asked what was wrong. What a beautiful, wonderful, inspiring book! It’s certainly a keeper! I hope you keep posting– I’ll keep reading!!!
I loved this book, cried through most of it! It was so beautiful.I don”t own a horse, but I have always been facinated by them. This book shows me why!!!!!!!
Hello,
I have just started reading the book, I am a quick reader, so on the first day I was reading it and came to page 40. I feel sad for Susan about the foal, when she was trying to get the new halter on her. I feel sorry about the trouble that they were in. I also feel sad for Lay Me Down by the troubles she went in. She had a great life I quickly understood, but when it came to the wet,dirty,disgusting mud and muck, I felt super sad. Please e-mail me at warriormist@yahoo.com. Anyone may e-mail me. I have a horse of my own, hes sufforing from Melanoma. But anyway, about the book. On the cover, that horse, I already new that horse picture, and I fell inlove with it. Then I havn’t seen the picture in a few days, and it was like it haunted me. Because I was watching TV at home which I never do usually, (I’m not a TV freak like probably everyone out there) but my older sister, (19 going on 20) came home and brought me Chosen By a Horse by Susan Richards. I was very excited, (the show I was watching was Naruto) the next day I started reading it, then came to page 40 of course. But on page 39, or some before that had a cuss word. I didn’t enjoy it at all. But if you would like to know what it is, I’m not telling,read for yourself.
Loving to read it
-Caitlin
OMG this is my favorite book in the world! I was so sad when lay me down had to be put down i was crying for an hour! any ways loved the book!