Customer Reviews

Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul: Inspirational Stories About Horses and the People Who Love Them (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

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3 star:		(5)
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I don't generally go for books in the "inspirational / self-help" category, but there were a few Chicken Soup books that even I couldn't pass up. The first was "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul," followed by "Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lover's Soul," and now finally, one that addresses my favorite creature of all, "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul." If you are unfamiliar with the Chicken Soup books, they are collections of short (generally 2-5 pages), uplifting, and usually true stories submitted by readers. This particular volume contains 95 such tales, all pertaining to that magnificent animal, the horse. As a collection of short stories, the book can be read at whatever pace you like - an occasional dose here and there whenever you need a pick-me-up, or a consistent one or two stories per day, or even all at once.

The book is divided into seven sections: "A Special Bond" shares tales of the deep and lasting friendships that can arise between horse and human. "Horses as Teachers" looks at the lessons we can learn from our equine friends. "These Amazing Animals" honors horses that have gone beyond the ordinary in a variety of ways, including the story of Sergeant Reckless, a little mare that served in the Korean War. "Horses as Healers" explores the ways in which equines have helped humans overcome all kinds of physical and emotional ills. "On Companionship and Commitment" is very similar to the first section and looks at horse-human bonds. "And... They're Off!" is dedicated entirely to stories of racehoreses. And finally, "Horse... Cetera" pulls together everything that doesn't quite fit anywhere else.

Most horse lovers will find much to enjoy in this book. There are a few duds, and a few of the stories are overly corny or sappy, but the majority are truly heartwarming. Some will make you chuckle, like "Battle of the Titans" (pg. 381) and "Trail Etiquette" (pg. 388). Others will leave you with a wistful smile, like "Confessions of a Horse-Show Father" (pg. 394). And others will simply leave you feeling warm and happy, and appreciative of the good things in life, like "A Job for Missy" (pg. 157) and, one of my personal favorites, "Ride the Yule Tide" (pg. 291). Being an avid racing fan, I was delighted to see an entire section dedicated to racehorses. Included are accounts of well-known runners like Seabiscuit, Da Hoss, Funny Cide, and even the great race mule Black Ruby, as well as tales of more obscure horses who, nevertheless, have interesting stories to share.

"Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul" is almost a guaranteed winner for horse lovers. Some pieces are more entertaining than others, and the writing skills of the contributors varies (though the editors have ensured that all the stories are still very readable), but the overall effect is to bring together horse enthusiasts from all walks of life into a solid, well-rounded collection that will leave you smiling and fulfilled. I opted for the "occasional dosage when needed" method of reading, and each session evoked fond memories of the childhood years I spent around horses, and renewed my resolve to return to the world of riding as soon as I am able (currently a college student with limited funds). This would make a great treat for yourself, a gift for any horse-loving friend - or both!

Isn't it a great feeling when you read the backs of every horse book in the bookstore, and then finally come across one that's perfect? There's something about horse stories that when you read one, you are eager to hear more and more. This book will definately satisfy that feeling, and there are plenty of stories so you can read on and on! I found these submitted tales enjoyable because I could picture exactly what the horse owner must have felt like, since I have a horse of my own. If you don't own a horse yourself, this is still a heartwarming treasury to walk a day (and many more weeks to come!) in an horse person's "boots". Considering that I know many adults that have loved this book as much as I do, kids and adults alike will enjoy it. This is a must-read, must-have, must-go-crazy-for, two hooves up, Chicken Soup book! : )

If you're worried the book will emphasize religion, don't fear - only a few of the stories mention God or directly speak to religion in any way. Essentially this is a series of anecdotes about horses of all kinds, from all kinds of people. Some are well written, others less so, but on the whole the book is an enjoyable and easy read, and great for times when you get interrupted or just want a quick story instead of getting engrossed in a novel. It is easily readable for both kids and adults and contains a number of stories guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye of any true horse lover.

As the husband of a woman addicted to all things equine I must say that I enjoyed this book. My experience with horses typically has to do with broom handling and staying out of the way and I enjoyed the stories of how horses actually enrich people's lives. While I thought horse were mostly good for spending money on I find that they are also good as healers, teachers, companions, and best friends. Like all the Chicken soup books the prose is simple and the stories are short and to the point. Do anyone who likes horses a favor and give them this book.

The book was going great when I was reading it over the summer. I enjoyed all the really neat tales that the authors compiled into this treasury. It was going to be real nice, until the last story completely blew it. The last story is probably going to leave an impact on the reader because they are about to finish the book. This book is meant for horse lovers. Why in the world would the authors want to include a story about a girl who outgrows horses? Especially at the end!

The story just doesn't leave the reader with the serene feeling of finishing a good book. It discourages people from the idea that horses could possibly be forever in a person. (I loved the theory one of the authors talks about, the idea of horse craziness being a disease that some don't escape.) I have (in that author's words) a terminal case of horse craziness. The specific story they chose for the end isn't a good story for terminal cases of horse craziness! This book, in a lot of ways, was extremely enjoyable. All they need to do to make it better would be to get rid of that last story. (And for you all who are contemplating reading this book in the future, just skip the last story or it will ruin the book for you.) Believe me, it did for me.

A great book for everyone. From the Introduction to the end it is definitely a must for every horse lover and everyone else for that matter. It shows us the impact that a horse can have on our lives....forever.
Don't miss this one.

As a first time horse owner (I inhereited three in one day at the age of 24) I am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge of horses and all things equine-related. This book was not only inspirational, but got me familiar with terms I hadn't used in my every day language until I got my horses. This book made me laugh, sniffle, and nod my head in relation to some of the stories. This is a good book for first time horse owners and not-so-new horse owners.

Horse people and non-horse people alike will fall in love with "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul". This book contains seven sections of "Inspirational Stories About Horses and the People Who Love Them". The first section "A Special Bond" contains stories of the connection and friendship between humans and horses. "Horses as Teachers", the second section in the book, is filled with stories of how horses have taught us to take a break from the every day rat race and taught us a lesson or two on just enjoying life. The third section of this Chicken Soup book is called "These Amazing Animals". This section has many stories of the astonishing accomplishments of horses and the things they have helped us to do. Section four, "Horses as Healers", is the one section where you are sure to bawl your eyes out. It contains touching stories of horses helping us get over our fears and overcome any road blocks or rough patches in our lives. The "On Companionship and Commitment" part of the book is much like the first section, focusing on those unique horse-human bonds. "And... They're Off" is a special section dedicated fully to racehorses. Last but most certainly not least, is "Horse... Cetera" where all the other heartwarming stories are placed that just didn't fit into any of the other sections.
"Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul" is even great for people who aren't exactly "Horse Lovers". The book's main focus may be about horses but it is also about inspiration. On every page you are sure to find something that will really help you to live life to the fullest. When you're down in the dumps, "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul" will help you to see that eventually, things will work out and everything will be okay. So get out there! Live your life like there's no tomorrow! Read "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul"!
-K.W.

This book was given to me as a gift. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. I love horses and everything you dream or image about horses is all rolled up in this book. I laughed and cried over the stories I read. If you own a horse or have ridden I'm sure you could relate to some of the stories in this book. It is well worth buying. I have already ordered the second Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul II.

That is what I think best describes the book. It was so good I had to go through and read it a second time after I finally finished. Each short story warms yopur heart and puts a bit of excitment in it:)