Chosen by a Horse (Paperback)

by Susan Richards (Author) "IT WAS A cold March day and the horse paddock at the SPCA was full of mud..." (more)
Key Phrases: neck warmer, eating hay, bran mash, Lay Me Down, Manor House, Lav Me Down (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR CHOSEN BY A HORSE

"This is an inspirational story of what family means, and what the loss of one can do to us, and for us."—THE BOSTON GLOBE

"Two kindred spirits find each other in this beautifully written memoir about the human-animal bond."—TEMPLE GRANDIN

Product Description

The horse Susan Richards chose for rescue wouldn’t be corralled into her waiting trailer. Instead Lay Me Down, a former racehorse with a foal close on her heels, walked right up that ramp and into Susan’s life. This gentle creature—malnourished, plagued by pneumonia and an eye infection—had endured a rough road, but somehow her heart was still open and generous. It seemed fated that she would come into Susan’s paddock and teach her how to embrace the joys of life despite the dangers of living.

An elegant and often heartbreaking tale filled with animal characters as complicated and lively as their human counterparts, this is an inspiring story of courage and hope and the ways in which all love—even an animal’s—has the power to heal.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (June 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156031175
• ISBN-13: 978-0156031172
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,298 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story, well written, a must-read for anyone, June 8, 2007

By	Voracious reader - See all my reviews

I picked this book up at a bookstore while I was waiting around for my car to be serviced. Having no intention of buying the book, because I'm not "into" horses, I thought I'd skim through it to see how the author started her story. I'm taking a writing class about spirituality and inspiration. Well, let me tell you, I ended up resenting the fact that the car repair called me right in the middle of my reading--I'd read about 25 pages. I dashed over to cash register, bought the book, drove home (it took me an hour) and all I could think of was how I could hardly wait to get through dinner and settle down again with that book. At 12 midnight, I finished the book, crying my eyes out, trying not to wake up my husband sleeping peacefully at my side. What a book! Susan Richards, keep on writing! We need your sensitivity and insights!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story about the Magic of Horses, September 1, 2007

By	L. Taylor "lrbox" (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Beautiful story about a woman who rescues a neglected horse and at the same time is changed. The rescued horse, Lay Me Down, has a gentle and loving nature even after suffering a terrible life. And this kindness makes Susan re-evaluate her life and the abuse she suffered as a child and in her marriage. I was pulled into the story and enjoyed it to the end even though I was crying.

I highly recommend this book if you love a good horse story. I finished this book in one day!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking and renewing, May 18, 2007

By	Terry B. (Merrimack, NH USA) - See all my reviews

I started reading this book after my normal Friday riding lesson while still at the bookstore with my cup of tea and had read 81 pages before I left. I spent the rest of the evening engrossed and sobbing by the time Susan found Lay Me Down lying in the sun on the last day. My son must have thought I was nuts, crying over a book. I found it somewhat ironic that a social worker had so many issues herself-yet she must have empathy for her clients. She was able to paint a strong visual picture of her horses with their behaviors and Hot Shots grief was as heartbreaking as her own. I'd recommend this book to anyone with a heart.