Customer Reviews

The Horses of Proud Spirit

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is definitely NOT just for horse lovers. It's for anyone who appreciates life, and is saddened by abuse of any of God's Creatures. Melanie Bowles has done a masterful job of putting in just the right amount of description, not too wordy (verbose), not too sparse. I was extremely touched by her recounting her father's passing, as I was the only one with my father when he passed. This book will tug at your heart strings and touch you deeply. Some of her tales are sweet, some are funny, and a few are painfully sad. I feel a bond with this remarkable writer, simply from reading her book. Hope she writes a sequel!

As Melanie's husband, I just want to say this is one of the best books I have ever read. I am an avid reader and this is not my particular choice of genre. Having lived every chapter in the book, and knowing each story, I was still unable to put the book down. The book brought back a flood of memories with every chapter I read. It shows the love and dedication Melanie has to these magnificent animals, and the trust that they put in her. A must read for any animal lover. Thanks for writing this.

...because this book will make you cry with both sorrow and joy. Sometimes the sadness is almost too much to bear but then a happy story will follow. Such is real life with horses, none of them live forever. If not for people like the author and her many friends and helpers and the countless other private rescue people out there the number of horses suffering without any chance for rescue would boggle the mind. I think this book should be mandatory reading for everyone, animal lover or not, so their eyes will be open to the signs of abuse and they will report it early enough to make a difference.

(Review by Rafael Citra, FL) I took The Horses of Proud Spirit with me to read on the plane and during the evenings during my recent business trip. When I mentioned to my wife (she had already read the book) that I would start reading the book while waiting for my flight and while on the plane, she said "I don't think that reading the book in public places is a good idea because you will get emotional reading about the horses and I don't think you want strangers seeing you cry." Well I did not listen to her advice. While at the airport terminal, I started reading the book and it just totally absorbed me. It was when we were called to go through security, that I realized that I had tears flowing down my cheeks (yes, grown men do cry). I tried to stop the tears, a mixture of sadness (caused by the abuse suffered by these horses), anger (caused by the harm and abuse some humans brought upon the horses), and joy (the horses regaining their spirit) but they continued to flow for about another five minutes. After that experience, I read the book in the privacy of my hotel room. It is a moving and heart warming book that touches all of our human emotions! It is a testament to the sprit of horses and to the kindness, passion, and strength of one woman!

My husband and I both read it. It is difficult to put down. The chapters flow and take you into some very mystical and magical places where you learn of the amazing stories of the Horses of Proud Spirit. We both would highly recommend this book. It would also be a wonderful gift for others.

Melanie Sue Bowles' The Horses Of Proud Spirit is the true story of Melanie's efforts to take in and care fore broken, abused, and neglected horses. Each year, over 70,000 horses in the United States are sent to slaughter; hundreds of thousands more suffer terrible conditions. Proud Spirit is a place where even the most severely hurt animals are given a chance to relearn how to trust, and experience love and companionship with human caretakers and other horses. A noble and inspirational true-life presentation, The Horses Of Proud Spirit is a unique and welcome contribution to both school and community library Pets/Wildlife collections -- and is most especially recommended reading for dedicated horse lovers of all ages.

Whether you are involved with horses or not, this is an inspiring book. As sad as it is to read some of the chapters, there are also some that bring a smile to your face. I have come to be friends with Melanie and visited her sanctuary so I've met some of the horses she wrote about. I truly have not met a woman quite like her. She is special beyond words. Buy this book for your friends and family. If we all did a little bit to help, this world would be a nicer place.

When we consider why are we on this earth, the bottom line is to make a difference through service to others. Melanie tells the story of those powerless to tell it themselves, those abused and unwanted horses she and her husband Jim have very selflessly and lovingly saved. Not just a story about horses or only for horse lovers, it inspires one to follow the author's lead and make a difference in the world, whether in the paddock, the classroom, or the office. Simply told, it is accessible to those of all ages with an open heart. Buy and read this book, then pass it along! You will love it.

The Horses of Proud Spirit is a beautifully written book. The pages are full of love and pain, but throughout, Melanie's love for her horses shines through. I can't remember EVER reading a book where I cried so much! I recommend this book to anyone who loves horses and the true spirit that resides inside them. The cruelty of humans toward animals is a fact of life, but Melanie shows through her words that love and patience can heal the pain left by human hands.

Ms.Bowles makes an elegant statement on the connections that caring human beings establish with horses. The book is an example as to how we should treat each other, with dignity, respect and humanity.
Although horses articulate the message, people should heed the lesson. Adults and children will find this a wonderful read.
Each chapter chronicles the trials and tribulations of a particular horse who overcomes the frailities of its owner to finally achieve a life filled with peace and kindness. One comes to appreciate the depth these animals possess and their capacity to forgive.
Melanie has a warm, self-effacing style and displays a limitless capacity not only to care but to give something back that makes us feel better about ourselves.