Angel Horses: Divine Messengers of Hope (Paperback)

~ (Author), Linda Anderson (Author) "Each year three to four hundred captured wild horses are shipped to the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Wichita, Kansas, to become part of the Kansas..." (more)
Key Phrases: little sorrel mare, wind walker, natural horsemanship, Five Star Winner, Wee Lass, Captain Harris (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This lovely collection tells of the hope and healing that comes from contact with horses. Whether used to give disabled riders a sense of freedom and mobility, to heal wounds of childhood abuse, to assist with work, or simply as loving companions, horses bond with people in ways that change them for the better. The stories, contributed by people from all over the country and from all walks of life, introduce Cholla, the horse who paints pictures; a veterinarian who was reminded of the importance of compassion by a dying horse and a Native American chief; Star, a horse who saved a teenage girl from suicide; the late-blooming rider who embarrassed a horse and learned an important lesson about respecting the feelings of others — even if they have four legs; and many others. Whether running through fields or performing intricate dressage drills, horses carry not only riders but messages of unconditional love and hope.

From the Back Cover

"For cultures as diverse as the Celts and the Plains Indians, horses not only represent 'the other' but are considered an oracle, a link to the spirit world. So, too, the horses we meet in Allen and Linda Anderson's collection of stories come to us as equine messengers who, if we are willing to listen, remind us of our own roles and responsibilities to all sentient beings. The stories in Angel Horses are told with passion and insight into the horse-human bond."
-- Anna Banks, PhD, equine massage practitioner and editor of Womentalkhorses.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (October 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577315189
• ISBN-13: 978-1577315186
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #101,264 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #64 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian
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  #82 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Essays

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A touching collection of essays on the bonds between horses and humans., April 30, 2007

By	Monika "equestrienne_23" (Davis, California) - See all my reviews

This book comprises a collection of 38 short essays, all submitted by different authors, about the special ways in which horses have impacted their lives. The essays are divided into four categories. "Love and Dreams" focuses on how a the love of horses can affect people; "Healing and Health" contains stories about lessons learned from equine health troubles, as well as ways in which horses have taught people about their own health; "Courage and Endurance" collects stories about equine heroes and horses that have inspired the people around them; and finally "Spiritual Connection and the Afterlife" explores the spiritual and religious experiences humans have had in connection with horses. After each essay the authors pose a question or two for the reader, designed to prompt reflection on how the story may relate to your own life. At the end of each section is a short, fictional "Ask Zeke" page, where the authors have posed a question to their friend's horse, Zeke, and then composed an reply as if Zeke himself were answering. The stories are a mixed bag of themes, and some impacted me more than others. If you aren't a particularly religious person, you may find a couple of the more supernaturally-oriented stories a little harder to relate to, but on the whole the essays presented here are heartfelt and touching. My favorite pieces were "Emily's Song," about a withdrawn, lonely young girl who finally comes out of her shell in order to help and even lonelier, more withdrawn pony, and "Miracles are Something to Believe In," written by a 12-year-old girl who's pony Lilly saved her life by, counter-intuitively enough, falling on her in a freak accident. The book is a quick and easy read, suitable for horse lovers of all ages, and well worth the time. "Angel Horses" would be a great gift for any horse lover, or a nice treat for yourself.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful collection, March 11, 2007

By	Miss Hater "Avid Reader" (Kentucky,USA) - See all my reviews

This is a beautiful, inspirational collection of real life stories of the love, lessons learned and spirtiual connections that people have with horses.
Each story is sensitively told in the own words of the horse's owner/or the person who has the story to tell.
The book's major focus is on the spirituality and sensitivity of the horse and just how deep that goes in these beautiful creatures.
A gentle plea for people to open their hearts and minds to the wisdom and love horses have to offer at all stages of their lives.
I found the book to be touching and refreshing.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration on every page!, November 30, 2006

By	Chrissy K. McVay "Writer" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

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Not only was it an honor having my essay included in this wonderful anthology, I also found inspiration on every page as I read through the stories from others about how these divine creatures were so important to our spirits. Animal lovers of every age will find something in these essays from the heart. Among my favorites is the essay by Steve Schwertfeger 'Shetland Pony Shaggy's Healing Journey' about a rescued pony. It brought tears and feelings of hope at the same time. You'll want to read this book more than once, and I've definitely included it as a stocking stuffer for my entire family.

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'