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She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One Paperback – March 28, 2022

by Sarah V. Barnes (Author), Linda Kohanov (Foreword)

431 ratings

Book 1 of 2: She Who Rides Horses

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Set more than 6,000 years ago, She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One) begins the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse. Daughter of a clan chief, bolder than the other girls but shunned by the boys because of her unusual appearance, Naya wanders alone through the vast grasslands where her people herd cattle and hunt wild horses for their meat. But Naya dreams of creating a different kind of relationship with the magnificent creatures. One day, she discovers a filly with a chestnut coat as uncommon as her own head of red hair. With time running out before she is called to assume the responsibilities of adulthood, Naya embarks on a quest to gallop with the filly across the boundless steppe. Unwittingly, she sets in motion forces and events that will change forever the future of humans and horses alike.

Editorial Reviews

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"...impeccably detailed novel... with a well-developed setting and characters... A teenage girl in ancient times starts a sacred journey to become the first person ever to tame and ride a horse... Barnes skillfully develops key relationships in a manner that will make readers invested in the narrative." - Kirkus Reviews

"In the inspiring first installment of her A Saga of the Ancient Steppe series, historian Barnes invests welcome warmth and heart into a dramatic imagining of the story of the first horse ever tamed, some 6,000 years ago on the Pontic-Caspian Steppe... In simple, clear prose Barnes brings life to a cast of smart, fully realized characters who possess the insight to do what no one else has done. Barnes also, most memorably, captures the beauty and gentleness of the horses. Rich descriptions of the era and the determination of the young adult characters, along with prudent encouragement of the adults, make this adventure a must-read for lovers of horses and historical fiction." - Booklife/Publishers Weekly

"[Barnes's]... writing truly shines when describing the fascinating interactions between people and wild horses... SHE WHO RIDES HORSES isn't just a historical novel, but a spiritual manual that includes some universal lessons. In trying to tame the horses, Naya... must first learn how to communicate and empathize with them without scaring them away. A crucial first step is learning to understand one's true self... SHE WHO RIDES HORSES... is at its best when adding a spiritual dimension to a story about [the]... delicate relationship between humans and horses." - Indie Reader

"... a rich work of historical fiction that imagines the story of the first individual who ever came to tame and ride a wild horse. Barnes's prose is smooth, evocative, and pleasingly descriptive. The author brilliantly captures the lives of those in an ancient world with vivid and authentic detail... In concept and execution, this is a highly unique work of historical fiction that will deeply gratify readers... the author's approach to the topic of the human-animal bond is thoughtful, philosophical, and resonant." - Booklife 2022 General Fiction Prize Review

From the Author

Winner of the Best Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction, the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest Award for Historical Fiction, and the Global Book Award Gold Medal for Coming of Age Fiction.

I did not intend to start writing a novel. Instead, the words just flowed. A girl, dressed in animal hides, uncommon blue eyes scanning a distant horizon. A filly, her unusual chestnut coat as red as the girl's own hair, lit like a flame by the rays of the setting sun. The boundless grasslands of ancient Eurasia. The first person to ride a horse. A story filled with adventure, peril, love and betrayal. All the details were there - the characters, the setting, the plot - waiting in some other dimension to be made manifest. She Who Rides Horses chose me to be the storyteller.

As a former academic historian, my aim has been to keep the story of the domestication of horses as close to the evidence as possible, keeping in mind that there is always a gap between what actually occurred and what we can know about the past based on scholarly research. That gap is where imagination lives. It's the place where storytelling becomes a sacred privilege. The place where stories dwell.
I hope you enjoy book one of the saga of Naya and the red filly. Look for the books two and three of the trilogy to appear soon.

Warmly, Sarah

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lilith House Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 28, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1736967339
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1736967331
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.3 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ She Who Rides Horses
Best Sellers Rank: #428,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #527 in Ancient History Fiction (Books)
- #760 in Animal Fiction (Books)
- #938 in Coming of Age Fiction (Books)
Customer Reviews:
431 ratings

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Sarah V Barnes

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Critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist Sarah V. Barnes is both a historian and a horsewoman. Her first novel, She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, received the 2022 Best Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction, among other prizes. A Clan Chief’s Daughter represents the second installment in the She Who Rides Horses trilogy. When not writing stories, Sarah practices and teaches riding as a meditative art. She also offers equine-facilitated coaching and wellness workshops. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and spent many years as a college professor before turning full-time to riding and writing. She has two grown daughters and lives with her husband, her dogs, and her horses near Boulder, CO.

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431 global ratings

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Customers find this book a purely delightful read with a good and exciting story well-told. The writing is beautifully crafted, with one customer highlighting the vivid detailing of clothes and garments. Customers appreciate the depth of the characters and the historical detail, with one review noting the well-researched underpinning. They value the human connection portrayed in the book, with one mentioning the intimate interactions between horses and humans.

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Readability Storyteller Writing style Character depth Writing quality Historical detail Human connection

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and delightful to read, with one customer noting it appeals to both young people and adults.

"A captivating and movingly beautiful story of a girl, Naya, whose special red hair flows in the wind and showcases her strong and capable personality..." Read more

"A thoroughly enjoyable read that has me eagerly anticipating book two. Sarah Barnes has a beautiful style and way with words...." Read more

"Love this book and the author describes the settings in such a way that I can remember and almost can see it as if I were there...." Read more

"She Who Rides Horses was a purely delightful read. I enjoyed this book immensely and wouldn’t hesitate to read the rest of the series...." Read more

15 customers mention "Storyteller"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in this book, finding it exciting and well-told, with one customer noting it is steeped in history and intrigue.

"A captivating and movingly beautiful story of a girl, Naya, whose special red hair flows in the wind and showcases her strong and capable personality..." Read more

"...The story is charming and easy to read. Sarah Barnes has obviously researched and is well suited to write about this time period...." Read more

"...From the start, this book is intriguing and exciting...." Read more

"...Although titled as the first book in a Saga, this is a complete story and can be read as a stand-alone book...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written, with one customer noting how accurately the horses are portrayed and another highlighting the vivid detailing of clothes and garments.

"...The author is especially talented at drawing the reader into a world very different from our own...." Read more

"...We are drawn into the raw wildness and untamed promise of the horses...." Read more

"...from the first line, and felt very happy to see horses captured so accurately in writing...." Read more

"...as is made apparent through, for example, the vivid detailing of the clothes and garments...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character depth"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters in the book, with one review highlighting the well-developed personality of Naya.

"...Naya’s personality is well-developed and she matures throughout the story, becoming a young woman ready to take on responsibilities when the story..." Read more

"...Naya and the horses, the story also explores the interpersonal relationships between various characters, and the reader learns about life at the..." Read more

"...Her research, personal knowledge and experience bring the characters, landscapes and interactions to life...." Read more

"...felt intimate and carefully written, and this extended to the interactions between characters...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it fascinating and well-crafted, with one customer noting its detailed descriptions and another highlighting its vivid portrayal of customs.

"...The descriptions of scenery, people, and customs are vivid and easy to connect with...." Read more

"...From the start, this book is intriguing and exciting...." Read more

"...We are drawn into the raw wildness and untamed promise of the horses...." Read more

"...to see it more often, but the frank tone and blunt way of thinking feels very appropriate...." Read more

8 customers mention "Historical detail"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical detail in the book, with one noting its well-researched underpinning and another mentioning how it weaves in nature's mysteries and wonders.

"...Sarah Barnes has obviously researched and is well suited to write about this time period...." Read more

"...seem like a history book, it is clear that the historical background has been thoroughly researched...." Read more

"...A stunning first novel by a horsewoman, historian, and storyteller extraordinaire." Read more

"...Sarah Barnes deftly weaves details about a fascinating and rarely-covered time in history with a truly compelling story of the human/horse..." Read more

4 customers mention "Human connection"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the human connection in the book, with one noting how each interaction felt intimate, and another highlighting how it explores the bond between animals and humans.

"...knowledge and experience bring the characters, landscapes and interactions to life...." Read more

"...Each interaction felt intimate and carefully written, and this extended to the interactions between characters...." Read more

"...The characters all felt real, the relationships reflected the strengths and difficulties of nomadic tribal life and life on the steppe...." Read more

"Horse Human Connection..." Read more

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Sarah Pearce
Charming Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022
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She Who Rides Horses was a purely delightful read. I enjoyed this book immensely and wouldn’t hesitate to read the rest of the series.

This story follows Naya, a Clan girl living on the wild steppes thousands of years ago. She is known for her unique red hair and fierce personality. She encounters wild horses while exploring one day and connects with a red-haired horse. She has a vision to make the horses part of the Clan, and longs to ride her red horse one day. While the Clan is journeying to their winter home, however, she is injured. The story follows her visions as she is called to form deep bonds with the wild horses and the travelers she meets.

The story is charming and easy to read. Sarah Barnes has obviously researched and is well suited to write about this time period. The descriptions of scenery, people, and customs are vivid and easy to connect with. Naya’s personality is well-developed and she matures throughout the story, becoming a young woman ready to take on responsibilities when the story draws to a close.

The horses and even Naya’s dog, Amu, are described in detail and made me feel as though I was part of the story. I’m excited there will be a 2nd book and I look forward to reading it.

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Kindle Customer no name ever
Great basis for a story... But
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025
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I personally didn't care for all the references to spirits and mysterious other worlds influences on the events. the author can write very well but I wished she had focused on real life explanations.

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3 people found this helpful

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Kathrin Spinnler
Excellent Historical Fiction
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022
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She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes is a historical fiction novel about a young girl who lived 6,000 years ago and was the first person who began to tame horses. The story follows Naya as she develops a special connection with a band of wild horses on the steppe.

From the start, this book is intriguing and exciting. The author is especially talented at drawing the reader into a world very different from our own. Although the characters live a life we can barely imagine, we emphasize with them and eagerly follow their journey.

Aside from the growing bond between Naya and the horses, the story also explores the interpersonal relationships between various characters, and the reader learns about life at the dawn of civilization. Although the story flows well throughout and doesn’t seem like a history book, it is clear that the historical background has been thoroughly researched. For those who are interested in learning more about the facts behind the fiction, there is a section at the back that goes into more depth.

I would highly recommend She Who Rides Horses to anyone who enjoys diving into a completely different world and learning something about history. It is a great read for young people but equally intriguing for adults.

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Kindle Customer
She who rides horses
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
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Awesome could not put down kept me enthralled entire time. Thank goodness for another book hope fully th
Ere will be more

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Amazon Customer
Compelling story brought to life by vidid details
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2022
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She Who Rides Horses is a book to be enjoyed by adults and teens. The author, Sarah V. Barnes is a scholar, an equestrian, and a mother of two daughters. Her research, personal knowledge and experience bring the characters, landscapes and interactions to life. The reader can see the beauty of the steppes 4000 years ago and the power of the seasons. We are drawn into the raw wildness and untamed promise of the horses. And yet, we are also comforted by the familiar: the teenagers seeking independence but not yet certain what that means, the adults balancing responsibility and emotion. There is nothing trite or commonplace about this book - it is as engaging as it is beautifully written. Although titled as the first book in a Saga, this is a complete story and can be read as a stand-alone book. But over the course of the pages, I came to care about the characters, both human and horse and hope to read more as the saga continues. I highly encourage reading and coming along on the journey.

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I loved reading this book...
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022
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Until the very end!! It felt like stepping off a cliff in total darkness! What, dear author, had happened to Naya's clan at the winter camp? Were they attacked and decimated by rival clans? Were they ravaged by a horrible winter? And what of the unexpected kiss between Nana's father and the widow? And, apparently, there's no sequel or epilogue to answer these questions!

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Top reviews from other countries

Gail Boone
A must read.....
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2022
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Every now and then you’ll come across the book you know you will keep forever and read over and over again. This is one of those books. And I’m surprised by that. It’s not my typical read. Sarah though, in her brilliant way, opens up new worlds to explore. In addition to a great story, Sarah offers her readers something unique and readily available to if read and experienced with an open heart. Sarah is a gifted and beautiful writer who invites us on a journey of self-discovery and what is possible to know when we dare to dive beneath our surface and allow ourselves to be led by our heart’s wisdom and desire.

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Catie
inspired storytelling
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2023
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One of those stories that draws you right in - eagerly awaiting the next one in the trilogy

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Indigo Souls
Beautiful book
Reviewed in Belgium on January 24, 2025
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A lovely book to read when you’re a horse girl. I could almost feel everything the author wrote myself and was totally captured by the story. I recommend it to everyone that loves horses and has an interest in history.

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Wheeliewobbly
A great twist on the usual Alternative World, well written and interesting hook.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2022
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a really enjoyable, easy read from Sarah V. Barnes; It is a well structured story, with good pace and good detail. Really good YA read – which takes place not in a dystopian future but instead thousands of years ago when humans were just beginning to domesticate cattle, dogs, sheep et cetera. A great twist on the usual alternative world.

The story is set to a backdrop at a time when Europe and Asia were still Hunter-gatherers and lived in camps much like the Native American Indian. We are transported back to a time when people were still learning how to farm and still followed migratory patterns across the landscape, when the survival of the village rested on each person doing their part.

As a culture, it is well rounded out. How the people work together as a group, what they ate, how they dress, how different groups of people approach God, how even marriage takes place.There is an overarching spirituality to the story.

As main character, Naya, is well fleshed out as we watch her develop the trust of a group of wild horses on the grass plains. Naya is in fact on a spiritual journey, drawn to animals all her life, she is particularly entranced by the horses. As the story unfolds, we see tensions mount within the clan – even 4000 years ago humans had politics and power struggles – And naya has to navigate her desire to tame and ride horses (something no one has yet thought to do) and convince the rest of her tribe that this is a good thing and will help them in the long run.

Naya's village begins their trek to winter further south, which raises issues for the young girl, who still is trying to befriend the horses. Whilst she is focusing on this, a group of hunters attempt to attack and she is hurt quite badly protecting the horses. This then introduces more characters, and in particular one that might be a romantic interest… Overall a really fascinating story, which has a really good world fleshed out as well as more complex dynamics with subplots.

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Carmen
Beautifully written and captivating
Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2022
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This story drew me in, opened my heart, and although it's set many years in the past, it give me hope as I look to the future. Can't wait for the next book!

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She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One Paperback – March 28, 2022

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It's a beautiful magical story for a horse lover

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Read

4.0 out of 5 stars Great basis for a story... But

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Fiction

5.0 out of 5 stars She who rides horses

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story brought to life by vidid details

3.0 out of 5 stars I loved reading this book...

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read.....

5.0 out of 5 stars inspired storytelling

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book

4.0 out of 5 stars A great twist on the usual Alternative World, well written and interesting hook.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written and captivating

Charming Read

Great basis for a story... But

Excellent Historical Fiction

She who rides horses

Compelling story brought to life by vidid details

I loved reading this book...

A must read.....

inspired storytelling

Beautiful book

A great twist on the usual Alternative World, well written and interesting hook.

Beautifully written and captivating