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Sometimes you do things on the spur of the moment then wonder later if it was the right choice. Taking on a starving, mistreated mare and her foal seemed a crazy idea to Susan and yet it seemed the natural thing to do. However, she didn’t think it would be this hard. In fact, it was down right over whelming! Living alone with her three horses was a physical and mental stretch for Susan. But an advocate for those in need, she had willingly opened her barn and her heart. The mare, Lay Me Down, was at high risk. Her lungs were bad, she was malnourished, and she looked like walking death. It would be surprising if she made it through the night. Yet there was something else. Something Susan couldn’t understand. Lay Me Down had been abused and neglected for nearly a year and yet she showed a gentle and trusting attitude. It didn’t make sense. Lay Me Down’s presence brought uncertain changes to the ranch. Normal routines were knocked out of kilter and the other horses were deeply affected. Their reactions were oft times predictable and at other times unexpected. There were horrific days ahead for Lay Me Down. Could she face the challenges? Would she find a new home and acceptance or would the demons of the past return? When life has been less than kind, we often quit taking risks and withdraw from the real world. We close ourselves off from others to shut out the hurt. But sometimes, just at the right moment, we open up. We reach out with a single, selfless act, and reignite our desire to love anew. Susan and Lay Me Down become intertwined in a fight for life. The journey they share has far reaching effects, beyond what the eyes can see. There is healing and growth, trust and risk as each life is forever changed. Chosen by a Horse is a story of hope and a reminder that it’s today’s choices that make the real difference.Read full review
This book was recommended on a book review by someone from a local horse rescue. This is probably one of the best, if not the best, books I have ever read. Sometimes it is very hard to be a "horse person" living among all of these weird people who don't know what their missing by not being a horse person. I don't understand how people can look at a horse or walk into a barn and not fall in love. The trials and devastations this woman went through was heartbreaking, but unfortunatly common among us all. She talks about how she just thought she was meant to be alone and was content that way living her life in her own home, her own way, with her horses and her schedule where noone could hurt her or tell her what to do. Basically, her horses filling that void of companionship. As a horsewoman, I have done this and most of my "horsey" friends have, on some level, done this as well. Horses have this uncanny ability to fulfill the lives of their people beyond explanation. It amazes me the power that horses have to heal. This is a remarkable story of the love of a horse but also the ability to overcome a horrible past. Get the Kleenex ready because you will cry. I read this book in one day because I could not put it down and I will read it again and again.Read full review
PLOT: SHE rescued the horse and foal but the horse also rescued her. excellent~ Susan Richards rescues an abused mare and her foal~ as Susan saves the mare the sweet nature of Lay Me Down had Susan learning to love. Susan Richards ditched her alchoholism and bad marriage and starting new with a new horse farm. RESCUING a deathly ill mare Lay Me Down and her foal the sweet nature of the mare allows Susan to finally show love. This lovely story is both SAD and funny. Susan has a wall around her heart from childhood littered with abuse and neglect. This is about RECOVERY. the Horse recovers her health and Susan recovers the ablity to love. Lay Me Down allows Susan to finally accept love as well as give it. This book has some humor as Susan changes her life for the better. It is excellent.... dig out the kleenex this is a 3 kleenex book. Well written and moves along very well ALSO LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK~ FIRST RATE. I GIVE THIS ONE 5 OUT OF 5 FOR the sweet mare who made a change in her owner's life. 5 STAR~Read full review
This book was recommended to me by a neighbor, and owner of 7 horses. She warned me about having a box of Kleenex. She was right. This is the most loving, poignant story of a relationship between a woman and her horses. I couldn't put it down. Got it out of the library about 9 am and had it read by 3 pm. Turned right around and bought my own copy. Intending to give it to another neighbor and animal lover. I have decided to keep this copy for myself. This book will make you laugh at times and cry at times. Even if you're not an animal lover you will enjoy this book. As I got toward the end of the book I left the room. My husband was sitting in their watching tv. I knew I was going to cry and I also knew that he would just give me this funny face. I guess I am too sentimental. But, please get this book, even if you are sentimental. Great story!!Read full review
I am not a " horse" person and bought this book as a gift for a friend who just fell off one of the two horses that she owns, when she was trying to have it make a jump. It caught it's foot on the hurdle and she was thrown to the ground and severely injured her head. This is an old horse and beloved by the whole family. The husband built a small barn to house it, in view of their house. Even put in windows so the horse and another one that they bought to keep her company had something to look at when they were inside. I started to look the book over and then found that I couldn't put it down. Detailed information is given on the care given to the horse in the book, it's relationship to the other three horses it lives with, their habits and medical care that is available to such a sick animal. But most touching is the realationship that devlopes between the horse and her owner and the owner's friends. A very moving book and if it moved me, I'm sure it would be of great interest to those with more knowledge and interest in horses.Read full review
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