What readers say about Horses I Have Known
"...I hoped that I would like this book; however, this reading experience went beyond the simple enjoyment of the stories and illustrations. I found myself wishing that I owned a horse...." Click here to read the entire review by Bettie Corbin Tucker
“It was
truly fun to read your perspective on so many of the special horses we have
both known over the years. I think your new book will help a lot people
begin to realize just how much horses understand and communicate if we take
the time to NOTICE what they are trying to tell us. Just like people,
when they know they are heard, they are encouraged to share more - and what
wonderful things they have to share!
One of my favorite
experiences has occurred many times over the years. Commonly at the start
of the semester I introduce the college students in the beginner classes to
the lesson horses. As we do "barn walk" I chat with the horses,
relay a bit of each one's history and things that make him or her unique, and
verbalize to the students what the horse's body language is saying to us at
that moment. At the end of the semester, multiple students will come
to me privately to say, "You know, that first day of class I thought you
were nuts - making up all that stuff the horses were supposedly saying. But
by the end of the semester of working with my horse and watching him, I realized
I was talking to him just like you did, and he really WAS talking to me! I
just had to learn how to listen!" And that is what this book does
- it helps us learn how to listen.”
Joanne Young, MS, Professor, horsemanship at Houghton College in Western
New York
“I have known Doris
for many years. I know her as a breeder and a very fine-feeling and elegant
rider. Her many years of experience, (where she studied the strength and
weaknesses of the horse) and her love for horses, have given her the push
to help those beautiful creatures through her physical therapy.
Now I have the pleasure to also recognize her as an author through her book – “Horses
I Have Known”. She writes in a lovely manner about horses she’s
had experience with. It was a pleasure to read the book and I would recommend
it to others.”
Walter Zettl, Author: Dressage in Harmony, Hamilton,
Ontario
“This is a truly remarkable and unique book giving deep
insight into how our horse companions relate to us and to life, and it
shows what is possible between us if we are aware and open. Since many
of us are
not lucky enough to have a mentor to work with like Doris, this book serves
to inspire us all to notice each horse's amazing capabilities, and to draw
that out in them. With each heart rending story I would
just think to myself, that is amazing! Horses respond to who we are, and
we respond back; which is why we are hooked on horses. But here
is a book about that.
I enjoyed horses before I read this book. But
now I have a deeper insight into them. I can't wait to go to the
barn today.”
Paula Mackowiak (Paula is a Physical therapist. She
was assistant professor at the School of Physical Therapy SUNY Buffalo at one
time and now owns Gateway Physical Therapy in Hamburg NY.)
“Just wonderful! Doris
has the incredible ability to see a horse and know exactly what they're thinking. She
puts into words that we can understand just what horses are trying to express
to us. Her uncanny
ability allows her to communicate with our four legged friends in a way I've
never seen before.
Doris makes you feel like YOU have known each and
every one of the horses she's written about. She captures your spirit
and brings it on a journey to meet each and every one of her beloved teachers,
the Horses.
Doris's experiences with horses throughout the
years come alive in this book. I feel like I've met each and every one
of her beloved teachers, beloved friends, beloved horses. They leap off
the page and secure a special place in my heart for each animal! I'll
take their lessons taught to Doris and incorporate them in my further dealings
with our equine friends.
... the book really is fantastic!”
Jackie
Braley NCMT
“Hi Doris!
... Yes,
I want the book. I would be honored to write one of the testimonials about
the book.
The foal you worked on is doing extremely well!
Lisa's dad saw me the other day and said you would not even know he had ever
had a problem. He was very impressed! Lisa says the foal has recovered his personality
too and is a real scamp!”
Sharon Herzog, Trainer, Arabian horse breeder
[Doris explains: The foal described above could barely
be aware of his surroundings and his neck was stuck at a 30-degree angle off
to one side. I worked with him about
45 minutes. It
brings tears to my eyes to have such a sweet result.]
“Doris - Your book arrived when Fred was here, staying with me to help
with chores over winter break. He immediately swiped it and read it -
said he loved it...... Nice photos in it!
It brings back lots of memories. I knew almost every horse in the book. Our
lives have intertwined in so many positive ways over many years - it has
made my life richer. And if it were not for your God-given gifts, I
would not be upright and walking! Thank you, dear friend. ”
Joanne Young
I thoroughly enjoyed "Horses I Have
Known"! As a born and raised city girl with horses deep
in my soul I was brought into each of their worlds for a brief time and
came to feel I knew them too and fell in love with them all. I am of the
firm belief that if you ever wonder if God exists, all you need do is look
in the eyes of a horse. Doris's stories relay experiences
of a higher power working through these wonderful animals. All you need
to do is listen to what they are saying to us. Thanks for sharing your
wonderful stories!
Marsha Regeling, Washington, DC
“I enjoyed your book. Couldn't put it down
and read it in one sitting. Did
recognise some horses and people. Amazing how people cross paths and
influence each others lives without even realizing it by setting a chain
of events rolling in another's life. I truly enjoyed the book.”
Ginger McCarthy, Committee of Special Education Chair
Horses I Have Known
by Doris Kay Halstead
original drawings by Don Burry