Chosen by a Horse

This book is amazing, Chosen By a Horse was given to me as a gift to me by my barn owner as a going away present for me to read of the plane for my first deployment and I must say that Susan Richards totally pulled me in. I found myself laughing at some of the things that happened with her and Georgia because that is my Mare and then I found myself on a plane full of Marines crying like a baby. I have since oreder her othe two book; Chosen Forever and Saddled. Both were equally amazing and she lets us into more of her life than you would've ever thought from Chosen By a Horse. All three books are an amazing read. I couldn't put them down and was so sad when they were over. I would recomend all of her books for anyone, not only horse lovers, but all animal lovers.

I enjoyed reading this book about a horse's love healing a broken woman. Sure, Susan may have thought she was doing the rescuing, but in the end, she and Lay Me Down rescued each other. How on Earth Lay Me Down stayed so sweet and nice after the neglect she suffered is beyond me. Hotshot, Lay Me Down's horse buddy, made me wish for my friends, all living far way now, who have stuck so close in good times and in bad ones. Any animal lover will enjoy reading this endearing memoir.

"Chosen By A Horse" is an exceptional non fiction novel by Susan Richards. This book inspired me to get closer to horses and as some say, "become one" with them. On the cover of this book it says, "How a broken horse fixed a broken heart," I never forgot that phrase. This phrase reminded me that horses will be life companions and always fix problems you have. Just one look at them you could have a connection like no other.

The book starts explaining in great detail about a middle-aged woman who had lost so much in her life (Susan) including her parents, husband, and happiness. Soon after her divorce, she discovers that the gaping hole in her heart can only be filled by horses.

I really recommend you to read this inspirational true story about well, one special horse. My mother was first to read this book and three years later, she could remember almost every detail. If you read this book, the perspective you have about horses will never be the same.

As I begin to delve deeper into my desire to reconnect with horses and riding, I have searched for books that are in alignment with that focus and desire. This book is amazing. If you love horses, if you are a woman who has wounds to heal, if you are looking to have your heart lifted to new heights, this book offers all of that -- and more. I finished this book easily in two days and it stayed with me much longer. Lay Me Down and Susan shared a phenomenal love for each other and graced each other with that love.

I read this book years ago. It was probably only a year or two after it came out. This is one of those that stabs you.... I cried so hard as I worked through the final pages. If you are willing to be vulnerable and allow someone else's story grab a hold of you - go ahead and give this a chance.

Richards book is about herself, maybe more than about a horse. Her story rings true to those of us who work with rescue animals. We start out thinking we are going to do something for the critters. Often, maybe usually, it seems that one or more of them seeks us out as though they know that we need what they have to offer. Richards' horse sought her out and it was Richards who was rescued as much as the mare and her foal. It's a worthwhile book if you're involved with animals or if such involvement doesn't make any sense to you.

I rode horses as a kid, but never owned one, am a cat and dog lover, but after reading this wonderful memoir by Susan Richards of how her life was changed by adopting Lay Me Down (her horse) I felt like I had lived the experience with her, becoming intimate with life with a horse in the process. The writing is excellent, the story fascinating, and if you don't bawl your eyes out, you're trying too hard not to! The extremes she has to go to to integrate Lay Me Down into the lives of her other two horses is amazing; she is a woman with a heart and compassion for animals that is unparalleled. There's humor here too..her trying to re-enter the dating world at age 40 is a riot. This is one of those special books that you're glad you spent your precious time to read. Highly recommend.

I liked the first part of the story to some degree. However, I have a strong belief that horses need to have quality lives. I never felt like this mare had that. The author kept the mare alive to help herself, not so much the horse. Owning horses requires pragmatism as well as love. Horses don't think like people and they don't perceive their world as humans perceive. While I enjoyed the author's redemptive recovery, overall I did not care for the story and felt the author used the horse in a way not consonant with using animals. If the animal could reason and feel more fully, would it have been happy to have its life extended in the way it worked out? I don't think so.

"Chosen By A Horse" is on my "favorite books of all time " list. (Along with Angela's Ashes, The Year of Magical Thinking, and Walking The Gobi ... I enjoy fiction but given a choice, will always take non-fiction first). It is a relatively short, focused, memoir about the author's relationship with an abused horse and the lessons she learned about herself from observing, loving, and - in the end - letting go of this very special animal. It is a book that evoked laugh-out-loud moments and a fair share of throat lumps and tears. My Book Club read it recently ... thumbs up all around.

Susan rescues a sickly, abused mare and, in the process of nursing her back to health, becomes deeply attached to this creature who has suffered so much and yet, given the chance, is able to love and enjoy life.

It is the story of both Susan and Lay Me Down, the rescued mare. Susan deals with a childhood of abandonment and extreme emotional abuse through the gentle and remarkable example of Lay Me Down.

A wonderful and well written story. You really must read it!

I came across this book a few weeks ago by accident, and picked it up for a friend who owns a horse. The irrestible face on the cover, though, made me read it first before handing it over; and I'm so glad I did. Susan Richards has triumphed with this book on many levels. It's difficult enough for a person to write honestly and compellingly about her own life. But, amazingly, she also does a stupendous job of animating the lives of her horses, and making the reader care about them. Admittedly, I didn't like Georgia, and the way she bullied the other horses(especially Lay Me Down), but I couldn't help but feel compassion for them all.

When writing about her late mother and their difficult relationship, I wish Richards had written more about her brother, and his experience with her and their mother. Furthermore, regarding her breakthrough in dating, I congratulate Richards, and hope that she'll continue to confront her past drinking, and the low self-esteem that led her to marry a man who turned out to be so damaging to her.

In short, this book is a fascinating, intense, deeply poignant, and emotional workout(hence the word, Rhapsody in my title). I applaud and appreciate Richards for writing it.

I loved this book...could not put it down and felt like I could reach out and touch the beauty of the soul of Lay Me Down and Hotshot. Such a deep and strong love connection between horse and human. It was tender, and at times intermingled with humor. And, yes, I was brought to tears. A great heartfelt story. I highly recommend this book. I am sooooo glad I read it. You will be too.

I read this book "Chosen by a Horse" and found myself watching the story unfold through Susan's eyes. Susan has such a way of drawing the read in that while reading it becomes easy to think that this is your story being told. I have rescued several abused horses and developed a strong bond with one imparticular. His name was Farley (who was half Morgan) and even though his actions more closely mirrored Georgia's, he changed my life. He showed me how trust and unconditional love can go a long ways. Like Lay Me Down, Farley died at a very young age because of poisons he was given by his previous owner that affected his liver. I didn't have time to take him anywhere, it happened so fast, so with the vet administering the euthanisia Farley died with his head in my lap. To say the least, as I read Susan's book I reflected back on Farley so many times. I cried my way through the book and even contacted her when I was finished. She took the time to reply and we corresponded several times. I absolutely love her!

I wanted to love this book. The title lead me to believe it was a story about a special relationship between a person and a horse, and that the relationship was initiated by the horse, which sounded intriguing and sweet. But the title was misleading. The only reason the author ended up with that particular horse was because it was easiest to capture out of a group of horses. Basically, neither chose the other; it just happened that way. So from the start I found the story less than truthful. I still hoped I would find within the story a heart-warming relationship between the two, but really what it came down to was that the horse was a lovely and forgiving soul, but the author was never really changed by that example.

While she was going through a bitter divorce, the author failed to explain what happened to this poor animal during that time. It seems like she lived elsewhere in the interim. I suspect that that portion of the story wouldn't be so heartwarming, so it was left out. When she carted the sick horse on a 6-hour drive in the winter only to find out it was untreatable, she still insisted on carting it back home, adding to the horse's misery. That was incredibly selfish of her.

And then she hung on to this lovely animal until one day the author saw her lying in the meadow with the sun shining on her, and "knew" it was time to end her life. What a bunch of horse****! This really upset me. That was not a reasonable criteria for deciding when an animal should be put down for humane reasons. I think that she emotionally wasn't ready to part with her horse until then, which is understandable from a human perspective, but is a really poor reason to prolong the discomfort and misery of an animal that must suffer the consequences of that weakness.

I loved the horse but disliked the horse's owner. The story was interesting when it involved the animals, but not so much when the author was talking about her life. I gave the book 3 stars because of the beauty of the horse's soul, but took away 2 stars because of the self-centeredness of its owner.

It has been a long time since I have read a book that spoke to my very soul like this beautiful story. From beginning to end a well written, thought provoking story. Reading it rekindled the forgotten sound of my horses munching their hay and the sight of their breath coming from their noses. Susann Richards was also able to completely capture and put in words the deep longing for a lost mother's love--something that never diminishes, no matter how old you get.

I am an animal lover--I'm even on the board of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, a horse and farm animal haven--but I'm also a writer by trade and so train a critical eye on what I read. I was delighted, then, to find myself enraptured not only by this story of compassion but also by Richards' strong telling of it. Her restraint is so effective here; she allows the story to tell itself, and trusts the reader to see its power. We do. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has known vulnerability or has been there for another who has.

I don't usually write reviews. If I did, I would have to quit my day job and do nothing else. However, this book left an indelible mark on my heart. So often, I marvel at the ability of animals to forgive and to love. This book is testament to that remarkable gift.

Lay Me Down is an abused racehorse and broodmare when she stumbles, almost by accident, into Richards' life. Richards doesn't need another horse. Richards barely even wanted another horse. And yet, like many people who rescue animals, she still took Lay Me Down into her life and into her heart. The spirit of this gentle, unbreakable horse is astounding. In spite of the abuse she has suffered, she forges a bond with Richards. There is love and there is trust. This gift allows Richards to open her own heart, to grieve for a broken childhood. It helps her to bring down the wall that she has been erecting around herself for her whole life. I cried for Richards, I cried for Lay Me Down, and I cried for the cruelty and fragility of life. This is truly a phenomenal book and a must-read for all animal-lovers, whether horse-inclined or not.

I think I was "chosen" by this book. If you love horses (or if you love animals), you MUST read this book. I have read it twice now, and I never read books twice. Not to sound corny, but this book helped to renew my faith in mankind, and it reminds us all the difference that just ONE person can make in the life of an animal. Animals have no voice; this patient & dedicated author gave one to a horse in a desperate situation.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book - horse books tend to have two sides: those that are really good, and those that are just off. I ended up absolutely loving Lay Me Down's story. I lost my thoroughbred around the same time that I read this - so I suppose the story only hit me that much harder having gone through a similar (although perhaps not comparable) experience. My senior quote came from her writing - a phrase that I will always remember.

"To love without an echo is the death knell of the soul."

Thank you Susan Richards for such an amazing book. I will never forget it.

The beauty of "Chosen by a Horse" is that it isn't just for horse people. Susan Richards's story is about loss and love, universal emotions that anyone can relate to - though, of course, it is especially poignant for horse lovers. The story is honestly written, without apology, and is wonderfully constructed. Lay Me Down, Richard's mare, will touch anyone's heart.

I have read other reviews about this book. I think you do need to be a horse loving person to enjoy this book and to feel and understand the immense bond capable between horse and owner. Being a horse person myself, I was beside Lay Me Down through her journey and shared her spirit. This book is very sad. It brought me to tears more than once. Because of the wonderful writing, I could actually imagine my hand upon Lay Me Down and feel her heart beating beneath my hand. This book was not like one I'd ever read. I totally enjoyed it, tears and all.

When I read this book, I felt as if Susan Richards is a kindred spirit; and based on the reviews of many others, I think that everyone who reads the book completely connects with Susan and her life.

Susan speaks for an entire generation through this moving story of a woman and her horse. She's captured in words what so many of us feel about our lives. She's made sense of it for us and healed us through this poignant memoir.

I find it hard to believe that this is her first book. She's an incredibly talented writer.

While it was probably the cover drawing and title that drew me to the book, i was not disappointed. I have 25 horses of my own and raise appaloosa foals. I've done some rescue work as well, and known horses like the the mare that the book is centered around. The author is very realistic and intuitive in the way she paints her horses, and in the way people love and relate to them as well. I sent it to all my horse buddies for Christmas.

Elizabeth Estridge, KY

This was a true story about unconditional love between horse and it's owner. I have a horse like Lay Me Down and understand that bond that is as strong as a mother for her child. It was a beautiful story and couldn't put it down. I read the book in one setting. A must read...
Peggy

Two days ago I was in the Denver airport and purchased this paperback..."Chosen by a Horse". For two nights, I simply could not put it down. I gave myself a very sweet morsel of life-enrichment with the awe-inspiring story of Lay Me Down, Hotshot, and Susan Richards. I love them all in such a real, knowing way. What a powerful, attention-grabbing story. I will never forget this beautiful well-written, much-loved memoir of the unflinching love between horse and owner. I will carry its message in my heart of hearts...always! I only hope horses go to Heaven because I want the opportunity to know and love the gentle-spirited Lay Me Down someday...actually I love her already.

Thank you for this special gift.......Dorease Rioux, Colorado Springs.

I really enjoyed this book. What a remarkable horse Lay Me Down was, and you really got a sense of that through Susan Richards writing. I enjoyed her writing style and wit. If you like this book, you'll also love books by Melanie Sue Bowles (my other favorite real-life horse author) like The Horses of Proud Spirit.

This book touched my heart in so many ways. I have a Standardbred that was previously an Amish buggy horse, so by the Grace of God she was not abused, but the Amish don't generally 'love' their horses...they are a means of transportation for them. Her name is Anna...she was not very affectionate when I got her, but the more I work with her the more she tolerates me. After reading this book it made me make more time to spend with her and my other horses...3 miniature fillies!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever had a desire to make a difference in a horses's live. If only we could read their thoughts...but perhaps the more time we spend with them....God will allow us a small glimpse into their thoughts!
Karen

I bought the book thinking it was about the horse, but quickly discovered that it was about the woman and her dysfunctional life. Sorry, but I can get enough human dysfunction in real life. The horse was a complete nonentity, standing around in the pasture while the woman angsted about her childhood and marriage somewhere else entirely.

Possibly in the second half the horse actually played a part, but I gave up before I got that far. There aren't many books that I don't finish, but this was one of them.

This was a sweet story about how a woman's relationship with a neglected horse changed her outlook on life. It was especially meaningful to me because we have also rescued a horse from neglect, and like Lay Me Down our horse is a sweet and gentle soul. Life can be unkind, but it doesn't have to damage your outlook. You can still find beauty and love, sometimes in places you ordinarily wouldn't think to look. Just make sure you have a box of tissues at hand for the end of the book!

Susan Richards' recently published memoir, Chosen By a Horse, recounts her journey down the road of memory and mourning. Through the bond that she forges with an unwanted, unloved animal, her rescued standard bred mare, Lay Me Down, Susan rediscovers long buried memories of her own mother, and she comes to understand that there is no time limit on the right to grieve properly. Susan's memoir is honest, lean, and, haunting, and long after you close on the final image of her laying her grief and her horse to rest, you will remember the gentle beauty and quiet strength that she reveals while she offers her readers an unflinching examination of her life.

Even though it made me cry at the end, it was tears of love for the special animals of my own past reflected in the love felt for Lay Me Down, both from Susan Richards and from Hot Shot. It is also a story about coming to terms with damages from your youth, how we cover it up with other distractions as young adults, but then learn and grow from it as we enter our middle years.

I'd recommend this book highly, even to non-horse people. It is transcendent.

Chosen by a Horse is a heartwarming feel good treat for any horse lover or even a non-horsey person as you learn just as much about Susan Richards life during the book as you do about those of her horses.

Susan does a masterful job detailing the close, intimate relationship one can build with a horse. I couldn't seem to put this book down once I started it.

funny, sad, emotional--keep kleenex handy

a hard-shelled, older woman who has lived
a difficult, but perseverant life
sees herself--her life--through an adopted mare,
who, though previously exploited and abused,
retains a mellow, engaging demeanor

both find good fortune, sadness, and peace
in one-another's company

a simple story, tearful and inspiring,
and a quick read, hard to put down

five stars for inspiring message
and easy writing style

I am rushing to buy Susan Richards other book. Chosen by a Horse is one of those books that WILL make you laugh, cry, and then smile again and again. Very captivating and extremely well written. Even if you are not horse-savvy, Ms Richards does an excellent job of giving a quick explanation of anything she mentions that a lay person may not know.
Thanks to this author for sharing her story in such a personal yet 'relatable' method.

As an author myself, I make it a rule not to read books while I'm writing. But I made the mistake of opening this book and reading the first page. Suddenly I was half-way through and begging my mother to lend it to me, before I'd sent my own book off to print! I'm a big horse fan, but I had no idea the emotional impact this book would have on me. It is a story of God expressing love to a woman through the love of a horse. I was absolutely wrenched by the way Susan wove the tragic details of her life around the care and adoration of a dying horse. I cried for an hour when I set the book down, grateful for God's loving care in the lead character's life. Thank you Susan for the great read.

Nicole Love Me If You Must (Patricia Amble Mystery Series #1)

Chosen by a Horse is a beautifully written account of a reciprocal rescue. The author adopted and cared for Lay Me Down, an abused Standardbred mare who returned her loving care with a profound and abiding trust that helped the woman overcome many of the effects of her own history of abuse. The mare's example of courage enabled the author to take emotional risks and open her heart to potentially hurtful experience. The story of the author's battle to keep Lay Me Down safe and healthy is deeply affecting. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in horses, interspecies communication, sanctuary, or the art of memoir.

This is a great book. Whilst I am a bit younger than she (30's), I found I could relate to her on so many levels. I have always had/loved horses and this book feeds that love. I rescued a horse in my teens and had her into my 30's. There is no bond like that of a rescue and a rescuer. My horse taught me so much about love, trust, patience and life. This book and the horses in it do the same!!!

I stayed up until 1 am - on a work night - finishing this book. Couldn't sleep until after 2 because I cried so hard. One of the finest stories of pure love, and its power to redeem the soul, that I've ever read. This one will be on my "favorites" shelf for a long, long time.

I picked up this book and couldn't put it down. Finished it in two sittings(would have been one, but I needed sleep :). It is really a testament to the bond that an animal and their human companion can share. I will highly recommend this book to my friends.

This book is one of the best books I've ever read. It runs the gamet on emotions. The reader will laugh and cry, hiss and cheer! Even if you don't really consider yourself an "animal" person, I promise you will like this book and learn some valuable life lessons from it too!

This is one of those books that I will most certainly read several times!

This book was given to me as a gift from a fellow horselover and childhood friend, a childhood spent in smelly barns and dusty haylofts. Susan Richard's descriptions of those everyday moments with horses went straight to my soul. She writes as only a true horseperson can. I immediately googled her in attempts to seek her out and visit her farm! No luck! But I am having more luck in my attempts to locate and work with abused or rescued horses close to my home, a direct resultofhaving just finished this lovely book. This book was a gift in every sense of the word. If Susan reads this email and feels madly motivated to invite me to her barn to meet Georgia and Tempo and the lovable Hotshot I will jump in the car AND HIT THE ROAD!

Before I started this book, I had read many reviews of it. Why I wanted to read it, I don't know. It was different. It took me a day and a half to finish it, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who knows anything about horses, which I don't. It is truly a moving memoir and I wish good luck to the woman who shared her life with me. I immediately gave it to a friend of mine, who at one time owned three horses, and seemed to understand the situation when I described it to her. I truly enjoyed the story.

I loved this book. I got it for Christmas, and started reading it when I got home & never put it down until I finished! Crying my eyes out, no less! It made me laugh, cry & get inspired! The next year I ordered a book for each of my friends! They've loved it too.

This is the first book I have purchased - and read - written by a woman. I had a flight from Indianapolis to Phoenix and wanted something to read. A female customer at one of the bookstores in the terminal shoved this book in my face and said, "Buy this, it is a very good book". Rather than tell her the truth, I bought it and completed it as we landed in Phoenix. This author managed to turn my head and my heart. What a beautiful story. There is much more to this book than horses. I have purchased several copies to give to friends of mine. I have also suggested to the bookstores I frequent that they showcase this book. I hope other readers will do the same. This author needs to keep on truckin'!

My cousin gave me this book to read, and I must admit, I was wary at first because this is not the type of book that I usually enjoy. However, just a few hours ago, I sat down to begin this book. I couldn't put it down. This is by far one of the best memoirs that I have read in a long time. I even admit to crying a time or two, which is very unusual for me to do. I would, and will, recommend this book for anyone who loves horses, or just a good read.

This was an absolutely wonderful book. It was a story filled with so much love. It is certainly a tear jerker; I sobbed my eyes out at the end but anyone who loves horses must read this book. This book shows people how to love again.

This book was an amazingly beautiful story about the love and courage a pet owner shares with their pet. I loved the simplicity of the story. It was very engaging. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself wishing I could own a horse. Animals are amazing. It's a story of love for animals, for yourself and others. Loved it.

Thanks for writing this book, I as a horse owner, and very involved in the horse industry loved every minute of the book. I could hardy put it down. I also got the memior and read that right after! BRAVO! Gail!
[...]

I picked this up (reluctantly) at the library on a whim, assuring myself that should the author become too self-pitying too quickly, I would abandon it. I simply don't enjoy a lot of boo-hooing about horrible childhoods. To my pleasant surprise, I devoured the book in less than 48 hours, and understood the author's connection to her horses. I can't remember the last time a book had me laughing, feeling, and crying, all the while hoping that the experience just doesn't end. It's quite a ride for just 250 pages.....If you're a horse lover, or have suffered through the loss of a loved one, this is one that you shouldn't miss.

Three people insisted I read this book. On the way to Seattle I picked it up at Hudson News in the Dallas airport and had it almost finished when I landed in Seattle. Fortunately when I reached close to the end I was out of the airplane as all the passengers would have thought I was having a severe meltdown. I cried for Lay me Down, I cried for Hot shot, I cried for Susan but on the otherhand I laughed out loud and devoured each and every word. When I finished I felt like I had lost my best friend.

This was a wonderful read. It took me back to when I owned horses and all the emotions of loving them. The interaction is so powerful with a horse, it's incredible. Susan described these so wonderfully. Books like this are much appreciated. Thanks for writing it.

I can't say enough about this book. I'm usually not one to read these kinds of stories. However, the reviews and my love for animals (horses in particular), led me to pick up this book. I couldn't put it down. I read it on my way back from Christmas break.....and actually CRIED on the plane while reading it. Not only was the story touching, but it had a little humor mixed in. It was also very well written. I look forward to reading this again! It is now tucked in along side all my other treasured horse books. Don't miss this beautiful story!

This is a beautiful horse story. It should be paired with Joe Camp's "The Soul of Horse", another beautiful horse story.The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd

Wonderfully written, this story drew me into the personal growth of the main character. So many parallels in my own life kept me reading; but, the best part was the unexpected role of the horse! Couldn't put it down until the last page!

I really loved this book. I really liked reading about Susan's daily life with her horses and the effect Lay Me Down had on her personal, emotional life. She has a wonderful way of writing that I became enthralled with. It was one of those books that when I was done, I didn't want to read anything else for awhile. I just wanted to think about Susan and Lay Me Down.

This book is a gutsy look at a hard life, and at the same time a moving story of a horse/owner relationship most of us will only dream of. Definitely a book for adults (not for horse-loving teens), it describes coming to terms with a difficult life in middle years, and how the past can be overcome, no matter how tough. It's a lovely story, told with honesty and courage. Susan Richards' horses are described so vividly as to seem like human characters. A book to be read alongside a box of Kleenex.

I purchased the book because I am a writer myself, and wanted to see how the author structured her story. Having read the book, I am very impressed. I gave it to my riding instructor to read. It's a compelling, detailed, and realistic story. National Velvet fans need not apply. It's heartrending and totally convincing. The writer has good control of her material. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in horses

I started reading this book and was carried by its flowing words and interesting story line. Then, I realized that it was not about a horse, but a woman's inner journey. I wish I had never started it. It is very sad indeed.

I love horses, so naturally this title drew me in and I was hooked immediately. What Susan Richards went through and experienced is amazingly and undeniably a blessing, to her and Lay Me Down. A love story in so many ways. I cried so much I couldn't read the words and had to stop many times to collect myself, but couldn't wait to read more. Knowing how this would end was almost an overwhelming warning to stop before the end. The relationship between Susan and her horses is so beautiful, true love and devotion expressed without words. I will read again, knowing I will cry again.

This book is one of the most moving and heartfelt books I have read. It's so refreshing to read a "horse" book that has such depth and is also accurate in detail. Ms. Richards really knows her subject and you feel a part of her life as she travels through a transitional time. The fact that I owned a Morgan and Standardbred mare, also, just added to the adventure!

My mom bought me Susan's sequel to this story and I knew I had to read this first. Chosen by a horse is a very moving story for horse lovers of all ages. In her review of the sequel, Chosen Forever, Susan quotes 'at the end of the story Lay Me Down was laid to rest where she met her herd Hotshot, Gorgia, and Tempo.' I highly reccomend this book and the sequel.

More about the author than horses, which might be fine, but bottom line the book did not move me.

This is yet another book that arose from a creative writing course. It is not a creative work of fiction, but a recounting of a life story.

I love horses, love horse books, but not this one.

Well i have a love for horses though i have none,I have never read such a great book about a love for horses as deep as this book. I brings you so much emotion, this book made me cry i have never got emotional over any book i have read on horses. I am reading her Memior Chosen Forever. I hope she has more books like this one.

A beautiful, inspiring book! This is definitely one of my all time favorite books now. A MUST READ for any animal lover. Lay Me Down and Hotshot is one of the finest love stories, and Lay Me Down is one of the finest, most devoted animals to have ever entered the book world. I couldn't put it down, though I dreaded and knew how this book would end. Proof that animals are often finer beings than those of us in the human world.

This book is a touching story about a woman (the writer) who learns the lesson of unconditional and devoted love from an abused horse that she rescued. Amazing insight into people and horses alike. Reminds me of a "Marley & Me" story about horses. Very tearful ending, but all the books that touch my heart are. I will be keeping this book to read again and again!

I absolutely loved this book. Susan Richards shared a beautiful memory through her story of friendship with horses, one special horse in particular. I read the book in two days and was brought to tears several times. It was a beautiful, personally touching story and one I won't easily forget. I recommend this read to anyone who can appreciate how animals touch human lives.

You don't need to be a horse person to love this book. It is a great book of a healing journey. I identified with it having lost my brother at 19 and my father 3 years ago rich resulted in a family battle. I consider myself well-read and would say this is one of the best books I have read in years. It is a quick read. I would love to meet the author and hope to find out the book signing schedule.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book! I've never spent much time around horses but understand how an animal can effect your life in such a positive way. A sad ending but very positively memorable. I will read this book again. I hope Ms. Richards will continue to write. I'm looking forward to more.

I picked up this book because I am an animal lover and have always loved horses. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. It is amazing the profound effect an animal can have on a human being. It is unbelievable the forgiving nature that animals have and what a lesson for us as humans on the art of forgiveness and love. A definite Must Read book. The tears just flow!

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is the explaination of every little "horsy" thing. Of course I realize that for non horse people it was probably helpful, but I found it lame. For example, does everyone need a written desciption of vet wrap? or a lunge line? or bran mash? I guess so if you aren't a horse person. So if you aren't then great! But if you are this book it pretty elementary. Aside from that I love horses and could relate to the personalities that hers had. Not a bad 1 night read. It was definitely not the Horse Whisperer or Seabiscuit (Way better than the movie...they always are) but again a quick easy read.

lovely lovely story about true love between woman and horse and how they both teach eachother life lessons.susan s a fantasti writter and has several heartfelt moments in her book.this will inspire all because of real life situations and how to overcome all life throws at you.truley amazing and tearjerker

The book started off with a lot happening but quickly turned into an "okay" read. I was disappointed. It was like reading the life of a woman that owns a horse. (Live it, done it). It was an easy read though. Good book just needed more action or drama. Cried at the end.

I was intrigued by this books review so I thought I would give it a try. I was immediately pulled in and could not wait to get from page to page. It was such a good story and captivated me from the get go. You will not be disappointed with this book. I have even ordered hard copies to be sent to friends to read.

This book is well-written and a fast-read - it's almost impossible to put down. The author provides an insightful description of a woman going through changes in her life at the same time that she rescues a neglected horse. The relationships in this book, both human and equine, help her to come to grips with her own past. Written with intelligence and humor, probably appreciated most by women.

THis is a story of a woman who comes to understand her own weaknesses by virtue of her relationship with a recued horse. THe style is poignant; the writing sparse and perfunctory, a reflection of her own lack of emotional connectedness to others but a foil for her love of an animal that gave her unquestioning trust. The book is a quick read and I think anyone who knows the human/animal bond will be able to relate to the story.

This is a wonderfully moving story which could be about any animal, just happens to be a horse. I'm not a horse person, but this story created for me an appreciation of why one might be. The bigger story is about love and healing the heart, and it would appeal to anyone who has ever been in pain (which is all of us!).

I picked this book up in LGA airport on our way back from Brazil just because I liked the cover. I've loved horses since I was a kid but never had one. How like our relationship with Chirst - His gentle, loving nature rescues us and gives us hope. He teaches us how to embrace the joys of life despite the rough road we sometimes have to endure.

A fast & easy read. A touching and heart-warming story. It is pleasing to to know that when others don't care about the welfare of animals that there are others who do. This is such a story. As an owner of several adopted animals, they have given me so much more than what I give them.

I saw this book at the store in the corner of my eye. When I read the cover I was inspired to buy it feeling that I could relate to the rescued horse story. Susan is very passionate in this book. There were funny moments and sad also. I deffinitely related to it. I highly reccomend this book. It was a great read and now is one of my favorites.

"Chosen by a Horse" was a moving, and powerful read. It illustrates the power of healing that can come from love, devotion and sacrifice. I couldn't put the book down and had to learn how this heartfelt story unfolded. Would make for a beautiful movie. Hollywood, are you listening?

I started reading this book last night - on a work night and couldn't put it down. I finally finished at 12AM! If Susan Richards is reading this - congratulations - you hit a home run for your first book. This is such a beautiful and magical story. I loved it! BEWARE: You will cry...

To a true horse lover like myself, this book was a beautiful story! The kind of connection with a horse that I could feel deep to the core of my compassionate heart. It moved me to tears at the end. Well done, Susan Richards!

This is a very well written book, I had a hard time ever putting it down. It is sincere, and heartfelt. You will find yourself crying through most of the story. I think anyone who has ever loved a horse needs to read it.

A most read for all Horse Lovers/Owners or just Love for Life and the Lose of that Love! Author tells about Love and the pain of losing that Love and how it teaches you about Life and how Love will Live in Your Life/Soul even after Death!

After a great beginning where the writer dwells on the importance of her relationship with the mare in helping her with her inner emotions, the story does not sustain the previous level depth in the description of the bond between the writer and the mare.

Based on other reader's comments, I purchased this book in anticipation of a great story. Somewhat disappointed and expected much more. Would not recommend purchasing; borrow from a friend or library.

This book was well written, I will have to say that much about it. It was written by a person who is an avid horse person for sure but the person that doesn't have horses for any reason other than to keep the pastures mowed. For me, a western horse-person, it just didn't seem to fit my tastes. Overall, it was well written, just not a "knock-your-socks-off" lind of read. I wouldn't read it again and if I had known it was what it is, I wouldn't have ordered it.

I really enjoyed this book, and have bought more copies to give to friends as gifts. Easy read, sweet story - anybody who has ever undertaken a journey with an animal will relate to this beautiful little book.

I could not put this book down. Susan Richards writing is nothing less than powerful and heartwarming. I will never forget Lay Me Down, Hotshot, Susan and the lessons on living, trust, compassion and caring they have for all of us.

This book is wonderful --- funny, moving, sad, and filled with insight and courage, together with a story beautifully told. Wow! I couldn't put it down. The author's memoir touches the heart, and it's an absolute joy for anyone who appreciates the beauty of horses.

Best read I have had in a long time. Book was so inspiring, I could not put it down. Gave me a better appreciation for my horses, our relationship, and their health. Healing message of this book could not have come at a better time.

Anyone who loves horses will also love this book! The author perfectly describes the personalities of her horses, and she weaves a lesson of personal growth into a moving story about an abused horse. It's great!

This is a heart riviting book. I think I cried through most of it. What a wonderful job this author does of putting two tangled lives together for comparison, one animal, one human. It is a very good read. Caution though, don't read in casual company.

This book was well written, I will have to say that much about it. It was written by a person who is an avid horse person for sure but the person that doesn't have horses for any reason other than to keep the pastures mowed. For me, a western horse-person, it just didn't seem to fit my tastes. Overall, it was well written, just not a "knock-your-socks-off" lind of read. I wouldn't read it again and if I had known it was what it is, I wouldn't have ordered it.

I really enjoyed this book, and have bought more copies to give to friends as gifts. Easy read, sweet story - anybody who has ever undertaken a journey with an animal will relate to this beautiful little book.

I could not put this book down. Susan Richards writing is nothing less than powerful and heartwarming. I will never forget Lay Me Down, Hotshot, Susan and the lessons on living, trust, compassion and caring they have for all of us.

This book is wonderful --- funny, moving, sad, and filled with insight and courage, together with a story beautifully told. Wow! I couldn't put it down. The author's memoir touches the heart, and it's an absolute joy for anyone who appreciates the beauty of horses.

Best read I have had in a long time. Book was so inspiring, I could not put it down. Gave me a better appreciation for my horses, our relationship, and their health. Healing message of this book could not have come at a better time.

Anyone who loves horses will also love this book! The author perfectly describes the personalities of her horses, and she weaves a lesson of personal growth into a moving story about an abused horse. It's great!

This is a heart riviting book. I think I cried through most of it. What a wonderful job this author does of putting two tangled lives together for comparison, one animal, one human. It is a very good read. Caution though, don't read in casual company.

This is a very interesting story, but as my daughter read it she disagreed with some of the morals demonstrated in the book. There are several instances of bad language. The main character had a difficult life before and after divorce. She finds new love, but it is with a married man who is himself going through hard times. She buys lingerie with the intention of having a premarital affair. My daughter is almost 17 and loves horse books, but stopped reading at chapter 11.

This book is definitely not written from a Christian perspective and not for young adults.

There were parts of this memoir I didn't enjoy but must have been part of her life.
The worst part of any animal story is that they don't live as long as people and with someone as dedicated as this horse owner was it was so sad I couldn't help feeling like crying myself.

Therese Short