Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service

(Paperback)

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Description

As with all the Andersons' books, "Horses With a Mission" relates amazing, poignant stories of animals who make a difference in people's lives. These horses, though, go beyond the expected to true acts of courage and heroism, demonstrating the powerful link between humans and horses and also the feats of love and compassion possible when we follow our best instincts. The stories include: Molly, a pony rescued during Hurricane Katrina who was attacked by a frightened rescued pit bull. Although the vet thought Molly would not survive because one of her legs was mangled beyond repair, she lived and eventually received a prosthetic leg. She now works at camps for children with cancer and disabilities, inspiring them to keep trying, to keep thriving. Butch, a therapy pony who inspired a severely disabled girl speak for the first time. Little Katie had never spoken. After nine and a half years of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, none of her 'human' therapists had been able to stimulate language skills. The second time she sat high upon Butch's back, the therapist encouraged her to give Butch the command to 'walk on'. Katie sat hesitant and nervous, but also excited and thrilled to be riding. She watched Butch's ears, which were perked up and poised to listen, and she spoke, and Butch responded, walking forward from her first ever verbal command.

Reviews

"With hearts and minds open, we can learn from the wild and domesticated horses in this wonderful book."
-- Joe Camp, author of The Soul of a Horse and creator of the films starring the canine superstar Benji

"This collection of stories will remind anyone who has ever had a horse as a best friend, confidante, and soul mate of what a special gift that can be."
-- Carson Kressley, Emmy Award-winning TV host, designer, and author of Off the Cuff

"You don't need to be an avid equestrian like me to truly enjoy this book, as the stories resonate with a spirit of hope and harmony that is shared by all creatures great and small."
-- Alison Eastwood, actress, director, and producer

"The spiritual and physical bond between horses and the humans who love them often reaches mystical proportions. Nothing celebrates that very special relationship more movingly or with greater clarity than Horses with a Mission."
-- Steven D. Price, editor of The Whole Horse Catalog

"Through their courage, sensitivity, and kindness, the horses in this book become our inspiration and guides."
-- Michael Mountain, former president of Best Friends Animal Society

"This important book will spark your imagination and inspire you to embrace the magical moments in life that happen every single day. This book is a joy to read."
-- Melanie Sue Bowles, author of Hoof Prints and founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary

Author Bio

Allen and Linda Anderson are the founders of the Angel Animals Network, inspirational speakers, and the authors of many books, including Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals. They donate a portion of book sales proceeds to animal welfare organizations and live in Minneapolis.