Chosen by a Horse
Book Description
A wild horse gallops into a world where healing becomes more than just a dream. Susan Richards weaves a gripping tale of connection and redemption as she navigates the tumultuous landscape of grief and hope. When an unexpected bond with an abandoned thoroughbred emerges, emotions run high and relationships are put to the test. Deep in the heart of heartbreak, courage finds its voice, and the unbroken spirit of a horse promises to change everything. Can love truly heal the deepest wounds, or will the past hold them captive forever?
Quick Summary
In "Chosen by a Horse," Susan Richards recounts her transformative journey after rescuing an abused and neglected mare named Lay Me Down. Still processing the pain of her own troubled past and recent divorce, Susan isn't seeking another responsibility when a call comes from a local rescue group needing volunteers. Unexpectedly, she develops a profound bond with Lay Me Down—a gentle, ailing horse whose presence brings Susan both challenge and solace. Through caring for the mare, Susan begins to confront her own emotional wounds, learning lessons on trust, redemption, and the healing power of unwavering presence. The memoir explores how a broken horse and a struggling human can help mend each other's spirits, ultimately affirming the possibility of hope after hurt and the deep impact of unexpected love.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Healing Through Animal Companionship
The memoir opens with Susan Richards, living alone in upstate New York and quietly struggling with emotional wounds from childhood abuse and a recent divorce. She fills her solitude with her three beloved horses but still feels incomplete. One brisk day, Susan is asked to foster an abused mare—Lay Me Down—rescued from a neglectful owner. Although initially hesitant, Susan decides to help, setting in motion a journey neither she nor the horse could have anticipated.
Overcoming Trauma and Grief
Caring for Lay Me Down soon proves challenging yet healing. The mare arrives emaciated, weak, and suffering from pneumonia, forcing Susan into a daily regimen of medication, feeding, and gentle nurturing. Despite these hardships, Lay Me Down’s calm, forgiving nature astonishes Susan. Through caring for her, Susan confronts not only the animal’s fragility but her own, slowly letting her guard down and opening up emotionally. The process rekindles Susan’s sense of empathy and lets her rediscover hope.
Building Trust and Connection
As Susan tends to Lay Me Down, she reflects on her past relationships and the lingering traumas that have shaped her. The unconditional trust Lay Me Down offers contrasts sharply with the betrayals Susan has faced. These moments of quiet connection—feeding, brushing, and simply keeping the horse company—become exercises in vulnerability. Susan’s other animals respond with their own shifts, integrating the new member and unwittingly supporting Susan’s journey toward healing herself.
The Redemptive Power of Hope
Inevitably, Lay Me Down’s health deteriorates, bringing Susan face-to-face with heartbreak once again. The looming loss forces Susan to confront the impermanence of life and the importance of letting go with compassion. Yet, through their time together, Susan realizes she has gained strength and resilience. The experience of caring deeply—even in the face of inevitable loss—proves to be as vital and transformative as any joy.
Letting Go with Love
Ultimately, "Chosen by a Horse" stands as a tribute to the healing possibilities of human-animal connection. The story affirms that love, trust, and hope can emerge in the unlikeliest of places and bind two broken souls. Lay Me Down’s legacy becomes one of redemption, proving that acts of kindness—no matter how small—can bridge the gaps of past pain and transform lives on both sides of the fence.