She Flies Without Wings: How Horses Touch a Woman's Soul

by Mary D. Midkiff

Women have always ridden to be free. They doffed their skirts and straddled horses to ride into the Crusades. They masqueraded as men to explore and tame the Old West. Women have been riding horses into myth and fable for a long as they have sought physical and spiritual liberation.

She Flies Without Wings is the first book to explore and exalt the magical kinship between women and horses. Written by an internationally recognized horse-woman, examining all stages of woman's life, She Flies Without Wings draws myth and literature, the author's personal experiences and interviews with countless women, to celebrate this unique, powerful, and joyous relationship.

When a horse beckons us from across a pasture, he summons us into a magical world. And whether we do our riding on a secluded chaparral or in the freedom of our fantasies, this remarkable book draws us into the realm.

Here we learn, through women's deeply personal stories, how horses enrich our lives and connect us to nature — making us readers of rhythm and invisible signs, teaching us what an unconditional relationship means, helping us harness our youthful sexuality, sharing the "horsepower" we need to reach our dreams.

And here we see how, for thousands of years, the deep kinship between women and horses has connected us to our most intimate feelings of delight, provided us with insights into how to make decisions and solve problems, and set us astride the natural world. It has set our creativity free.

From the poetry of Geoffry Chaucer to the classic writings of Beryl Markham, from the compelling fiction of Jane Austen to the respectful horse songs of Native Americans and folk tales from around the world, She Flies Without Wings draws from great literature and myth to encompass a broad spectrum of beliefs and perspectives — and creates a true celebration of speed and air, and the spectacular animal that connects us with both.

Filled with moving lessons — about sensuality, commitment, power, nurturance, and spirituality — women riders have known for centuries, written with a loving hand by an expert equestrian, She Flies Without Wings is an eloquent paean to a pairing that has enlivened history, inspired literature, and continues to enchant us all.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals, Memoir

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chantal]

Made me want to find a horse to sit with and ride again.
3.5 stars

[Luminea]

I believe Susan Chernack McElroy's review on the back of this book truly sums it up. "Lyrical and compelling, Midkiff's prose speaks to the depth of a woman's soul."

This book was beautifully written and poignant. I loved reading all of the quotes that were interwoven with the author's story and found my soul deeply awakened. I recognized many of the qualities within myself that Midkiff rightly suggests horses evoke in women and it deepened my longing to have an opportunity for real horses to be part of my life.

[Laura Reagan]

Every time I read this I discover something about myself and my horsemanship that I didn't realize before.

A testimony of personal accounts yet many commonalities align with how I felt growing up as well.

Beautifully put together and one of my favorite reads.

[Jane]

I LOVED this book, but then I love horses and I feel the very spiritual connection women and horses have. This book speaks to the depth of a woman's soul and the powerful spirit of horses. The author is such a gifted storyteller that it is a beautiful read!

[Heather Freeman]

Beautifully written! Uplifting! This book easily became one of my favorites of all time. I will re-read it again and again.

[Heather]

This will validate every instinct of why you love horses.

[Tami Gandt]

I loved this somewhat memoir and how she ties in her thoughts to different quotes, excerpts, poems about horses and what they do for a woman's soul.

[Mieke Rietveld]

Ik weet niet hoe dit boek in mijn biekenkast terecht is gekomen. Ik heb weinig met paarden, maar heb het boek toch met plezier gelezen. En ik snap de liefde van vrouwen voor paarden nu beter.
Fijn dat er toch een soort verhaallijn in het boek zat. Ik was bang dat het alleen losse fragmenten zouden zijn. Ik heb voor mijn doen lang over dit boek gedaan, maar werd er halverwege toch door gegrepen en heb het toen in één keer uitgelezen. Aanrader voor paardenliefhebbers.

[Karen]

An inspirational book to read.

[Jenifer DeGrace]

highly recommended
pay close attention to reading this
Great read

[Nicole]

A must read for all horsewomen!

[Alexandria]

Well written, eloquent view of how women relate to horses and riding. It made me miss riding desperately. I can't wait to saddle up again!

[Melissa]

I liked it but it was "a little much" sometimes - maybe too heavy on the 'spiritual nature of women & horses'. We can like them but does it have to be oh so magical ? :)

[Laura Smith]

couldn't get into it, shelved

[Darla]

🐎🐎🐎🐎