What do you think?
Rate this book
Take the Horse and Run: The Incredible True Story of a Horse Fleeing for His Life--and the Girl Who Would Stop at Nothing to Save Him
When her parents’ devastating divorce uprooted her life, Haylee Graham plunged into a downward spiral. Heartbroken and afraid, the young girl turned to her beloved horse, Cartier, as a lifeline. The only place she felt safe was hiding with him in his stall; the only time she felt like herself was when the two jumped fences together.
So when a ruthless lawyer threatened to seize ownership of Cartier and sell him to a slaughterhouse to repay their debts, Haylee knew she would do anything to save him. Her mom said 'Take the horse and run!”―and she did. Their late-night escape set off a relentless pursuit with a shady private investigator terrorizing Haylee and Cartier every step of the way as they tried to outrun the forces that threatened to tear them apart.
But God had other plans.
So when a ruthless lawyer threatened to seize ownership of Cartier and sell him to a slaughterhouse to repay their debts, Haylee knew she would do anything to save him. Her mom said 'Take the horse and run!”―and she did. Their late-night escape set off a relentless pursuit with a shady private investigator terrorizing Haylee and Cartier every step of the way as they tried to outrun the forces that threatened to tear them apart.
But God had other plans.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirAnimals
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 2, 2025
If you love horses, memoirs, characters who fight for a dream, and/or enjoy a light faith thread, this is one you’ll want on your reading list. It’s a redeeming story that will hit with an emotional punch.
It’s obvious right from the beginning that Haylee loves her horse; he’s the best friend she's ever had. This love prompts her to save him at all costs; after all, his friendship has sustained her through the rough patches in her life. I ran the gamut of emotions with Haylee and Cartier’s journey - from disbelief and awe to elation, pity, sadness, and ultimately, acceptance. Cheering on Haylee was easy, especially when she faced challenge after challenge. I was in awe of her fighting spirit, her unwavering commitment to a friendship or a dream, and her remarkable ability to give Cartier a voice.
The forgiveness scene? I bawled.
Highly recommended.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It’s obvious right from the beginning that Haylee loves her horse; he’s the best friend she's ever had. This love prompts her to save him at all costs; after all, his friendship has sustained her through the rough patches in her life. I ran the gamut of emotions with Haylee and Cartier’s journey - from disbelief and awe to elation, pity, sadness, and ultimately, acceptance. Cheering on Haylee was easy, especially when she faced challenge after challenge. I was in awe of her fighting spirit, her unwavering commitment to a friendship or a dream, and her remarkable ability to give Cartier a voice.
The forgiveness scene? I bawled.
Highly recommended.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 8, 2026
A redemptive memoir on the unbreakable bond between a girl and her horse, and the power of faith to heal life's traumas. Recommended!
May 17, 2026
In the aftermath of her parents’ shattering divorce, young Haylee Graham discovers solace, safety, and purpose in her cherished horse, Cartier. He is her confidant, guardian, and steadfast support. When a once trusted family lawyer threatens to confiscate Cartier to settle debts and send him to slaughter, Haylee, then 18, and her mother make a bold decision. They take the horse and flee.
What ensues is a real life thriller spanning over a decade, filled with cross country evasion, legal battles, a dubious private investigator in pursuit, peril, adversity, and unwavering resilience. Throughout this journey, Haylee’s deep connection with Cartier unfolds into a tale of bravery, redemption, faith, and hope, illustrating the extraordinary lengths love will go to protect what is most precious.
What ensues is a real life thriller spanning over a decade, filled with cross country evasion, legal battles, a dubious private investigator in pursuit, peril, adversity, and unwavering resilience. Throughout this journey, Haylee’s deep connection with Cartier unfolds into a tale of bravery, redemption, faith, and hope, illustrating the extraordinary lengths love will go to protect what is most precious.
April 7, 2026
A moving story of a courageous girl and her equally courageous horse, Take the Horse and Run, is for all animal lovers of all ages.
Anyone who has ever had a pet who was more than just a pet, will fully understand the connection, love and bond between Haylee and Cartier.
Haylee Graham was born into show biz. She grew up around horses and Cartier was hers. He was her horse, her partner at the competitions, her listening post, confidant, comforter, and best friend. Growing up with a tumultuous home life, Haylee bonded that much more with Cartier who listened, cared and gave her all the equine comfort he could. It was enough.
Then, with mounting debts, one bad debt ended up with Cartier needing to be collected in lieu of the debt. While her mother fought the battle in court, Haylee did all she could to change the outcome. Despite that, she had a choice: take the horse and run & live life on the run, or to surrender him. Then he would most likely end up being sold as horsemeat since he was injured and could not longer jump without an enforced sabbatical.
She took the horse and ran. She was eventually caught and Cartier taken off. Haylee spent the next ten years trying to get him back, trying to just see him, to see if he was healthy and happy, (he was shanefully neglected and treated), trying to scrape enough money together to redeem him....
It is also a brief recounting of her coming to Christ and how that affected her life and outcomes with Cartier. Amazing miracles came through, until he was finally hers, sold for, one dollar!!
This novel is graphically autobiographical: her years with Cartier, years without him and their reunion. The closeness and bond with Cartier and her love for him, and her heartbreak at losing him and his confusion and heartbreak at being abandoned (as he probably thought), just bleeds through every page in the novel. It's a wonderful parable of loss and redemption, of hopeless causes no longer hopeless, because Someone has entered the picture - Someone for whom nothing is impossible.
I received an ARC through Netgalley and the publisher, but was not required to submit a positive review.
Anyone who has ever had a pet who was more than just a pet, will fully understand the connection, love and bond between Haylee and Cartier.
Haylee Graham was born into show biz. She grew up around horses and Cartier was hers. He was her horse, her partner at the competitions, her listening post, confidant, comforter, and best friend. Growing up with a tumultuous home life, Haylee bonded that much more with Cartier who listened, cared and gave her all the equine comfort he could. It was enough.
Then, with mounting debts, one bad debt ended up with Cartier needing to be collected in lieu of the debt. While her mother fought the battle in court, Haylee did all she could to change the outcome. Despite that, she had a choice: take the horse and run & live life on the run, or to surrender him. Then he would most likely end up being sold as horsemeat since he was injured and could not longer jump without an enforced sabbatical.
She took the horse and ran. She was eventually caught and Cartier taken off. Haylee spent the next ten years trying to get him back, trying to just see him, to see if he was healthy and happy, (he was shanefully neglected and treated), trying to scrape enough money together to redeem him....
It is also a brief recounting of her coming to Christ and how that affected her life and outcomes with Cartier. Amazing miracles came through, until he was finally hers, sold for, one dollar!!
This novel is graphically autobiographical: her years with Cartier, years without him and their reunion. The closeness and bond with Cartier and her love for him, and her heartbreak at losing him and his confusion and heartbreak at being abandoned (as he probably thought), just bleeds through every page in the novel. It's a wonderful parable of loss and redemption, of hopeless causes no longer hopeless, because Someone has entered the picture - Someone for whom nothing is impossible.
I received an ARC through Netgalley and the publisher, but was not required to submit a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2026/01/16... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU!
For the Love of a Horse
All her life, Haylee was around horses, and loved them like family members. When she was a young girl, Cartier became her horse.
Haylee's childhood deteriorated because of her parent's multiple divorces, and the dysfunctional home life that followed after each one. Cartier became her best friend, and her only confidant during that time.
Because of the bad choices adults in her life made, Cartier was taken from her through legal maneuverings. She spent years trying to get him back, rescue him from life threatening situations, or trying to live without him. Sometimes, she crossed the line, legally.
This is Haylee's story of the many hair-raising things she went through. Along the way, she not only met God, but became His follower. While Haylee discovered many people let her down, God was a different story.
Fans of true stories, or horses, will enjoy this five-star book.
Thanks to Tyndale House Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Take the Horse and Run,” by Haylee Graham, for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.
For the Love of a Horse
All her life, Haylee was around horses, and loved them like family members. When she was a young girl, Cartier became her horse.
Haylee's childhood deteriorated because of her parent's multiple divorces, and the dysfunctional home life that followed after each one. Cartier became her best friend, and her only confidant during that time.
Because of the bad choices adults in her life made, Cartier was taken from her through legal maneuverings. She spent years trying to get him back, rescue him from life threatening situations, or trying to live without him. Sometimes, she crossed the line, legally.
This is Haylee's story of the many hair-raising things she went through. Along the way, she not only met God, but became His follower. While Haylee discovered many people let her down, God was a different story.
Fans of true stories, or horses, will enjoy this five-star book.
Thanks to Tyndale House Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Take the Horse and Run,” by Haylee Graham, for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.
April 29, 2026
I have always loved horses and so I was eager to read “Take the Horse and Run: The Incredible True Story of a Horse Fleeing for His Life—and the Girl Who Would Stop at Nothing to Save Him by Haylee Graham.
The hero of the story, is the horse, a beautiful and intelligent animal named Cartier. The author, Haylee and her family owned Cartier and Haylee and Cartier had much success on the Show Jump circuit. Unfortunately, Haylee’s family was troubled and eventually they lost ownership of their beautiful horse. Haylee endured much sadness and trouble, made some bad choices, and then came to believe and know Jesus, her Savior.
I enjoyed learning about the life of a beautiful horses and I enjoyed reading how Haylee grew up and established a good and meaningful life for herself and Cartier. Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
The hero of the story, is the horse, a beautiful and intelligent animal named Cartier. The author, Haylee and her family owned Cartier and Haylee and Cartier had much success on the Show Jump circuit. Unfortunately, Haylee’s family was troubled and eventually they lost ownership of their beautiful horse. Haylee endured much sadness and trouble, made some bad choices, and then came to believe and know Jesus, her Savior.
I enjoyed learning about the life of a beautiful horses and I enjoyed reading how Haylee grew up and established a good and meaningful life for herself and Cartier. Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
May 1, 2026
A bingeworthy story and not one you'll put down easily. Honestly, this book took me on the ride of my life. I read it weeks ago and the journey, characters, and lessons of growth stayed with me ever since. This isn’t your average girl and her horse story, and I think people who don’t even know much about horses will still enjoy it. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and to go through a box of tissues! My 2026 top read of the year so far. ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haylee has a strong bond with her horse Cartier. What happens to her and her horse is heartbreaking.
I thought this was a good book but also so sad and unfair at times. It’s an emotional bond between a horse and her girl. I liked the Christian theme through out the book too. It’s the perfect book for any horse lover.
I thought this was a good book but also so sad and unfair at times. It’s an emotional bond between a horse and her girl. I liked the Christian theme through out the book too. It’s the perfect book for any horse lover.
May 2, 2026
True story, reads like YA fiction.
June 10, 2026
A moving and sad story about a young girl and her horse.
The adults in this true story make lots of bad choices that impact those around them, especially the children involved. Haylee's mother has multiple bad marriages that leave the family in bad shape, including nowhere to live and a lack of food. Haylee deals with all of these issues by spending time with her horse, Cartier. Horses are such empathetic creatures, if we hurt they feel it too.
A former friend and attorney gets upset and sues the family for the money he says they owe, so he wants the horse. He plans to sell the horse to recover the funds - if that does not work, then he will sell the horse for slaughter. So Haylee's mother tells her to "take the horse and run". This is ridiculous since Haylee is a young girl. So the bad decisions continue and Haylee and Cartier pay the price.
The good news is that Haylee accepts Christ as her Savior during the time spent without her horse. She does not even know where he is or who owns him. The bad news is that Cartier is abused during the time they are apart. Just so sad when children and pets suffer because of the bad choices made by adults.
The adults in this true story make lots of bad choices that impact those around them, especially the children involved. Haylee's mother has multiple bad marriages that leave the family in bad shape, including nowhere to live and a lack of food. Haylee deals with all of these issues by spending time with her horse, Cartier. Horses are such empathetic creatures, if we hurt they feel it too.
A former friend and attorney gets upset and sues the family for the money he says they owe, so he wants the horse. He plans to sell the horse to recover the funds - if that does not work, then he will sell the horse for slaughter. So Haylee's mother tells her to "take the horse and run". This is ridiculous since Haylee is a young girl. So the bad decisions continue and Haylee and Cartier pay the price.
The good news is that Haylee accepts Christ as her Savior during the time spent without her horse. She does not even know where he is or who owns him. The bad news is that Cartier is abused during the time they are apart. Just so sad when children and pets suffer because of the bad choices made by adults.
October 29, 2025
Mainly what I learned is that people can be horrible, especially when horses or children are concerned. But I already knew that. A second marriage for Haylee's mother brought the good luck of a wealthy man, somehow, and he didn't cavil at buying a well-bred German showjumper far too classy for the young inexperienced girl. She should have leased a kind older horse and done riding club or amateur events until she had some ring experience. But the trainers fell over themselves to make a big sale and Cartier came into her life.
Then the marriage broke up, another boyfriend came on the horizon who pretended he had money but didn't, everyone moved, horse moved, school changed, and it never stopped. Haylee now found the problem every horse-mad girl faces who does not have land. The horse was costing money to keep. In order to compete she needed keep, training, travel and entry money. She kept falling off because she wasn't able to set the horse up or stick with his generous jumping. He got hurt and the ligament would take a year to mend, if it ever did.
Yes, there are people who threaten to take a lame horse from a girl. Lots of them. People like that do not have good intentions for the horse. Haylee decided to escape with Cartier and hide. Without money.
The story becomes difficult to read, because nobody wants to think about someone being harassed, followed, a legal action or three being taken against innocent women, and horses which are not earning being starved, or used as bargaining chips or threats. The worst part is perhaps when a horse rescue group has control of the lame horse and once they realise there may be legal complications to his title, they reverse everything that Haylee has just been told by the staff, in order to not be involved. If they hadn't lied but been honest and direct, the young woman could have respected them.
I don't think the title is correct, because Haylee did stop working to claim her horse for years, although of course she never stopped caring for him. At one point she is going to church regularly and moping instead of attending college or earning money, and I remembered Barbara Ehrenreich discovering that when you have no money in America, the only thing you can do free on a Sunday is go to church (Nickel And Dimed). Probably it was harder to earn on the internet then than today. But she always had mobile phones and phone credit.
I got confused with all the names as I was putting the book down and coming back to it, who was that person again? and where was that ranch again? We could have done with occasional clarification to remind us which boyfriend of her mom's this was, etc. But I expect this was hard for the lady to write, and she just wanted to get it down in print.
Most of us had our planned lives thrown into chaos by economic downturns or family circumstances. When life involves beloved horses, that makes everything harder. I recommend this book for adults or mature teenagers. Some photos would have been good.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
Then the marriage broke up, another boyfriend came on the horizon who pretended he had money but didn't, everyone moved, horse moved, school changed, and it never stopped. Haylee now found the problem every horse-mad girl faces who does not have land. The horse was costing money to keep. In order to compete she needed keep, training, travel and entry money. She kept falling off because she wasn't able to set the horse up or stick with his generous jumping. He got hurt and the ligament would take a year to mend, if it ever did.
Yes, there are people who threaten to take a lame horse from a girl. Lots of them. People like that do not have good intentions for the horse. Haylee decided to escape with Cartier and hide. Without money.
The story becomes difficult to read, because nobody wants to think about someone being harassed, followed, a legal action or three being taken against innocent women, and horses which are not earning being starved, or used as bargaining chips or threats. The worst part is perhaps when a horse rescue group has control of the lame horse and once they realise there may be legal complications to his title, they reverse everything that Haylee has just been told by the staff, in order to not be involved. If they hadn't lied but been honest and direct, the young woman could have respected them.
I don't think the title is correct, because Haylee did stop working to claim her horse for years, although of course she never stopped caring for him. At one point she is going to church regularly and moping instead of attending college or earning money, and I remembered Barbara Ehrenreich discovering that when you have no money in America, the only thing you can do free on a Sunday is go to church (Nickel And Dimed). Probably it was harder to earn on the internet then than today. But she always had mobile phones and phone credit.
I got confused with all the names as I was putting the book down and coming back to it, who was that person again? and where was that ranch again? We could have done with occasional clarification to remind us which boyfriend of her mom's this was, etc. But I expect this was hard for the lady to write, and she just wanted to get it down in print.
Most of us had our planned lives thrown into chaos by economic downturns or family circumstances. When life involves beloved horses, that makes everything harder. I recommend this book for adults or mature teenagers. Some photos would have been good.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
April 24, 2026
A bingworthy story. Honestly, this book took me on the ride of my life. I read it weeks ago and the journey, characters, and lessons of growth stayed with me ever since. This isn’t your average girl and her horse story, and I think people who don’t even know much about horses will still enjoy it. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and to go through a box of tissues! My 2026 top read of the year so far. ✨
April 19, 2026
Listen to the audiobook. Narration was terrible. DNF at 45%. I had to keep checking to see if this really was a nonfiction book. It was so off the wall and cartoonish, and if there was a true story in there, this book did not do it justice at all. From the mother who couldn’t stand up to the men in her life that treated her like crap to the girl that kept taking Xanax and pills in between all the drama of the relationships. It wasn’t much about a horse rescue. I’m sorry I wasted one of my Hoopla picks on this.
March 25, 2026
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this memoir.
What starts off feeling like the story of an entitled, privileged child slowly gives way to something much deeper: a profoundly unstable environment that forces her to grow up far too soon.
Take the Horse and Run completely surprised me. I went into it initially feeling frustrated by the author’s tone and early lack of self-awareness, but as the memoir unfolded, it became clear that so much of that was rooted in instability, emotional chaos, and a childhood shaped by poor adult decisions.
One thing I really appreciated was the pacing. This was such an easy book to get into, and it stayed engaging from start to finish without feeling weighed down by unnecessary filler. It drew me in quickly and kept me emotionally invested the entire way through.
At its core, this is not just a horse memoir — it’s a story about survival, grief, shame, faith, and rebuilding. What made it especially powerful was the role her horse played throughout her life. He wasn’t just a horse; he was her stability, her comfort, and at times, her only sense of safety.
As the story progresses, the emotional weight deepens in a way I didn’t expect. This ended up being a heartbreaking yet hopeful read about loss, resilience, and the bond between a girl and the horse who carried her through it all.
This memoir really surprised me, and by the end, it hit much harder than I ever expected it to. I was reading late into the night because I couldn’t put it down and even crying a few times; that doesn’t happen often for me, especially with books. You don’t have to be a horse girl to enjoy this memoir and I’d recommend it highly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this memoir.
What starts off feeling like the story of an entitled, privileged child slowly gives way to something much deeper: a profoundly unstable environment that forces her to grow up far too soon.
Take the Horse and Run completely surprised me. I went into it initially feeling frustrated by the author’s tone and early lack of self-awareness, but as the memoir unfolded, it became clear that so much of that was rooted in instability, emotional chaos, and a childhood shaped by poor adult decisions.
One thing I really appreciated was the pacing. This was such an easy book to get into, and it stayed engaging from start to finish without feeling weighed down by unnecessary filler. It drew me in quickly and kept me emotionally invested the entire way through.
At its core, this is not just a horse memoir — it’s a story about survival, grief, shame, faith, and rebuilding. What made it especially powerful was the role her horse played throughout her life. He wasn’t just a horse; he was her stability, her comfort, and at times, her only sense of safety.
As the story progresses, the emotional weight deepens in a way I didn’t expect. This ended up being a heartbreaking yet hopeful read about loss, resilience, and the bond between a girl and the horse who carried her through it all.
This memoir really surprised me, and by the end, it hit much harder than I ever expected it to. I was reading late into the night because I couldn’t put it down and even crying a few times; that doesn’t happen often for me, especially with books. You don’t have to be a horse girl to enjoy this memoir and I’d recommend it highly.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was an incredible read. I’m not a horse person—never have been!—but I loved Haylee’s love for her horse, and the way that love helped her through some very tough times. In a way, this story is so far removed from my lived experience that I had a hard time believing parts of it (the extent to which the lawyer went to try to punish them was crazy!), but it was certainly a case of truth being stranger than fiction.
This book was well written. I’d be interested in reading some of Haylee’s fictional stories, because judging from her writing style here, they’ll be good. I wanted to read something one evening and randomly picked this one up. Even though I don’t normally find myself sucked into memoirs, this one gripped me and wouldn’t let go. It reads like a novel, in all the best senses of the term!
I also loved the faith element of the story. It was so special to hear how the Lord drew Haylee to Himself, and all the many different “coincidences” that came along at the right time. That was beautiful!
If you enjoy reading true stories about families working through hard things in life, I’d recommend you check out this memoir. It’s a gem!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
This book was well written. I’d be interested in reading some of Haylee’s fictional stories, because judging from her writing style here, they’ll be good. I wanted to read something one evening and randomly picked this one up. Even though I don’t normally find myself sucked into memoirs, this one gripped me and wouldn’t let go. It reads like a novel, in all the best senses of the term!
I also loved the faith element of the story. It was so special to hear how the Lord drew Haylee to Himself, and all the many different “coincidences” that came along at the right time. That was beautiful!
If you enjoy reading true stories about families working through hard things in life, I’d recommend you check out this memoir. It’s a gem!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Haylee adores her horse, Cartier, her closest friend. She is desperate to save Cartier at any cost.
It was difficult to read about everything Haylee had to go through to take care of her mother, dealing with her mom’s poor decisions and trying to stay one step ahead of the people who wanted to take Cartier away. She felt helpless and was unable to protect her horse on her own. Who could she rely on to assist her?
This is a true story about Haylee’s bond with Cartier, her horse, and their escape from a corrupt lawyer and her divorced parents.
You will enjoy this book if you like memoirs, horses, and characters battling for a dream, and/or a light spiritual theme and a powerful tale of redemption.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
It was difficult to read about everything Haylee had to go through to take care of her mother, dealing with her mom’s poor decisions and trying to stay one step ahead of the people who wanted to take Cartier away. She felt helpless and was unable to protect her horse on her own. Who could she rely on to assist her?
This is a true story about Haylee’s bond with Cartier, her horse, and their escape from a corrupt lawyer and her divorced parents.
You will enjoy this book if you like memoirs, horses, and characters battling for a dream, and/or a light spiritual theme and a powerful tale of redemption.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
February 22, 2026
What grabbed me? Well… obviously the title and the byline.
NATURALLY, I wanted to read this book! 😄📚
And then I found out it was based on a true story — my favorite kind of bonus.
This book follows the life of Haylee (yes — the author!) from childhood into adulthood and centers around her relationship with her horse. 🐴💛 It’s also a story with a beautiful redemption arc, which made it even more powerful.
If you’re in the mood for a meaty, emotional story where the characters carry real, messy baggage on their journey toward hope and second chances, this one is definitely for you. 🌱✨
It also weaves in real-life people, names, and news stories you might even recognize, which added an extra layer of depth and authenticity.
I truly enjoyed this book — and I especially loved diving into the extra information about the author and the story, plus the additional background I found online afterward.
🌟 Final Verdict: 4 stars for this lovely, heartfelt tale!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
NATURALLY, I wanted to read this book! 😄📚
And then I found out it was based on a true story — my favorite kind of bonus.
This book follows the life of Haylee (yes — the author!) from childhood into adulthood and centers around her relationship with her horse. 🐴💛 It’s also a story with a beautiful redemption arc, which made it even more powerful.
If you’re in the mood for a meaty, emotional story where the characters carry real, messy baggage on their journey toward hope and second chances, this one is definitely for you. 🌱✨
It also weaves in real-life people, names, and news stories you might even recognize, which added an extra layer of depth and authenticity.
I truly enjoyed this book — and I especially loved diving into the extra information about the author and the story, plus the additional background I found online afterward.
🌟 Final Verdict: 4 stars for this lovely, heartfelt tale!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
November 14, 2025
A very emotional read. From her journey of living with adults that scream and fight, to broken homes, and then basically living on the street.
A young girl given a beautiful show jumping, and she falls in love with this beautiful animal! Her life is often in turmoil, but Cartier knows her and all her problems and secrets.
This is a faith based read, but life is at times very hard here, for both Haylee and her horse.
Sadly, this is a true story, and the meanness of some of the people that touch their lives, is terrible.
I have never owed a horse, but dogs, yes, and you see the abuse, and hurting that goes on.
I loved the life span of a horse, and how this story ends. I also like how the story goes to a full conclusion.
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
A young girl given a beautiful show jumping, and she falls in love with this beautiful animal! Her life is often in turmoil, but Cartier knows her and all her problems and secrets.
This is a faith based read, but life is at times very hard here, for both Haylee and her horse.
Sadly, this is a true story, and the meanness of some of the people that touch their lives, is terrible.
I have never owed a horse, but dogs, yes, and you see the abuse, and hurting that goes on.
I loved the life span of a horse, and how this story ends. I also like how the story goes to a full conclusion.
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Based on a true story, "Take the Horse and Run" by Haylee Graham is a story of perseverance, redemption, and friendship and love. This started as a slow start for me but turned into an unputdownable story. Have tissues on standby as one gut wrenching part of the story turns into another and another.
Releases Apr. 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Releases Apr. 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews