What do you think?
Rate this book
The Burton's Farm #1
Joe: the Horse Nobody Loved
Joe, an ugly and unloved horse trusts no one. And no one trusts him. Until Vicky. This is the story of a troubled horse, and the little girl who loved him. Based on the true adventures of her childhood fifty years ago, the author's horse, Joe, teaches the lesson that sometimes beauty is not skin-deep, but heart deep, and that the unloved have much to show us about the true nature of love.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
119 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Kaseorg
35 books24 followersAbout the Author
Vicky Kaseorg is an artist, writer, and homeschooled for 25 years. Vicky and her husband reside in North Carolina. When not writing, drawing, or teaching, Vicky is volunteering with pro-life ministry, or kayaking, skiing, bicycling, and looking for God in the tiny details of the world around her. She writes a daily blog at vickykaseorg.blogspot.com .
Vicky Kaseorg is an artist, writer, and homeschooled for 25 years. Vicky and her husband reside in North Carolina. When not writing, drawing, or teaching, Vicky is volunteering with pro-life ministry, or kayaking, skiing, bicycling, and looking for God in the tiny details of the world around her. She writes a daily blog at vickykaseorg.blogspot.com .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 24, 2015
Oh how I enjoyed this book! I was feeling that I was way overdue for an animal story, and I this one came along at just the right time. I have visited online with author Vicky Kaseorg, telling her how she lived my dream as a young girl... to have my own horse. And she actually got one -- Joe! I was, of course, in a puddle of tears at the ending -- it's nice to know that a really great story can touch the heartstrings that deeply. This one goes on my list of favorites of all time. I do not give synopses of the storyline because I want readers to discover it all for themselves like I did, one chapter at a time.
February 23, 2022
Being a horse lover myself, this was a wonderful loving story!
November 11, 2021
Honestly simple, yet breathtaking
I truly loved this book. As a youngster approximately the same age as the author when this story took place, I had limited experiences with horses. I lived on a dairy farm with my grandparents who had no longer had any use for horses unable to earn their keep. Thus I grew up learning to secretly ride a cow instead. Friends horses came a year or two later. “Joe — the Horse Nobody Loved “ by Vicky Kaseorg tugged at my heartstrings like no other story I have ever read. My heart went out to the youngster with few friends who loved horses just because they lived and breathed. Her writing style is simple and right to the point. I laughed right along with her, felt the same sweet love she felt for that special horse, and related to the awkwardness of her age. She loved what she could in her mind, and left behind those people/things that didn’t respond to her. She plodded along through life one step at a time relishing small victories that were within her grasp. A great story for parents to read with their children because there are many teachable moments to discuss and ponder. For me in particular, this book was a joy to read and treasure. Highly recommended!
I truly loved this book. As a youngster approximately the same age as the author when this story took place, I had limited experiences with horses. I lived on a dairy farm with my grandparents who had no longer had any use for horses unable to earn their keep. Thus I grew up learning to secretly ride a cow instead. Friends horses came a year or two later. “Joe — the Horse Nobody Loved “ by Vicky Kaseorg tugged at my heartstrings like no other story I have ever read. My heart went out to the youngster with few friends who loved horses just because they lived and breathed. Her writing style is simple and right to the point. I laughed right along with her, felt the same sweet love she felt for that special horse, and related to the awkwardness of her age. She loved what she could in her mind, and left behind those people/things that didn’t respond to her. She plodded along through life one step at a time relishing small victories that were within her grasp. A great story for parents to read with their children because there are many teachable moments to discuss and ponder. For me in particular, this book was a joy to read and treasure. Highly recommended!
December 23, 2018
Best horse book in forever
This could be the story of my own middle school years. I was terribly shy and bullied, we were always moving to a new school. My only and dearest love was horses. I worked tirelessly at the the barn out of sheer love for it. I would come home stinky, tired and ecstatic. The horses were my reward. The horses! Each an individual, with their own personality and quirks, they made my life interesting (and sometimes scary) and I loved them all. The story of Joe touched my heart, made me laugh and made me cry. This author has a gift for making me feel like I'm experiencing it all over again. I look forward to reading more of her works! I also still have my special horse statues, they were so important to me as a kid that I have kept them close, always. I LOVED this book!
This could be the story of my own middle school years. I was terribly shy and bullied, we were always moving to a new school. My only and dearest love was horses. I worked tirelessly at the the barn out of sheer love for it. I would come home stinky, tired and ecstatic. The horses were my reward. The horses! Each an individual, with their own personality and quirks, they made my life interesting (and sometimes scary) and I loved them all. The story of Joe touched my heart, made me laugh and made me cry. This author has a gift for making me feel like I'm experiencing it all over again. I look forward to reading more of her works! I also still have my special horse statues, they were so important to me as a kid that I have kept them close, always. I LOVED this book!
September 30, 2022
Joe - who all the readers now love!
This was a wonderfully written memoir recounting a young, shy girl's journey volunteering at a run down farm in exchange for spending time with the trail horses. She falls in love with an unloved pony named Joe and the two build an amazing relationship built on love and trust.
This was a wonderfully written memoir recounting a young, shy girl's journey volunteering at a run down farm in exchange for spending time with the trail horses. She falls in love with an unloved pony named Joe and the two build an amazing relationship built on love and trust.
September 13, 2023
What a heart warming story
Vicky wrote this in such a way that I felt like I was her age experiencing her childhood working at Burton’s farm. Joe’s story was painfully wonderful to read, watching him learn to trust and love again. I cried buckets at the end to the deep concern of my cat.
Vicky wrote this in such a way that I felt like I was her age experiencing her childhood working at Burton’s farm. Joe’s story was painfully wonderful to read, watching him learn to trust and love again. I cried buckets at the end to the deep concern of my cat.
July 27, 2022
A beautiful story about a lonely little girl and the abused horse that she befriends. Told from a child's point of view, Joe: the Horse Nobody Loved, is an uplifting story that reminds us how much happiness animals add to our lives.
March 14, 2024
Tugged at my heartstrings!
Although this is more a children’s book I decided to give it a go. It reminded me of my childhood as well as my adulthood. If you have a horse crazy child this is a must read. It is a tear jerker so be prepared for it!
Although this is more a children’s book I decided to give it a go. It reminded me of my childhood as well as my adulthood. If you have a horse crazy child this is a must read. It is a tear jerker so be prepared for it!
December 2, 2024
a feel good story
Good feeling story. Love that Missus writes like she talks. Awesome. I wish I knew where the Chicago suburb was, bring I lived in the area since birth. But just a good story. Funny, sad, full of love and kindness.
Good feeling story. Love that Missus writes like she talks. Awesome. I wish I knew where the Chicago suburb was, bring I lived in the area since birth. But just a good story. Funny, sad, full of love and kindness.
October 8, 2017
Nice
Nicely written. Author shares her experiences. Helping a horse come out of his shell. you will enjoy it. I did
Nicely written. Author shares her experiences. Helping a horse come out of his shell. you will enjoy it. I did
February 8, 2018
Joe
This is a very cute story of an awkward time in a child’s life that we can all relate too. Some of us more than others!
This is a very cute story of an awkward time in a child’s life that we can all relate too. Some of us more than others!
April 5, 2018
Written with the remembrance of a young girl. Heart warming, fun reading especially if you had that experience. You laugh with her and cry, gives all the experiences and shares with you.
June 9, 2018
Simple and Pure
I loved reading this book. I could relate to the main character and her love of animals, especially Joe. This was a quick, satisfying read.
I loved reading this book. I could relate to the main character and her love of animals, especially Joe. This was a quick, satisfying read.
July 18, 2019
We used this as a read aloud for my 8yo daughter. We both loved it. We laughed and we cried. Wonderful story.
May 26, 2021
I loved this book. It brought back so many childhood experiences in horseback riding. I learned by riding just as Vicky did. Couldn’t put it down. Humorous, real life, diverse characters and a joy to read.
March 9, 2017
Overall, I liked it though supposedly he was a Hackney pony that could also do barrels and drive? And her parents benign neglect was a bit hard to believe.
August 31, 2016
Free on Kindle Unlimited, this is probably aimed at tweens, but I loved it. If you have a child that is horse-crazy, this is a great choice for them. My eight-year-old daughter listened to it on audio. She carried it around with her everywhere (even dropping the electronic device into the horses' watering trough; thankfully she's got quick hands, and she got more waterlogged than the phone) and finally, we caught her balled up in a dark corner of her room, phone clenched in her hand, sobbing. Then she went back to the beginning and started listening to it again.
The author has a relaxed, honest way of writing that is very engaging. Her portrayal of herself is so very brutally honest, yet sympathetic, and I found myself wanting to know more about her. There are more books in the series. Hopefully they're just as good.
The author has a relaxed, honest way of writing that is very engaging. Her portrayal of herself is so very brutally honest, yet sympathetic, and I found myself wanting to know more about her. There are more books in the series. Hopefully they're just as good.
April 17, 2015
Not since I first read The Diary of Anne Frank as a child have I been so moved by a true story. Several scenes reduced me to tears of joy and sorrow. I could so relate to the author's feelings of loneliness and lack of self-confidence. Her relationship with a lonely horse and how both of them are changed in wonderfully unexpected ways is a masterful triumph of storytelling. This book is one of my new forever favorites, and I recommend it to anyone who loves horses or has ever felt alone. Bravo, Ms. Kaseorg!
November 23, 2015
A shy little girl
Who saved whom? It seems mutual and reciprocal between Vicky and Joe. Vicky, too shy to deal with people (been there, all to painfully) and Joe, abused in a former life, forced into less cruel, but still unkind service at Burton Farm, fall in love, understand each other, and discover their joys and talents together. They help heal each other, and Joe teaches Vicky how to reach a seemingly uncontrollable horse before he is sent to the knacker yard. Is is a great story from so many aspects, and well told.
Who saved whom? It seems mutual and reciprocal between Vicky and Joe. Vicky, too shy to deal with people (been there, all to painfully) and Joe, abused in a former life, forced into less cruel, but still unkind service at Burton Farm, fall in love, understand each other, and discover their joys and talents together. They help heal each other, and Joe teaches Vicky how to reach a seemingly uncontrollable horse before he is sent to the knacker yard. Is is a great story from so many aspects, and well told.
April 22, 2016
Lessons for all
This book was amazing like any girl I have always loved ponies and horses. I have a few story's of my own that have given me insight into the way people look at others including the four footed others. Unfortunately I am not so good getting words to paper so thank you Vicky for giving me a chance to read this book.y
This book was amazing like any girl I have always loved ponies and horses. I have a few story's of my own that have given me insight into the way people look at others including the four footed others. Unfortunately I am not so good getting words to paper so thank you Vicky for giving me a chance to read this book.y
May 6, 2015
Great read
This book was like comfort food, like childhood, like home... a story that the awkward kid in all of us can relate to and remind us of how we escaped those feelings and were who we wanted to be with the companionship of a wonderful friend.
This book was like comfort food, like childhood, like home... a story that the awkward kid in all of us can relate to and remind us of how we escaped those feelings and were who we wanted to be with the companionship of a wonderful friend.
October 29, 2015
I liked this horse/love story about a young girl and a difficult, unridable horse. It's a true story & takes place around the time I was growing up. I didn't realize it would have religious undertones -didn't catch that in the reviews I read. It didn't overpower the story though.
May 17, 2016
This is such a touching story of a girl and her horse and
the love they gave each other. They came into each other's
lives just when each was needed and helped each other.
It is really sad at the end but I loved it.
the love they gave each other. They came into each other's
lives just when each was needed and helped each other.
It is really sad at the end but I loved it.
April 8, 2016
Loved the is book so much(I have listed to it more than once on audible) Heartwarming, funny, life lessons learned. Writing is so good!!
December 1, 2016
This is a true story about a young girl growing up and learning life's lessons from from a neglected horse she loves. The horse teaches her self confidence and she teaches him he is worth loving.
December 30, 2023
This is the most heartwarming story I’ve ever read! The author did an amazing job explaining her heartwarming, challenging journey at burtons farm and Joe the horse that nobody loved!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews