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Horse Gone Silent Trilogy #1
Horse Gone Silent
Inspired by a true story, 'Horse Gone Silent' delivers adventure, drama and life lessons in a perfectly tidy package that will speak to your heart like no horse story ever has before.
Champion show jumping horse Calebo gives a divinely critical message of hope in his inspirational tale of perseverance and courage. Calebo's story follows him from his charmed youth, to the top of his sport to finding himself moments from death by slaughter. Never sure of his ultimate fate, he relies on his faith, family and friends to give him strength on his incredible journey.
Written by professional horse trainer Shane Ledyard, 'Horse Gone Silent' takes you right into the barn aisle and onto this fabled horse's back for a great ride you won't want to end.
Champion show jumping horse Calebo gives a divinely critical message of hope in his inspirational tale of perseverance and courage. Calebo's story follows him from his charmed youth, to the top of his sport to finding himself moments from death by slaughter. Never sure of his ultimate fate, he relies on his faith, family and friends to give him strength on his incredible journey.
Written by professional horse trainer Shane Ledyard, 'Horse Gone Silent' takes you right into the barn aisle and onto this fabled horse's back for a great ride you won't want to end.
- GenresHorses
136 pages, ebook
Published January 29, 2016
156 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Shane Ledyard
14 books19 followersShane Ledyard grew up in Bucks County, Pa with an interest in the outdoors, traditional sports and horses. Surrounded by the rich history of the area, he was influenced by the deep cultural values of Bucks County. At the same time, he always had a very simple cowboy-like way about him. His lifestyle turned into a career as a successful horse trainer, horse show judge and riding instructor in the hunter and jumper industry. His writing is charmed with a respect for nature, and enjoys an intimate use of colorful language and descriptions that are unique to someone of his background with horses and cultural influence. Coupled with a romantic edge, his writing invokes clear, passionate images of characters that tend to pursue intricate moral positions on relevant subjects in current society. His messages are positive and encouraging, leaving the reader with the sense that one has read quality literature while also becoming a better version of themselves as they turn the last page. Ledyard still resides in Bucks County with his wife and two children that he loves and cherishes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 7, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK! it was a fun easy read with one of my two favorite things, horses and the christian faith. this is a good book to read your kiddos before bed, it doesnt have hard vocab and its easy to follow along to.
January 12, 2018
It was okay, but I felt it had gone to fast for my liking, there is a lot of talking but no showing and how does the horse know what red wine is?
January 21, 2026
Perhaps it’s the time in my life and I needed a heartwarming story, but as an equestrian I just loved this book. I do wish the three parts were in one book though as it was pretty short for the audible credits. Either way I recommend and can’t wait to start the next one!
January 1, 2018
This book was a nice quick read. Bravado is a horse with dreams of becoming a Grand Prix show jumper but along the way he realizes the evils of selfishness and embraces his purpose of service to others. It's hard to imagine what a horse's voice would be like, but this just isn't it; I think the writing would have been much better in 3rd person. I do have quite a few horse crazy students I'll recommend this to!
January 14, 2019
Excellent!
Loved this book. I think many show horses end up with a similar fate, and some not so lucky as Bravado.
Loved this book. I think many show horses end up with a similar fate, and some not so lucky as Bravado.
March 31, 2018
Sweet story.
I liked the story in spite of the pretentious writing and the clumsy personification.
Horses are some of my favorite people, but anyone who has ever spent time with them knows that endowing them with human knowledge is misleading.
Horses deserve decent treatment for what they are and what they give to their human masters. No one should be allowed to mistreat or slaughter one of them no matter whether that horse is a poor plow horse or a great champion.
Horses are capable of affection and loyalty as anyone knows who has been around one. They also can become depressed and broken by cruelty and neglect. Some horses become unstable and vicious because of bad treatment. The author knows this and tries to convey the perspective of a mistreated animal.
That makes this story readable and believable even though the writer seems to have swallowed a Thesaurus.
I would recommend this book for a young person but with a warning that it is not an easy read due to poor writing.
If Shane Ledyard were to rewrite it with more simplicity and believability it could be a great book in the class of Black Beauty.
I liked the story in spite of the pretentious writing and the clumsy personification.
Horses are some of my favorite people, but anyone who has ever spent time with them knows that endowing them with human knowledge is misleading.
Horses deserve decent treatment for what they are and what they give to their human masters. No one should be allowed to mistreat or slaughter one of them no matter whether that horse is a poor plow horse or a great champion.
Horses are capable of affection and loyalty as anyone knows who has been around one. They also can become depressed and broken by cruelty and neglect. Some horses become unstable and vicious because of bad treatment. The author knows this and tries to convey the perspective of a mistreated animal.
That makes this story readable and believable even though the writer seems to have swallowed a Thesaurus.
I would recommend this book for a young person but with a warning that it is not an easy read due to poor writing.
If Shane Ledyard were to rewrite it with more simplicity and believability it could be a great book in the class of Black Beauty.
July 6, 2019
A quick read from the horses point of view. Bravado starts life on a breeding farm in the Netherlands and is imported to the United States where he becomes a Grand Prix jumper. Once his body begins to show the wear and tear of the jumping world and receives an injury his life takes a turn in the breeding shed.
The farm owner with the money backing the enterprise goes broke in the stock market and life takes another turn for Bravado. He is gifted to a therapeutic riding program where he enjoys life sharing his gifts and many talents with folks that love him beyond measure.
Sadly that is not where the story ends. Bravado is sold to a shady horse dealer when the therapeutic riding program goes under. The once famous Grand Prix horse finds himself at auction.
Luckily the lame horse is saved and finds a life as a good lesson horse in a reputable stable.
The story line is good, but runs quickly. The sad truth is that this may well be the way most horses end up. Being passed from one owner to another working through pain and trauma until the end of their days.
The farm owner with the money backing the enterprise goes broke in the stock market and life takes another turn for Bravado. He is gifted to a therapeutic riding program where he enjoys life sharing his gifts and many talents with folks that love him beyond measure.
Sadly that is not where the story ends. Bravado is sold to a shady horse dealer when the therapeutic riding program goes under. The once famous Grand Prix horse finds himself at auction.
Luckily the lame horse is saved and finds a life as a good lesson horse in a reputable stable.
The story line is good, but runs quickly. The sad truth is that this may well be the way most horses end up. Being passed from one owner to another working through pain and trauma until the end of their days.
October 12, 2017
A Different Point of View
A story told by the horse himself gives us a look into what a horse must feel. I smiled and had tears at times reading the often confusing situations this horse went through. Sometimes we have no idea of our horse's past life and what made them the way they are now. With the closing of US slaughter plants, the horses are now sent to Mexico where they are stabbed in their backs until they are paralysed, hung by a back foot, then their throats are slit and they bleed out. Canada is another slaughter plant. The great racehorse, Dr Drip was another horse who met a terrible fate after winning a quarter of a million dollars for his owners. This book was written in a compassionate way that will touch any horse owner's heart to make sure our old friends are taken care of after dedicating their lives to us. I think this story of a horse's point of view will stay with me for a long time!
A story told by the horse himself gives us a look into what a horse must feel. I smiled and had tears at times reading the often confusing situations this horse went through. Sometimes we have no idea of our horse's past life and what made them the way they are now. With the closing of US slaughter plants, the horses are now sent to Mexico where they are stabbed in their backs until they are paralysed, hung by a back foot, then their throats are slit and they bleed out. Canada is another slaughter plant. The great racehorse, Dr Drip was another horse who met a terrible fate after winning a quarter of a million dollars for his owners. This book was written in a compassionate way that will touch any horse owner's heart to make sure our old friends are taken care of after dedicating their lives to us. I think this story of a horse's point of view will stay with me for a long time!
June 15, 2019
Such a beautiful story
This book touched my heart in so many ways. There are so many lessons to be learned from all of our creatures.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses, or any animals. It teaches you how to love the animals from the animals’ perspective. We must always strive to understand what they are feeling. They have so much love to give if we do.
I loved this book. I will definitely read more from this author.
This book touched my heart in so many ways. There are so many lessons to be learned from all of our creatures.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses, or any animals. It teaches you how to love the animals from the animals’ perspective. We must always strive to understand what they are feeling. They have so much love to give if we do.
I loved this book. I will definitely read more from this author.
December 7, 2021
This story had a more Christian message than I was expecting. The author, according to his bio, spent quite a bit of time with horses, however the story was so devoid of details could have been about any animal. In my opinion the horse was given too many human qualities. Although horses are capable of great love and long memories an do not believe that they would recognize their sire and probably not their own offspring if a long time had passed.
June 5, 2022
What a great little book, as a life long horse person and trainer, I adored this book. What a great telling from a horses perspective, and a wonderful example of the mind of a horse. Of course it's fanciful and people always disagree on how horses think and process emotion, but the insight on the show jumping world, horse lingo, and training techniques mentioned were spot on! I love horse books written by horse people!!! Highly recommend for horse lovers and animal tale fans alike!
April 8, 2025
3.5 stars. Great Christian book for a young teen girl. She wished it had more action or suspense, thus the 3.5 stars. She definitely looks forward to reading the other two in the trilogy. She loves horses!
(I walked her through how I rate books among other Internet-age ratings - saving five stars for true masterpieces. She wanted to give it four, so I asked her if it was one of the best books she has so voraciously read. Therefore, 3.5.)
(I walked her through how I rate books among other Internet-age ratings - saving five stars for true masterpieces. She wanted to give it four, so I asked her if it was one of the best books she has so voraciously read. Therefore, 3.5.)
May 20, 2017
Horse Gone Silent
Shane Ledyard is the "Horse Whisperer!" Never have I read a horse story that had a heart of faith, no matter his circumstances, he clung to that inner Spirit that his Maker gave him. Offers lot's of wisdom. A real tear jerker! Give me more!!
Shane Ledyard is the "Horse Whisperer!" Never have I read a horse story that had a heart of faith, no matter his circumstances, he clung to that inner Spirit that his Maker gave him. Offers lot's of wisdom. A real tear jerker! Give me more!!
July 16, 2018
Black Beauty meets Dwayne Dwyer.
The sad part is so many horses are treated as commodities. They are capable of deep attachment and emotions. I am grateful for receiving a special horse's love for 22 years.
The sad part is so many horses are treated as commodities. They are capable of deep attachment and emotions. I am grateful for receiving a special horse's love for 22 years.
September 26, 2018
Likeable
I have been reading books about horses for most of my life. This was written in the Black Beauty type of prose. Interesting, but not my favorite. I liked the storyline and the author kept it moving. Good book.
I have been reading books about horses for most of my life. This was written in the Black Beauty type of prose. Interesting, but not my favorite. I liked the storyline and the author kept it moving. Good book.
October 9, 2020
I read this from cover to cover in one sitting. It was beautifully written and the author as a horseman clearly knows his horses. This book is full of wisdom and life lessons whether you are a horse lover or not. I can't wait to read the next two books in the series.
November 9, 2023
YasHorse
Great read. Gives me modern Black Beauty. Vibes and reminds us of the importance of being a good horse person even when the circumstances are not the most favorable. Very moving story. Highly recommend!
Great read. Gives me modern Black Beauty. Vibes and reminds us of the importance of being a good horse person even when the circumstances are not the most favorable. Very moving story. Highly recommend!
March 12, 2017
Great read!
I enjoyed this book. It was a perfect read for the weekend. The outlook from the horse's point of view was captivating.
I enjoyed this book. It was a perfect read for the weekend. The outlook from the horse's point of view was captivating.
September 30, 2017
Poignant, well written--should be placed in the hands of every rider.
July 15, 2018
Great little story!
Quick read written in the perspective of the horse. Wish all horses could tell their tale as eloquently as Bravado/Calebo!
Quick read written in the perspective of the horse. Wish all horses could tell their tale as eloquently as Bravado/Calebo!
May 13, 2019
Great story, but I could have done without the religious aspect.
February 2, 2022
I really liked Horse Gone Silent because it was filled with drama, and excitement, and gave me a different point of view on a horse's life.
January 5, 2023
Really good! A little fast, but I love it. The Religious focus was really awesome too. Any Christian animal lover will enjoy this book!
February 20, 2023
Excellent book!
What a wonderful book. I love the way the author writes, blending real life with our faith walk. Ready to read more!
What a wonderful book. I love the way the author writes, blending real life with our faith walk. Ready to read more!
September 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this book told from a horse's point of view. Evoked such a range of emotions. Definitely recommend this book!
January 19, 2024
I cried… but I loved the story. ❤️
March 29, 2024
This was a fantastic but quick read. I love how it showed the view of the horse and how he reacted to the life around him and really showed how many horses view humans. Great book!
November 9, 2024
Excellent sorry told from the horses point of view. Well written.
November 21, 2016
My heart is with the horse.
January 18, 2023
This book teaches good lessons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews