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The Horse of My Dreams: True Stories of the Horses We Love
Where do we turn when work is draining, a friend lets us down, or we can't take any more news stories or political controversies? We turn to animals. We watch and share heartwarming videos of animals and the people who love them. For over a decade, Callie Smith Grant has been helping people celebrate our animal friends with her delightful collections of stories, and she's back with more true stories for horse lovers.
With contributions from both well-known and up-and-coming writers, this heartwarming collection is the perfect way for animal lovers to decompress and remember God's good gift to us in the majestic, calming, inspiring, and even silly horses he created. Horse owners, horse lovers, and horse dreamers will adore these uplifting true stories.
With contributions from both well-known and up-and-coming writers, this heartwarming collection is the perfect way for animal lovers to decompress and remember God's good gift to us in the majestic, calming, inspiring, and even silly horses he created. Horse owners, horse lovers, and horse dreamers will adore these uplifting true stories.
- GenresNonfictionHorsesAnimals
224 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2019
12 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Callie Smith Grant
24 books95 followersCallie Smith Grant is the editor of A Prince among Dogs and A Dickens of a Cat. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults as well as many animal-themed stories and poems which can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmers Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 21, 2019
“But when that animal intelligence meets up with our human intelligence, wonderful things can happen. And stories are born,” Callie Smith Grant writes in the introduction to her book, The Horse of My Dreams: True Stories of the Horses We Love.
~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-twenty-four-page paperback contains thirty-two brief stories about horses and how the majestic beasts changed the writers. After an introduction, the four-to-ten page tales are written by a myriad of contributors who are writers, authors, editors, bloggers, professors, and animal lovers. The book ends with notes, contributors’ biographies, editor’s biography, and acknowledgments.
This is a quick read that focuses on how horses can change our lives, from a young girl dreaming for a pony and an actor trying to control a one-minded horse to a gal participating in a pageant on a horse she never rode before and an enthusiastic seventy-year-old rider to name a few. The reader learns how the relationship between a horse and its owner encourages empathy, understanding, and patience, forming an unforgettable bond. A few highlighted inserts are added about horse facts and Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee’s horses.
~ Why ~
Having two dear friends who own horses, I have always had a respect for equine yet have always been afraid of them. I appreciated how the love for the cherished animal grows over the decades of grooming, riding, and taking care of the animal. It is fascinating to know how the creatures are sensitive to a person’s moods, have a sixth sense, or can be easily injured or inflicted with the Potomac Horse Fever.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories about horses may want to pass on this short book, but it may help someone who is fearful of the one-thousand-pound animal. Others may wish the tales were longer, more in-depth, or were written by well-known writers.
~ Wish ~
Although I liked the concept of one remembering their beloved pet and how it changed lives, sometimes relating it to God, I wish there were more Christian aspects inserted that would bring Him the glory for creating such a fine creature. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are a horse lover and like an eclectic compilation of stories about writers’ favorite horses, this is a lovely casual light read about the amazing animals. It may be a nice present for a young want-to-be horse owner.
Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-twenty-four-page paperback contains thirty-two brief stories about horses and how the majestic beasts changed the writers. After an introduction, the four-to-ten page tales are written by a myriad of contributors who are writers, authors, editors, bloggers, professors, and animal lovers. The book ends with notes, contributors’ biographies, editor’s biography, and acknowledgments.
This is a quick read that focuses on how horses can change our lives, from a young girl dreaming for a pony and an actor trying to control a one-minded horse to a gal participating in a pageant on a horse she never rode before and an enthusiastic seventy-year-old rider to name a few. The reader learns how the relationship between a horse and its owner encourages empathy, understanding, and patience, forming an unforgettable bond. A few highlighted inserts are added about horse facts and Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee’s horses.
~ Why ~
Having two dear friends who own horses, I have always had a respect for equine yet have always been afraid of them. I appreciated how the love for the cherished animal grows over the decades of grooming, riding, and taking care of the animal. It is fascinating to know how the creatures are sensitive to a person’s moods, have a sixth sense, or can be easily injured or inflicted with the Potomac Horse Fever.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories about horses may want to pass on this short book, but it may help someone who is fearful of the one-thousand-pound animal. Others may wish the tales were longer, more in-depth, or were written by well-known writers.
~ Wish ~
Although I liked the concept of one remembering their beloved pet and how it changed lives, sometimes relating it to God, I wish there were more Christian aspects inserted that would bring Him the glory for creating such a fine creature. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are a horse lover and like an eclectic compilation of stories about writers’ favorite horses, this is a lovely casual light read about the amazing animals. It may be a nice present for a young want-to-be horse owner.
Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
October 21, 2019
I grew up dreaming of having a horse. I think I was probably still in single digits when that dream started. That dream was finally fulfilled when I was 33yrs old!
It was so neat reading the different experiences each of these people had in The Horse of My Dreams. One of the stories I really enjoyed was by Susy Flory. Her story really shows how smart horses can be. It really reinforces to me how amazing they are, too!
Lauraine Snelling (one of the only contributors I'm familiar with) shares about her first pony. Boy did that pony share teach her some lessons! I've always thought ponies were stubborn little stinkers, but our first pony or horse always leaves a lasting imprint on our lives!
Rachel Anne Ridge's story about rescuing a donkey and introducing him to a donkey they already had reminded me of 2 experiences I had. When we lived in Colorado, when I was a young teen, I had thought about rescuing a wild mustang. My mom encouraged it because at the time we had a fenced in horse yard, but couldn't afford a horse. Unfortunately that didn't come to fruition. The other memory I have is when Winston first joined the herd at the farm where we were boarding him. The period of initiation into the herd is a difficult one. Winston was kind of a butt head so he didn't always get along with the other horses. He kind of stayed at the bottom rung for quite some time. Seeing his bites was difficult, but he needed to find his way in his new herd.
I enjoyed the stories I read of people who were older like me when they got their first horse. "Callie Had A Secret" is a great one! I also, with a bit of envy, enjoyed the stories of people who had horses in their lives at a young age. So many of us dream about having horses and this book reminds us how wonderful it can be when those dreams come true!
*I received this book from the publisher for review. This is my opinion.
It was so neat reading the different experiences each of these people had in The Horse of My Dreams. One of the stories I really enjoyed was by Susy Flory. Her story really shows how smart horses can be. It really reinforces to me how amazing they are, too!
Lauraine Snelling (one of the only contributors I'm familiar with) shares about her first pony. Boy did that pony share teach her some lessons! I've always thought ponies were stubborn little stinkers, but our first pony or horse always leaves a lasting imprint on our lives!
Rachel Anne Ridge's story about rescuing a donkey and introducing him to a donkey they already had reminded me of 2 experiences I had. When we lived in Colorado, when I was a young teen, I had thought about rescuing a wild mustang. My mom encouraged it because at the time we had a fenced in horse yard, but couldn't afford a horse. Unfortunately that didn't come to fruition. The other memory I have is when Winston first joined the herd at the farm where we were boarding him. The period of initiation into the herd is a difficult one. Winston was kind of a butt head so he didn't always get along with the other horses. He kind of stayed at the bottom rung for quite some time. Seeing his bites was difficult, but he needed to find his way in his new herd.
I enjoyed the stories I read of people who were older like me when they got their first horse. "Callie Had A Secret" is a great one! I also, with a bit of envy, enjoyed the stories of people who had horses in their lives at a young age. So many of us dream about having horses and this book reminds us how wonderful it can be when those dreams come true!
*I received this book from the publisher for review. This is my opinion.
September 28, 2019
This book has thirty-two true stories written by different individuals that center around the horse. Some of the writers are bloggers, authors, horse lovers, and a variety of individuals. Each story is anywhere from three to five pages long. The writers share something special about a horse. Some of them are more Christian Worldview than others but all of them share a unity with the love of the horse that has impacted their lives. Some of the stories are funny; some stories are of someone who had never ridden a horse before. The stories are from individuals of all ages and all stages of life. You also encounter a few donkeys in the story.
Throughout the book are horse facts and quotes from different sources.
The book caught my attention because of my horse loving daughter who rides weekly at a therapeutic riding for the last 8 years. I have seen the benefits of horse riding on my daughter’s life and on other individuals of all ages. Seeing a kid talk for the first time that was non-verbal to the calm of riding and petting a horse that it brings on the individuals I know that these majestic animals are special. I know that I have many memories of my daughter throughout the years of her riding. My daughter is out of her AFO’s because of the horse riding. Her confidence has grown because of riding a horse.
The book is a quick read with lots of heartwarming stories throughout the pages. This is an enjoyable book to read.
I received a free copy of this product from Revell in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.
Throughout the book are horse facts and quotes from different sources.
The book caught my attention because of my horse loving daughter who rides weekly at a therapeutic riding for the last 8 years. I have seen the benefits of horse riding on my daughter’s life and on other individuals of all ages. Seeing a kid talk for the first time that was non-verbal to the calm of riding and petting a horse that it brings on the individuals I know that these majestic animals are special. I know that I have many memories of my daughter throughout the years of her riding. My daughter is out of her AFO’s because of the horse riding. Her confidence has grown because of riding a horse.
The book is a quick read with lots of heartwarming stories throughout the pages. This is an enjoyable book to read.
I received a free copy of this product from Revell in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.
October 17, 2019
First reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbooks...
Title: The Horse of My Dreams; True Stories of the Horses We Love
Author: edited by Callie Smith Grant
Pg: 224
Genre: non-fiction
Rating: 4 stars
publisher: Revell
As a kid, I was horse crazy I read every book about horses that I could get my hands on. Including two different series about girls and their horses. So when I saw The Horse of My Dreams; True Stories of the Horses we love edited by Callie Smith Grant. I knew that I had to read it. I enjoyed the fact that each story was written by a different author. And while each story focused on some aspect of horses each story was so much more than that as well as unique to the person writing the story.
Each story in this book will not only show you something about the author but it will also show you something about yourself beyond the love of horses. I would recommend this book to anyone who was that horse-crazy kid. This book is a walk down memory lane for the writers and readers alike.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Title: The Horse of My Dreams; True Stories of the Horses We Love
Author: edited by Callie Smith Grant
Pg: 224
Genre: non-fiction
Rating: 4 stars
publisher: Revell
As a kid, I was horse crazy I read every book about horses that I could get my hands on. Including two different series about girls and their horses. So when I saw The Horse of My Dreams; True Stories of the Horses we love edited by Callie Smith Grant. I knew that I had to read it. I enjoyed the fact that each story was written by a different author. And while each story focused on some aspect of horses each story was so much more than that as well as unique to the person writing the story.
Each story in this book will not only show you something about the author but it will also show you something about yourself beyond the love of horses. I would recommend this book to anyone who was that horse-crazy kid. This book is a walk down memory lane for the writers and readers alike.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
October 16, 2019
*This post was guest-written by my resident horse obsessed 14-year-old, Katie.
The Horse of My Dreams was overall a very great book! Personally, I feel some of the authors could have put just a little bit more detail in their stories. I did make some personal connections because the book was so realistic that I could just picture it. I really enjoyed the section about the horse named Stubborn. The various authors made some of the scenes so beautiful that I wish I could be there.
The horses in the wild like she talked about is true. Some of them are starving and dying from all kinds of diseases. I think if people would read this book they would become more aware of their stories. That is what I loved, learning more about the situations the various horses were in.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves horses, cares about the environment, like true stories, and loves to be able to picture things in their minds.
*We received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are our own.
The Horse of My Dreams was overall a very great book! Personally, I feel some of the authors could have put just a little bit more detail in their stories. I did make some personal connections because the book was so realistic that I could just picture it. I really enjoyed the section about the horse named Stubborn. The various authors made some of the scenes so beautiful that I wish I could be there.
The horses in the wild like she talked about is true. Some of them are starving and dying from all kinds of diseases. I think if people would read this book they would become more aware of their stories. That is what I loved, learning more about the situations the various horses were in.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves horses, cares about the environment, like true stories, and loves to be able to picture things in their minds.
*We received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are our own.
October 18, 2019
When I was a growing up, I always dreamed of having my own horse but living in town with only a small yard stopped this dream from happening. Instead, I would watch western TV shows and read books, both fiction and non-fiction, that were about horses. There is a new book from Callie Smith Grant that will appeal to people like me and it is a collection of thirty-two short stories that tell of this passion for these special animals. Some of the contributors are well-known authors, some are beginning writers, and there are even bloggers included, but they all all share this one thing in common. Some of the stories are humorous and some are sad but they all will make you appreciate the strong relationships that occur between a horse and its owner.
This is an enjoyable book and there are many interesting historical facts included in these 224 pages. The Horse of My Dreams would be a wonderful gift for anyone who loves horses.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
This is an enjoyable book and there are many interesting historical facts included in these 224 pages. The Horse of My Dreams would be a wonderful gift for anyone who loves horses.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
October 23, 2019
This collection of true stories made me smile, cry and think about my own fond memories of horses when I went riding on vacation or at my friend's house or even remembering wonderful books I'd read about horses. Different authors share their stories of how a horse helped them through a tough time, befriended them when they were down or connected them to people they would be friends with for years. Many learned the power of perseverance while saving for a horse or training one they bought. Some passed on their love of horses to a sibling or child while others saw a parent pass it on to them. There were all different ages portrayed here. Some interesting side bars talked about the history of sidesaddles or why we measure horses in hands. There were even a couple about Civil War generals and their attachment to their horses. There's a few references to God and prayer. I would recommend this book if you love horses!
I received this book from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2019
If you love horses or like reading about them, this is the book for you! Several authors penned true stories of their experiences with horses. Many dreamed about them since they were young but didn't get to actually own one until later in life. Others got to experience horses as a child. Some are just stories and others actually have a lesson or meaning to them. There's even a donkey story or two thrown in there. One author/actor tells of his experiences working with horses on the set.
Horses are often someone's best friend. They can be loyal or stubborn, calming or frustrating, noble and majestic. I know some horse lovers and I think they would enjoy this book. It is a fun book to read even if you are not a horse lover, which I am not, and would make a nice gift for someone.
(Please Note: Although a copy of this book was provided to me to review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, the opinions expressed are my own.)
Horses are often someone's best friend. They can be loyal or stubborn, calming or frustrating, noble and majestic. I know some horse lovers and I think they would enjoy this book. It is a fun book to read even if you are not a horse lover, which I am not, and would make a nice gift for someone.
(Please Note: Although a copy of this book was provided to me to review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, the opinions expressed are my own.)
October 22, 2019
This treasury of stories warmed my heart as it brought back memories of the horses of my childhood as I found a bit of myself in most of the stories. The book also brought an assurance that my own little girl will have stores of memories of her buckskin pony and horses someday. I look forward to sharing some of the stories with her this winter when the weather keeps her from spending so much time outside.
Each of the 32 stories can stand alone making the book an easy one to read even if you only have fragments of time to devote to reading. Though they can stand alone, Carrie Smith Grant compiled them in such a way that you are kept wanting to read the next one.
The Horse of My Dreams is the perfect book to enjoy yourself or to give to the horse lover in your life this Christmas.
Each of the 32 stories can stand alone making the book an easy one to read even if you only have fragments of time to devote to reading. Though they can stand alone, Carrie Smith Grant compiled them in such a way that you are kept wanting to read the next one.
The Horse of My Dreams is the perfect book to enjoy yourself or to give to the horse lover in your life this Christmas.
October 8, 2019
The Horse of My Dreams: True Stories of the Horses We Love is a collection of over thirty short stories. These stories are written by various people that include authors and other professionals, who tell about their beloved horses, ponies and even donkeys. I found this collection to be a fun, entertaining, and heartwarming read. I have to admit, I teared up a couple of times and laughed out loud at other times.
I give The Horse of My Dreams: True Stories of the Horses We Love a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for horse enthusiasts of all ages – young and old.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100%my own honest opinion.
I give The Horse of My Dreams: True Stories of the Horses We Love a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for horse enthusiasts of all ages – young and old.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100%my own honest opinion.
October 19, 2019
This beautiful collection of stories told by people in all different stages of life whom were all changed by the majestic beast we call horse touched my heart.
There were so many inspiring stories and some that broke a little piece of my heart.
These stories made me realize just how connected we humans are. Something as simple as a horse uniting people at the heart confirms they're not so simple after all.
I was touched by each story told and was very blessed to read this uplifting book.
-Rebekah
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*
There were so many inspiring stories and some that broke a little piece of my heart.
These stories made me realize just how connected we humans are. Something as simple as a horse uniting people at the heart confirms they're not so simple after all.
I was touched by each story told and was very blessed to read this uplifting book.
-Rebekah
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*
October 18, 2019
This book was a beautiful writing book, inspiring and compelling to read with that also had a great real story of horses one of our best friend of human or a part of their family with the love and kindness that they have to their horses. This book will show you of how getting to know about the horses when they be apart of our life and bring us a joy and a happiness to our family or event of some business too. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads for this review”.
May 17, 2020
This was a beautiful book to read periodically. Every so often, I would sit in a special place and read a couple of chapters about other people’s best horse memories.
February 26, 2026
I thought that it was a little bit lesse fun then second chance horses because it's more dreams so less horses. But I enjoyde it all throught it.
January 28, 2020
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my thoughts on the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy.
The Horse of My Dreams- True Stories of the Horses We Love edited by Callie Smith Grant is a collection of short true stories about people and their love and experiences with horses.
I could not put this book down. I was so entranced by these stories and the inspiration that they carried. I could not choose a favorite short story as I loved them all. However, one that did strike me though was the story of Flash and Henry by Rachel Anne Ridge. It is about two donkeys named Flash and Henry and the growth of their friendship after a rocky start.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some inspiration or just simply loves horses.
The Horse of My Dreams- True Stories of the Horses We Love edited by Callie Smith Grant is a collection of short true stories about people and their love and experiences with horses.
I could not put this book down. I was so entranced by these stories and the inspiration that they carried. I could not choose a favorite short story as I loved them all. However, one that did strike me though was the story of Flash and Henry by Rachel Anne Ridge. It is about two donkeys named Flash and Henry and the growth of their friendship after a rocky start.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some inspiration or just simply loves horses.
September 25, 2019
Beautiful Celebration of Majestic Horses
There’s something magical about horses that causes children to dream of owning one someday.
The Horse of My Dream – True Stories of the Horses We Love is a compilation of many such stories. Callie Grant Smith packaged the heartwarming memories into a familiar “Chicken Soup” fashion.
Each three to five-page story draws readers into the beauty that loving a horse brings. There’s just something different about owning or loving a horse than another type of pet. The size, strength, and majesty of a horse brings such a unique element to a human/animal relationship. The power the horse holds the potential of danger, making the establishment of a genuine connection that much more critical.
The Horse of My Dreams brings all those special feelings to light.
How this book affected me:
As a member of a horse rescue organization, I loved reading the stories of other horse lovers. This book was especially personal to me, because it reminded me of the book I wrote about horse rescue that was also a compilation of different people’s perspective. I enjoy being united in spirit to so many people who hold horses within their hearts.
Who would enjoy this book:
Horse lovers, this book will speak to your soul!
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The BOOK REVIEWS at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers.
I chose to read an ARC from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
There’s something magical about horses that causes children to dream of owning one someday.
The Horse of My Dream – True Stories of the Horses We Love is a compilation of many such stories. Callie Grant Smith packaged the heartwarming memories into a familiar “Chicken Soup” fashion.
Each three to five-page story draws readers into the beauty that loving a horse brings. There’s just something different about owning or loving a horse than another type of pet. The size, strength, and majesty of a horse brings such a unique element to a human/animal relationship. The power the horse holds the potential of danger, making the establishment of a genuine connection that much more critical.
The Horse of My Dreams brings all those special feelings to light.
How this book affected me:
As a member of a horse rescue organization, I loved reading the stories of other horse lovers. This book was especially personal to me, because it reminded me of the book I wrote about horse rescue that was also a compilation of different people’s perspective. I enjoy being united in spirit to so many people who hold horses within their hearts.
Who would enjoy this book:
Horse lovers, this book will speak to your soul!
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The BOOK REVIEWS at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers.
I chose to read an ARC from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
April 13, 2021
Lovely heart warming stories for horse lovers. True stories looking at how animals can help through difficult times but also the most adorable uplifting book for any time.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews