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SHLEP: Finding Healing on Horseback in the Lower 48
When Kathy decides to leave her abusive marriage, she is 59 years old. She’s unprepared to live on a reduced income when her estranged husband hides his assets from the court. She’s shocked by the cost of rentals in Southern California. She didn’t realize how impossible it would be to land a job at her age and after being out of the market for two decades while she raised her kids. She hasn’t anticipated that her nearly grown children would be mad at her for finally standing up for herself. And she certainly hasn’t expected the way that the prolonged stress of her marriage would fragment her psyche, making her long to not wake up in the morning.The only time she feels halfway sane is when she is riding her horses and so, with a truck and horse trailer paid for with money borrowed from her Dad, Kathy decides to hit the road, riding in each of the lower 48 states until she finds a new place to call home and finds a calm within herself again. She names the journey Soul-searching, Home seeking, Liberating, Equestrian Party.On her 13-month adventure, most of it solo, she confronts physical challenges and emotional demons. She deals with the dying of both her parents, re-bonding with her sister, and making peace with her three children. She meets so many women who are in the process of re-making their lives after their plans and dreams were shattered; these women are inspired by Kathy’s journey and in turn, provide her with support and sustenance. Perhaps most importantly, she re-establishes her relationship with God and begins to rely on His grace to sustain her. In the process, she makes peace with the “mess of her life” and gains a deeper confidence than she has ever known.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 20, 2022
Captivating ❣️!
Wonderful, fast paced book! I couldn’t put it down. Perfect for all horse lovers and those whose hearts need mending. Horses are the very best therapy!
Wonderful, fast paced book! I couldn’t put it down. Perfect for all horse lovers and those whose hearts need mending. Horses are the very best therapy!
April 27, 2024
I’m not quite sure what made me pick this up, but this is a book I read at exactly the right time. It’s a testimony to faith and courage. This story is going to remain in me always.
February 12, 2020
Kathy Burns is a courageous woman and a great storyteller. I can relate to her story both as a mother and an abused wife. I know from experience how difficult it can be to speak about the inner workings of a dysfunctional and abusive marriage. Kathy writes about her feelings of hurt, confusion and anger towards her abusive husband in a gut-wrenching way that brought my own failed marriage to mind. Her feelings towards her abuser helped me validate some of my own experiences and made me feel like I wasn’t alone: this happened to Kathy too! When she silently told her abuser, “Hit me, just hit me, so I have a solid reason to leave you,” my heart ached in recognition. I’ve been there. And when she was asked for an explanation of how she could accuse her husband of being abusive, her simple answer rings true: “All I know is that he was mean and lied all the time and now I’m half the person I used to be.”
SHLEP is the story of a woman healing, finding her true self and reconnecting with God. It’s an adventure full of hope and faith, family and love. Oh and horses.
Enjoy!
SHLEP is the story of a woman healing, finding her true self and reconnecting with God. It’s an adventure full of hope and faith, family and love. Oh and horses.
Enjoy!
December 19, 2020
Horses, travel, lots of personal growth, well-written--what's not to like?
The author shares her journey to paint and travel to 48 states with her 2 horses, her dog and cat, and later in the book, her sister, all in a large trailer, converted for horses and humans, and hauled by a pickup truck. Brave woman! She is also recovering from a bad marriage, and going through a nasty divorce during this trek. She is quite generous in sharing with us her hopes and fears, past history, and present experiences while on the trip. As if that is not enough, she loses both her parents during this time. Happily her children adjust well to the changed family relations. It is very well written, and I could not put it down!
The author shares her journey to paint and travel to 48 states with her 2 horses, her dog and cat, and later in the book, her sister, all in a large trailer, converted for horses and humans, and hauled by a pickup truck. Brave woman! She is also recovering from a bad marriage, and going through a nasty divorce during this trek. She is quite generous in sharing with us her hopes and fears, past history, and present experiences while on the trip. As if that is not enough, she loses both her parents during this time. Happily her children adjust well to the changed family relations. It is very well written, and I could not put it down!
May 8, 2019
Deeply moving, well written, must read!
As a horsewoman myself I’m so inspired by this book. There absolutely is healing power in spending time with beloved horses and dogs. Kathy put herself in so many situations that scared me to pieces but she kept going, found God in the process and learned that He is good. I happened to read this in a time of stress in my own life, so I value the reminder that God is always in control and our suffering has a purpose. I couldn’t put it down. If I have one complaint it’s that I want to see the paintings! She made a painting of her horses in each state. I wish photos were included. Don’t miss this gem of a story!
As a horsewoman myself I’m so inspired by this book. There absolutely is healing power in spending time with beloved horses and dogs. Kathy put herself in so many situations that scared me to pieces but she kept going, found God in the process and learned that He is good. I happened to read this in a time of stress in my own life, so I value the reminder that God is always in control and our suffering has a purpose. I couldn’t put it down. If I have one complaint it’s that I want to see the paintings! She made a painting of her horses in each state. I wish photos were included. Don’t miss this gem of a story!
September 8, 2019
The author and I have a lot in common, however, I am older than her and divorce longer. I too own horses, truck, camper and horse trailer. I give her a lot of credit because when I first started horse camping, I belonged to an organization that did these things together, and only for long weekends. Getting out on her own and cross country traveling is very brave. I too found healing and wholeness through interaction with my horses and dogs.
One thing that I wish the book had (besides some pictures) was some kind of a map of her journey. It would have helped a lot to better understand the geography of her trip.
One thing that I wish the book had (besides some pictures) was some kind of a map of her journey. It would have helped a lot to better understand the geography of her trip.
July 13, 2026
I found this book so engaging that I could easily picture myself living out Kathy Burns’s experiences. Though I’ve only ridden a horse a few times, I felt a deep sympathy for the woman and the emotional toll her abusive husband had taken, leading her to embark on a yearlong road trip of healing with her horses. The difficulties and sorrow encountered on her journey should have reduced her to utter despair, had she not already seemed to be in such a state. This book was a deeply moving experience, as Kathy found support from strangers before realizing that God could ultimately provide the healing she longed for.
November 25, 2019
There are times when an author's voice is so authentic and compelling, that you feel like you know them after reading their work. This book, this author created one of those moments for me.
What's important to note is that though this book is about one woman's journey (both literally and metaphorically) with horses, it speaks to anyone who has been shattered by life and who has struggled to put themselves back together again.
Her journey brought the idea of Japanese kintsugi to mind: she mended the breaks with mud and gold.
What's important to note is that though this book is about one woman's journey (both literally and metaphorically) with horses, it speaks to anyone who has been shattered by life and who has struggled to put themselves back together again.
Her journey brought the idea of Japanese kintsugi to mind: she mended the breaks with mud and gold.
October 28, 2022
Not only is the delivery slow and dull but the storyline is so boring and pathetic. You can hear the author breathe in an out while she’s reading the book which makes listening to it so annoying. She is literally complaining about her life as a rich person and how unhappy she was for so long. She might be the weakest most pathetic person I have ever read about. Weak, pathetic, whiny and boring would describe the story and this author. Horrible.
August 2, 2021
Amazing journey
I've read many "travel journals" but never one quite like this! A neurotic rich white woman fumbles her way through life and 48 states pulling a huge horse trailer with her two horses. She "finds" God and bares her soul along the way. I kept reading to see what happened next.
I've read many "travel journals" but never one quite like this! A neurotic rich white woman fumbles her way through life and 48 states pulling a huge horse trailer with her two horses. She "finds" God and bares her soul along the way. I kept reading to see what happened next.
May 28, 2022
Finished it on one go
This is a "warts and all" autobiography that I couldn't put down. Most women will find something in this story with which to identify. The narration is easy to listen to and the writing style never lost my attention. At times I cried a bit but all in all very uplifting.
This is a "warts and all" autobiography that I couldn't put down. Most women will find something in this story with which to identify. The narration is easy to listen to and the writing style never lost my attention. At times I cried a bit but all in all very uplifting.
Read
January 18, 2020Really enjoyed this woman's story....and how she overcame what life had thrown at her, and how she creatively came up with a plan to figure herself and her life out, and just didn't give up. It moved quickly and was an easy read to get caught up in. Highly recommend.
January 26, 2020
Healing for the reader....
I want to be like Kathy! This was a great read; family of all types; love and heartbreak over the animals we share our lives with; friendships old and new - I loved this book!
I want to be like Kathy! This was a great read; family of all types; love and heartbreak over the animals we share our lives with; friendships old and new - I loved this book!
November 17, 2021
Heartfelt, Honest and Inspiring!
Completely honest and very real opening of the heart to inspire courage and faith. I hope this book will shine into the lives of many. Also hard to put down. Sequel?
Completely honest and very real opening of the heart to inspire courage and faith. I hope this book will shine into the lives of many. Also hard to put down. Sequel?
February 17, 2023
true story
At first I thought I didn’t want to continue reading this story, then I started to catch on, so I continued. Such a sad/happy story and glad I finished it. A good witness and God certainly is using her as she wanted.
At first I thought I didn’t want to continue reading this story, then I started to catch on, so I continued. Such a sad/happy story and glad I finished it. A good witness and God certainly is using her as she wanted.
December 7, 2023
Whether you ride horses or not this amazing book is the true story of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations way out of that zone and emerging triumphant. Like a Phoenix rising from the flame, Kathy’s fierce bravery is inspirational!
April 7, 2024
Unfortunately didn’t really enjoy this book all that much, found it to be dull and whiny. Listened via audio and it was not the best quality in both the reading and recording. Gave stars as the author was upfront with her struggles and issues but unfortunately it was just not as I had anticipated
November 1, 2025
Good reading
I enjoyed reading about the journey as I've wanted to roam around the United States, not in a horse trailer, but in an RV.
The only thing I didn't care for was the use of the f-word so many times. It was a blessing to read about how she came to know the good Lord.
I enjoyed reading about the journey as I've wanted to roam around the United States, not in a horse trailer, but in an RV.
The only thing I didn't care for was the use of the f-word so many times. It was a blessing to read about how she came to know the good Lord.
October 3, 2019
Kathy has been an inspiration to me.
Excellent reading. Could not put it down. The book was easy to read without a lot of unnecessary jibberish. I highly recommended it.
Excellent reading. Could not put it down. The book was easy to read without a lot of unnecessary jibberish. I highly recommended it.
October 30, 2019
Enjoyed the whole book
So many things paralleled with my own life. God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
So many things paralleled with my own life. God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
January 4, 2020
Wonderful story.
I wish I had the courage Kathy showed to find herself. I loved reading about her adventures and eventual healing
I wish I had the courage Kathy showed to find herself. I loved reading about her adventures and eventual healing
January 23, 2020
What a ride!
Wow. Wow. Wow..what a journey. This book is gripping, powerful and so real. It is raw and real and I recommend it 1000%!
Wow. Wow. Wow..what a journey. This book is gripping, powerful and so real. It is raw and real and I recommend it 1000%!
May 2, 2021
So Inspiring!
As a Christian, I thought I thanked God often. Kathy taught me that I didn’t. Thank you for telling your story, Kathy. You are a hero in my eyes.
As a Christian, I thought I thanked God often. Kathy taught me that I didn’t. Thank you for telling your story, Kathy. You are a hero in my eyes.
May 3, 2021
Amazing
I loved everyone of this book. I too love horses Anthony have had a similar journey..Thank you for sharing your story
I loved everyone of this book. I too love horses Anthony have had a similar journey..Thank you for sharing your story
November 3, 2021
I loved this book!
June 19, 2019
Very good
Enjoyed her journey. An excellent read for any woman trying to find her true self after being with a narcissist. Traveling in search of her control, her thought processes both good and bad are interesting. Would suggest this book to anyone feeling lost and controlled.
Enjoyed her journey. An excellent read for any woman trying to find her true self after being with a narcissist. Traveling in search of her control, her thought processes both good and bad are interesting. Would suggest this book to anyone feeling lost and controlled.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews