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Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal
Winnie Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is the story of one little foals fight for survival after being taken from his mother within hours of his birth. Dinky, takes us on a poignant trip through the heart and mind of an animal, who was born for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare. In the elite world of horses, Dinky was considered a by-product, a ‘junk foal.’Dinky’s story will resonate with animal lovers, as well as anyone who has adopted. Although a horse, his story has been called an adoption story. The reader can follow him through the heartbreak, cruelty, loneliness, and finally to happiness in his forever home. His story is based on true events. Each event from the moment the author met Dinky actually happened, though it is the author’s interpretation of what he might have been thinking and feeling during the occasions described in his story. His early life which is unknown has been fictionalized by the author and constructed through research and imagination.There are many wonderful animal rescue leagues, many are very empathic to these young animals, though some are not. Since Ms. Bishop has no knowledge of Dinky’s early days she used the latter to enhance the strength of his story. It will break your heart, open your eyes, lift you up, and teach you much about horses. It is suitable for all ages.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2013
8 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 21, 2013
It was a honour to receive an advance copy of this truly remarkable story for which I gladly provided a blurb for the back cover.
Marta Moran Bishop has lovingly created the real-life poignant tale of, Dinky, The Nurse Mare’s Foal. Narrated by the central character, Dinky, readers will be given a window into the heartbreaking life that can await Nurse Mare Foals. It is a powerful story highlighting the inhumane practice of a foal being bred for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare, so she can nourish a high-dollar mare’s foal.
Young Dinky’s battle to survive begins, when he is taken to a farm where the probability of being sold to the meat market or the tanners, so his hide could be used for leather goods is high. Dinky is frightened and alone. His only chance to be free to live and enjoy life is to be adopted by some caring humans. In steps the author, Marta Moran Bishop, who together with her husband, Ken, provide a new home and life for, Dinky, filled with joy and adventure. This is truly a beautiful story which I highly recommend to all animal lovers.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is an immensely satisfying book which evokes our senses and touches us deeply.
Marta Moran Bishop has lovingly created the real-life poignant tale of, Dinky, The Nurse Mare’s Foal. Narrated by the central character, Dinky, readers will be given a window into the heartbreaking life that can await Nurse Mare Foals. It is a powerful story highlighting the inhumane practice of a foal being bred for the sole purpose of producing milk in the mare, so she can nourish a high-dollar mare’s foal.
Young Dinky’s battle to survive begins, when he is taken to a farm where the probability of being sold to the meat market or the tanners, so his hide could be used for leather goods is high. Dinky is frightened and alone. His only chance to be free to live and enjoy life is to be adopted by some caring humans. In steps the author, Marta Moran Bishop, who together with her husband, Ken, provide a new home and life for, Dinky, filled with joy and adventure. This is truly a beautiful story which I highly recommend to all animal lovers.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is an immensely satisfying book which evokes our senses and touches us deeply.
July 22, 2013
I am a lifelong lover of horses. When I was a child I talked about horses all the time, due to an equally lifelong hearing impediment, I could not hear the soft letter sounds, therefore for many years I called them "sorsies." Early in my childhood, we moved to a farm and my Dad purchased a horse for my brother and I. My horse was Lady, not too original but she was proud and nostalgic deserving of the royal title.Reading about Dinky took me back to those magical days on the farm. These days a story that moves me in such a personal way is rare, but oh so, enjoyable and refreshing.
Told in the honest spirit of sharing, DINKY THE NURSE MARE'S FOAL is a glimpse into a hidden side in the life of a beautiful creature. Through Dinky a precious emotional story emerges; one that left this reader laughing and crying. Most of all, it opened my eyes to an alarming practice in the business of horses.I am embarrassed to say, I had never thought about what happened to the nurse mare's babies,and was naive enough to assume rescue stables and similar facilities were staffed and ran by well trained and educated people.
On one hand, Dinky's story exposes the cruel reality of suffering imposed upon the helpless by a rich industry. On the other hand, it is a beautiful story about adoption, and adaption, as Dinky learns to find his place within his new horse family and of course, his people family. Dinky's journey reminds me of my family's experience with two adopted children. There are precious beautiful moments, yet there are times when the memories of the past cannot be subdued and a perfect storm erupts. In my opinion, Dinky's life is as much an accurate portrayal of adoption as it is about abuse, but more significantly it is about overcoming the odds.
This is a touching book for all ages. Please, do not miss it!
Told in the honest spirit of sharing, DINKY THE NURSE MARE'S FOAL is a glimpse into a hidden side in the life of a beautiful creature. Through Dinky a precious emotional story emerges; one that left this reader laughing and crying. Most of all, it opened my eyes to an alarming practice in the business of horses.I am embarrassed to say, I had never thought about what happened to the nurse mare's babies,and was naive enough to assume rescue stables and similar facilities were staffed and ran by well trained and educated people.
On one hand, Dinky's story exposes the cruel reality of suffering imposed upon the helpless by a rich industry. On the other hand, it is a beautiful story about adoption, and adaption, as Dinky learns to find his place within his new horse family and of course, his people family. Dinky's journey reminds me of my family's experience with two adopted children. There are precious beautiful moments, yet there are times when the memories of the past cannot be subdued and a perfect storm erupts. In my opinion, Dinky's life is as much an accurate portrayal of adoption as it is about abuse, but more significantly it is about overcoming the odds.
This is a touching book for all ages. Please, do not miss it!
December 12, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and a free giveaway the author promoted. I loved this book. It was written first hand and told by the colt Dinky himself, and many of us never think about the situations or thoughts that go through animal's head when we are doing something to or around them. Dinky has so many questions about how things work in the world and his place there. I was delighted to learn that his story had a great ending and know he is still happy now. Marta's website is great too, which ought to be checked out! It would have been nice to read more about Dinky after growing up, and you can see pictures of him on the site. He is a lovely young man. I wish pictures were included in the book!
November 8, 2013
A Love Affair
You will fall in love. Simply. Immediately. Head over heels in love. And you will crave more Dinky! This is a small marvel of a book. It hugs you and doesn’t let you go. For any animal lover and more importantly perhaps for the non-animal lover. If Dinky doesn’t win your heart, check your pulse, because you don’t have one.
You will fall in love. Simply. Immediately. Head over heels in love. And you will crave more Dinky! This is a small marvel of a book. It hugs you and doesn’t let you go. For any animal lover and more importantly perhaps for the non-animal lover. If Dinky doesn’t win your heart, check your pulse, because you don’t have one.
July 23, 2015
I finished reading
I have to say I learned a lot about the brood mares job. I have a few horse rescues on fb and one is for thoroughbreds, I hope that people reading this book come a way with a better understanding on not only the industry but also why some horses have behavioral issues by not being able to be a herd animal.
I have to say I learned a lot about the brood mares job. I have a few horse rescues on fb and one is for thoroughbreds, I hope that people reading this book come a way with a better understanding on not only the industry but also why some horses have behavioral issues by not being able to be a herd animal.
February 21, 2015
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal by Marta Moran Bishop is a fascinating story about a small unfortunate foal which was taken away from his mother in the first hours of his birth. In her book, talented Marta Moran Bishop tells the real story of her life through the eyes of a little unfortunate animal.
Dinky's story reminds me of slavery. How can people be so cruel to animals? How can one take a small helpless child from his mother and condemn it to miserable existence or death for financial gain?
Sufferings of a little unfortunate foal affected all corners of my soul and turned it upside down. It kept my emotions high. I read this book, full of compassion and empathy to the little foal. In some places it was impossible to hold back the tears, especially when Dinky recalled his mother and begged to shelter him.
I wanted to yell, "I'm Dinky. I know if I'm loved, I'll be sweet and smart."
It was hard to remember my mother now. She was just a dream in my head. Maybe she didn't honestly tell me those things. Perhaps, it was as Lucky always said - wishful thinking. Her voice and smell were so hazy now. Would someone want me, as they wanted Lucky and Kaylee? "Please, let someone want me," I whispered.
Thoughts and emotions of Dinky, described by Marta's words are amazing in their simplicity and originality. I am absolutely sure that if Dinky could speak he would not have said it better than Marta. Reading Dinky, I understood that Marta is very unusual and extraordinary woman who like no other can understand the thoughts and feelings of horses. Moreover, she can speak horse!
After going through all the torments of hell, miserable little Dinky finally finds his home and family in the faces of Marta, Ken, Chrome and Connella. Dinky, Chrome and Connella created their own small herd.
The book impressed me not only by the plot, but by bright and soulful descriptions of episodes.
"Falling asleep, I dreamed of my mother and again heard her words, "Dinky, you are smart. You are beautiful. You will grow big and strong. Someday you might be white like me when you grow up."
In my dream I told her all about my new life. I told her all about my new life. I told her of the trials and sorrows, the hunger and fear of the first months, and how much I had missed her and hoped to one day see her again. I told her of Lucky and that without him I might not have made it. And I told her of Chrome, Connella, Ken, Marta, and our home. We talked about my birthday party, the fun I had, and what Uncle Kris had said to Marta and Ken earlier. I told her I was learning the ways of my herd and had a forever family who loved me and nuzzled me when I needed it. We talked about the different bugs, the snow, the birds, the sweetness of the grass, and the feel of the wind in my mane. "Mama, I will grow up gentle as Chrome, yet strong and sure too." But most of all, we talked of how I survived the pain we both felt when we were separated so long ago, and how happy I now was. "Mama, the fear and pain grow dimmer each day, and all humans aren't like the wicked men that separated us. Oh, Mama, some humans can even learn to speak horse."
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal by Marta Moran Bishop stole a part of my soul. It is suitable for people of all ages. I highly recommend this book!
Leyla Atke, author of
Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat
Dinky's story reminds me of slavery. How can people be so cruel to animals? How can one take a small helpless child from his mother and condemn it to miserable existence or death for financial gain?
Sufferings of a little unfortunate foal affected all corners of my soul and turned it upside down. It kept my emotions high. I read this book, full of compassion and empathy to the little foal. In some places it was impossible to hold back the tears, especially when Dinky recalled his mother and begged to shelter him.
I wanted to yell, "I'm Dinky. I know if I'm loved, I'll be sweet and smart."
It was hard to remember my mother now. She was just a dream in my head. Maybe she didn't honestly tell me those things. Perhaps, it was as Lucky always said - wishful thinking. Her voice and smell were so hazy now. Would someone want me, as they wanted Lucky and Kaylee? "Please, let someone want me," I whispered.
Thoughts and emotions of Dinky, described by Marta's words are amazing in their simplicity and originality. I am absolutely sure that if Dinky could speak he would not have said it better than Marta. Reading Dinky, I understood that Marta is very unusual and extraordinary woman who like no other can understand the thoughts and feelings of horses. Moreover, she can speak horse!
After going through all the torments of hell, miserable little Dinky finally finds his home and family in the faces of Marta, Ken, Chrome and Connella. Dinky, Chrome and Connella created their own small herd.
The book impressed me not only by the plot, but by bright and soulful descriptions of episodes.
"Falling asleep, I dreamed of my mother and again heard her words, "Dinky, you are smart. You are beautiful. You will grow big and strong. Someday you might be white like me when you grow up."
In my dream I told her all about my new life. I told her all about my new life. I told her of the trials and sorrows, the hunger and fear of the first months, and how much I had missed her and hoped to one day see her again. I told her of Lucky and that without him I might not have made it. And I told her of Chrome, Connella, Ken, Marta, and our home. We talked about my birthday party, the fun I had, and what Uncle Kris had said to Marta and Ken earlier. I told her I was learning the ways of my herd and had a forever family who loved me and nuzzled me when I needed it. We talked about the different bugs, the snow, the birds, the sweetness of the grass, and the feel of the wind in my mane. "Mama, I will grow up gentle as Chrome, yet strong and sure too." But most of all, we talked of how I survived the pain we both felt when we were separated so long ago, and how happy I now was. "Mama, the fear and pain grow dimmer each day, and all humans aren't like the wicked men that separated us. Oh, Mama, some humans can even learn to speak horse."
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal by Marta Moran Bishop stole a part of my soul. It is suitable for people of all ages. I highly recommend this book!
Leyla Atke, author of
Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat
October 13, 2013
DINKY: THE NURSE MARE’S FOAL by Marta Moran Bishop
Every so often, I come across a book that strongly pulls at me to read; Dinky was one of these. It is not an easy task for a writer to keep her reader’s interest when the story is written in first person. Ms. Bishop’s script with Dinky as the narrator of his story is exceptional. I loved this story – it is educational, emotionally engaging, insightfully written and so very rich in detail.
A real-life foal, the author brought Dinky vividly to life for me, from page one. Ms. Bishop’s interpretations of Dinky’s thoughts during the initial months of his life were so heart-wrenching to read yet, from the beginning, I found myself captivated by Dinky’s spirit. Despite the incessant cruelty done to Dinky by humans – he was always famished, underfed, ignored and frightened – there is resilience in his nature that commanded my respect.
After reading the synopsis, I expected to be angry, to cry when Dinky, a ‘junk foal,’ told his story of being taken from his mother, a mare caught up in man’s cruel practice of breeding her only for milk to nourish a high-dollar mare’s foal. It was almost unbearable, reading of the cruelty done to Dinky during his first few months of life – the overwhelming fear for his fate: being sold to a meat market or to tanners, or being adopted. In the words of Dinky: “I wasn’t prepared to believe in the possibility of good things.”
The story shifted, becoming delightful and enlivening when the author and her husband adopted Dinky from a fair. At that point, my tears came then from reading Dinky’s accounts of his life in fresh air, with ample food, water and companionship. He tells us about learning to trust, to love and becoming part of a herd; and the silly ways in which he let the impishness in his spirit free.
Since my read, I have wondered if Marta Moran Bishop is a ‘horse whisperer’; I do not know. However, I do believe that she is a woman who speaks horse. Dinky told me so.
Every so often, I come across a book that strongly pulls at me to read; Dinky was one of these. It is not an easy task for a writer to keep her reader’s interest when the story is written in first person. Ms. Bishop’s script with Dinky as the narrator of his story is exceptional. I loved this story – it is educational, emotionally engaging, insightfully written and so very rich in detail.
A real-life foal, the author brought Dinky vividly to life for me, from page one. Ms. Bishop’s interpretations of Dinky’s thoughts during the initial months of his life were so heart-wrenching to read yet, from the beginning, I found myself captivated by Dinky’s spirit. Despite the incessant cruelty done to Dinky by humans – he was always famished, underfed, ignored and frightened – there is resilience in his nature that commanded my respect.
After reading the synopsis, I expected to be angry, to cry when Dinky, a ‘junk foal,’ told his story of being taken from his mother, a mare caught up in man’s cruel practice of breeding her only for milk to nourish a high-dollar mare’s foal. It was almost unbearable, reading of the cruelty done to Dinky during his first few months of life – the overwhelming fear for his fate: being sold to a meat market or to tanners, or being adopted. In the words of Dinky: “I wasn’t prepared to believe in the possibility of good things.”
The story shifted, becoming delightful and enlivening when the author and her husband adopted Dinky from a fair. At that point, my tears came then from reading Dinky’s accounts of his life in fresh air, with ample food, water and companionship. He tells us about learning to trust, to love and becoming part of a herd; and the silly ways in which he let the impishness in his spirit free.
Since my read, I have wondered if Marta Moran Bishop is a ‘horse whisperer’; I do not know. However, I do believe that she is a woman who speaks horse. Dinky told me so.
August 11, 2013
The story of Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal is a touching, heartwarming yet sad tale. Narrated by Dinky himself, the story begins just after his birth, when he was shaky and new, barely able to stand. He had his mother by his side, full of advice, love and nourishment. But the tragedy of their situation meant Dinky was unable to stay with his mother more than a day or so, destined to a life of uncertainty, never knowing if he would gain a family or end up at the meat markets.
When Dinky was taken by horse trailer to another farm, jammed in with other horses, he was frightened. He didn’t understand why he had been taken from his mother, didn’t understand what the two men who were in charge of them were doing. They were unkind, after all this was just a job to them, and with no compassion for the young foal he was scared and lonely. Arrival at the farm put him in with another young horse, Lucky who, though a little older than Dinky became his friend.
The stories Dinky heard from the other horses and Lucky were bleak ones; the tannery, the meat markets – or kind humans who would love him and make him part of the family. Which would Dinky be destined to arrive at? Would he end up as someone’s new handbag; would he be someone’s supper? Or would he be loved, let grow to a big, strong and handsome horse, with a good future?
What a delightful but extremely eye opening story, with the practice of foals being bred for the one and only purpose of allowing their mothers to produce milk, which in turn would feed foals from better class mares; a practice which is cruel, heartbreaking and sad. I recommend this book for all.
When Dinky was taken by horse trailer to another farm, jammed in with other horses, he was frightened. He didn’t understand why he had been taken from his mother, didn’t understand what the two men who were in charge of them were doing. They were unkind, after all this was just a job to them, and with no compassion for the young foal he was scared and lonely. Arrival at the farm put him in with another young horse, Lucky who, though a little older than Dinky became his friend.
The stories Dinky heard from the other horses and Lucky were bleak ones; the tannery, the meat markets – or kind humans who would love him and make him part of the family. Which would Dinky be destined to arrive at? Would he end up as someone’s new handbag; would he be someone’s supper? Or would he be loved, let grow to a big, strong and handsome horse, with a good future?
What a delightful but extremely eye opening story, with the practice of foals being bred for the one and only purpose of allowing their mothers to produce milk, which in turn would feed foals from better class mares; a practice which is cruel, heartbreaking and sad. I recommend this book for all.
January 31, 2020
This is the second book I've read from Marta Moran Bishop. In Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal, Bishop explores the real and dramatized history of her real-life foal, Dinky. The horse was born to a nurse mare, a horse that is mated for the sole purpose of keeping a supply of milk for high dollar foals. Dinky was taken from his mother and denied a normal upbringing for the sake of profit. It's a heartbreaking tale about how humans exploit these creatures and the effect the practice has on the horses themselves. As with other books by Ms. Bishop, this book is steeped in drama and contains harsh realities couched within the story. It makes you think about horses, humans, and humanity in general. I loved this book. It was eye-opening for me and made me re-think the horse industry. If you enjoy a deeply emotional story that leaves you with a sense of hope for a better future, you'll love Dinky.
October 26, 2021
"Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal" is an absolutely heartwarming and interesting book that gives a new, refreshing point of view of the Nurse Mare industry. In a touching story about the life of a Nurse Mare's Foal, the book follows the perspective of the Foal, Dinky, (Who is also the Author's own horse), and the treatment which he suffered in a system that didn't value him.
Along with being an accurate and researched read, the message that it gets across is one which is valuable to any reader of any age: Don't judge a book by it's cover. Who you are doesn't make you worth less than any one else just because of your race, or in this case, your breed, and you hold a special purpose in this world. There is a place for you.
Whether you are a beginner reader or a seasoned one looking for an interesting new story to get lost in, I recommend to you this tale, in hopes that you may experience what I have in reading it. Just be warned that once you pick it up, its hard to put down!
Along with being an accurate and researched read, the message that it gets across is one which is valuable to any reader of any age: Don't judge a book by it's cover. Who you are doesn't make you worth less than any one else just because of your race, or in this case, your breed, and you hold a special purpose in this world. There is a place for you.
Whether you are a beginner reader or a seasoned one looking for an interesting new story to get lost in, I recommend to you this tale, in hopes that you may experience what I have in reading it. Just be warned that once you pick it up, its hard to put down!
April 15, 2022
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal by Marta Moran Bishop is a unique, heartfelt coming-of-age story told from the perspective of Dinky, a foal born to a nurse mare. Dinky comes across as an engaging character whose life's odyssey highlights some of the abuses in the horse-breeding industry. Dinky's mother is a nurse mare with uncertain bloodlines which dooms her to nurse the offspring of high-dollar show or racing mares. So she can nurse, she must first give birth to her own foal that will be considered a disposable byproduct.
The story begins when Dinky reminisces about his journey from birth to a yearling. He was born in springtime when his mother only had a couple of days to teach him about his fate and how to become a part of the herd so he is adopted. As his mother forewarns, Dinky is separated from her after just a couple of days. To survive, he must learn to drink milk from a dirty pail. On his year's journey, Dinky meets other foals like himself and soon learns about the duality of humans who could be cruel or loving. Always in the back of his mind, he fears that he will be auctioned off for his hide or food. If he is lucky though, he will be adopted by a loving family.
Author Marta Bishop has written a heartfelt story about the fate of horses in the breeding industry. As this tale is about a young horse, the simple language and themes are suitable for middle-school students, though I found the tale endearing as an adult. The themes of friendship and the need to belong in a herd would resonate with younger teens learning to find their way in life. Dinky never forgets his mother's confidence in him as he faces obstacles and makes new friends. Each chapter begins with an inspirational four-line poem relevant to the scene.
I highly recommend Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal for readers who love horses and coming-of-age tales, particularly young adults who are discovering themselves and learning how they fit into the herd (society).
The story begins when Dinky reminisces about his journey from birth to a yearling. He was born in springtime when his mother only had a couple of days to teach him about his fate and how to become a part of the herd so he is adopted. As his mother forewarns, Dinky is separated from her after just a couple of days. To survive, he must learn to drink milk from a dirty pail. On his year's journey, Dinky meets other foals like himself and soon learns about the duality of humans who could be cruel or loving. Always in the back of his mind, he fears that he will be auctioned off for his hide or food. If he is lucky though, he will be adopted by a loving family.
Author Marta Bishop has written a heartfelt story about the fate of horses in the breeding industry. As this tale is about a young horse, the simple language and themes are suitable for middle-school students, though I found the tale endearing as an adult. The themes of friendship and the need to belong in a herd would resonate with younger teens learning to find their way in life. Dinky never forgets his mother's confidence in him as he faces obstacles and makes new friends. Each chapter begins with an inspirational four-line poem relevant to the scene.
I highly recommend Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal for readers who love horses and coming-of-age tales, particularly young adults who are discovering themselves and learning how they fit into the herd (society).
December 2, 2021
Dinky is a foal and the narrator of this intriguing story. The author takes readers into the life of horses and teaches us all that humanity should be for all creatures. The story is fun, but also an emotional journey into the life of Dinky and all those he meets as he searches for that special home.
February 21, 2022
I don't recall the last time a book has touched my heart the way Dinky's story did. This emotional story is told through the voice of Dinky, a foal who is taken away from his mother. The brilliant portrayal of Dinky opened my eyes to a practice in the horse industry that I didn't know existed and it broke my heart. It also showed the good in humanity as Dinky with the help of author Marta and her husband Ken slowly puts his past behind finding his place in the world. A beautifully written book that I can't recommend enough.
March 1, 2022
Oh wow! I don’t know where to start… if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. As an animal lover I had to give this book a chance, and I’m so glad I did! This book gave me all the feels. I felt like the Grinch reading this book… my heart definitely grew. I have to admit I may have shed a few (ok, a lot of) tears, some because of the cruelty, some because of the outcome for Dinky. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
February 18, 2022
This isn’t the easiest story to read, especially the beginning which is heart wrenching, but I hope it’s a story that lots of people will read. Hopefully this book will help raise awareness not only of one of the terrible practices of horse breeding but also of the fact that not all animal rescues are well run.
I’m not usually a fan of stories that are told from an animal’s point of view but in this case having Dinky tell the story works. I think it’s really the only way to portray his fear and confusion at being ripped away from his mother at such an early age and his difficulties with learning how to interact with other horses because of it.
I’m not usually a fan of stories that are told from an animal’s point of view but in this case having Dinky tell the story works. I think it’s really the only way to portray his fear and confusion at being ripped away from his mother at such an early age and his difficulties with learning how to interact with other horses because of it.
February 23, 2022
A sweet and emotional journey
I truly enjoyed the journey of Dinky. The ups and downs in his life definitely pull at your heart. I really recommend this book if you are a animal lover. It is a touching story.
I truly enjoyed the journey of Dinky. The ups and downs in his life definitely pull at your heart. I really recommend this book if you are a animal lover. It is a touching story.
April 22, 2022
Marta Moran Bishop has penned the true story of a nurse mare’s foal rescue. By telling the story through a foal/child’s point of view, she has skillfully depicted the trauma of early mother separation and the need for a family unit connection. This would be an excellent story for a parent to read with a child and for middle-grade children. Although the story deals with separation, it focuses on hope and healing. I listened to this story through audible.
March 19, 2022
Nude Mare's Foal
Dinky, the story of a nurse mare's foal.
I had never heard this phrase before.
Seems thoroughbreds and race horses are bred for lineage .
Nurse Mares are bred as a kind of wet nurse. Their offspring are truly considered throwaways.
Dinky's story almost broke my heart. He was taken from his mom. Sold a few times before he finally found his loving forever home.
He found siblings, a family, and love.
Dinky's story has lessons for us all. Being little, having to learn your place, rules. Its hard for young of every species.
I loved Dinky, and recommend it highly.
Dinky, the story of a nurse mare's foal.
I had never heard this phrase before.
Seems thoroughbreds and race horses are bred for lineage .
Nurse Mares are bred as a kind of wet nurse. Their offspring are truly considered throwaways.
Dinky's story almost broke my heart. He was taken from his mom. Sold a few times before he finally found his loving forever home.
He found siblings, a family, and love.
Dinky's story has lessons for us all. Being little, having to learn your place, rules. Its hard for young of every species.
I loved Dinky, and recommend it highly.
March 8, 2022
Dinky's story made me cry and angry that some people are heartless and that he had to go through so many hardships because of such humans but also happy he was one of the lucky ones who was able to carry on and rise above it. Certainly, was an eyeopener to practices that I knew nothing about. Dinky's story made me so thankful and grateful that Dinky found some caring humans and a forever home. Thank you, Dinky, for sharing your story.
June 25, 2015
A really sweet and at the same time sad story
Dinky is born to a nurse mare, his mother doomed to feed the young of the race horses while her own young are taken from her soon after they are born.
This story shows how the right people can take these unwanted babies and give them a life that otherwise would have been ended early.
A very sweet story and nicely written
Dinky is born to a nurse mare, his mother doomed to feed the young of the race horses while her own young are taken from her soon after they are born.
This story shows how the right people can take these unwanted babies and give them a life that otherwise would have been ended early.
A very sweet story and nicely written
January 21, 2017
My daughter and I love to curl up and travel to visit with Dinky on his journey. It is our bonding time and I feel it has also helped her going thru the challenges of growing up!
August 6, 2019
Starts rough but turns into a heart tugging journey
My Full Review
My Full Review
February 24, 2025
***** What a Unique Book!
Having loved the first book in this series, I was definitely looking forward to proceeding with the second. The author’s introduction explains the emotional misery of being a breeding mare. How, whenever these horses give birth to their own foals, they barely have any time to nurse and offer wisdom to their off springs. Why? Because the horse racing business seems to takes precedence over the natural order of motherhood. Thus, quite a few foals are deprived of any real natural love and nourishment. Instead, their mothers are quickly sent away to look after only the foals that will be raised to be winning racehorses.
Then the story begins. In Ms. Bishop’s talented hands, all the animals talk as if they were humans, something that instantly pulls you in. We quickly learn how the foal, Dinky, not only has lost his mother, he ends up with water not milk to cheapen things. Besides that, it turns out that if these foals get sick, it’s not worth it for the humans to proceed with them.
We also learn about these deserted foals’ lives. They don’t socialize with chickens, because ‘they turn out to be big gossips.’ Not only that, Dinky hears about all the bets circulating about who is going to get shipped out first. He learns that when people are there, examining each foal, he is considered to be too small and underweight. But through it all, he loves another foal named Lucky. Will they always be together? Apparently not, because Lucky is chosen by some humans and all at once, Dinky’s friend is gone. And even if they occasionally see each other, they’re no longer allowed to play together.
Suddenly, Dinky is taken away from the sunlight and clean air and left in a smelly old barn, where he feels completely alone in his small stall. And during the day, if he’s allowed to get out in the air, he often overhears the other foals talking about how humiliating the auctions are, so they are always concerned to which mean human they might be sold. And when some human male comes to him in his stall and starts to roughly scrape the bottom of his foot he is appalled. “What is he doing?” Dinky inwardly screams. But one day, some female humans come and they seem much kinder than the rest of the humans. Will it all work out for Dinky? Will he ever be able to hang out again with Lucky?
The bottom line is: Horses never know where they’re going to end up. But no matter where they do (and that’s for you to find out!), all I can say is this book is so well written and unique with Bishop’s ability to make the horses and their conversations and inner thoughts so humanlike. Bravo to her! HIGHLY recommended.
Having loved the first book in this series, I was definitely looking forward to proceeding with the second. The author’s introduction explains the emotional misery of being a breeding mare. How, whenever these horses give birth to their own foals, they barely have any time to nurse and offer wisdom to their off springs. Why? Because the horse racing business seems to takes precedence over the natural order of motherhood. Thus, quite a few foals are deprived of any real natural love and nourishment. Instead, their mothers are quickly sent away to look after only the foals that will be raised to be winning racehorses.
Then the story begins. In Ms. Bishop’s talented hands, all the animals talk as if they were humans, something that instantly pulls you in. We quickly learn how the foal, Dinky, not only has lost his mother, he ends up with water not milk to cheapen things. Besides that, it turns out that if these foals get sick, it’s not worth it for the humans to proceed with them.
We also learn about these deserted foals’ lives. They don’t socialize with chickens, because ‘they turn out to be big gossips.’ Not only that, Dinky hears about all the bets circulating about who is going to get shipped out first. He learns that when people are there, examining each foal, he is considered to be too small and underweight. But through it all, he loves another foal named Lucky. Will they always be together? Apparently not, because Lucky is chosen by some humans and all at once, Dinky’s friend is gone. And even if they occasionally see each other, they’re no longer allowed to play together.
Suddenly, Dinky is taken away from the sunlight and clean air and left in a smelly old barn, where he feels completely alone in his small stall. And during the day, if he’s allowed to get out in the air, he often overhears the other foals talking about how humiliating the auctions are, so they are always concerned to which mean human they might be sold. And when some human male comes to him in his stall and starts to roughly scrape the bottom of his foot he is appalled. “What is he doing?” Dinky inwardly screams. But one day, some female humans come and they seem much kinder than the rest of the humans. Will it all work out for Dinky? Will he ever be able to hang out again with Lucky?
The bottom line is: Horses never know where they’re going to end up. But no matter where they do (and that’s for you to find out!), all I can say is this book is so well written and unique with Bishop’s ability to make the horses and their conversations and inner thoughts so humanlike. Bravo to her! HIGHLY recommended.
April 11, 2022
Despite what the title might suggest, this isn’t a book to read to the kids. In fact, it’s a harrowing story, even though it turns out well for Dinky, the so-called “junk foal.” Basically, there are mares who have their foals taken away a week after birth, so they can feed the foals of thoroughbred mares who have to return to condition quickly in order to continue racing. The future of the “junk foal,” is bleak. Sounds horrific and wrong? It is.
Narrated by Dinky as he remembers his miserable start in life, his story is heartbreaking. You’ll never look at horse racing the same way again. It’s good to shine a light on and talk about nefarious practices, all done in the name of profit. To be frank, I hate humans just a bit more after reading this.
As for the book, Dinky is an engaging narrator, and very eloquent for a horse. In fact all the horses are more well spoken than a lot of English people I know. This makes it a slightly odd read. Dinky is only a few weeks old, after all, but it’s hard to be too critical. The author captures Dinky’s sense of confusion and mistrust really well. He just wants to be loved, and throughout his journey, pushed from one place to another until he is finally taken to a place of safety, he is trying to make sense of what is happening to him. Falteringly, and with many mistakes, he learns the way of the herd, guided by alpha male Chrome and lead mare, Connella. It’s a real insight into horse psychology and how we really don’t understand what is going on inside their heads. (It’s a lot, by the way!)
Fortunately, this story has a wonderful ending, as Dinky gradually warms to the author (who owns Dinky) and his new horse friends, but it has a hint of sadness too, as Dinky remembers his mother and the friends he made. He knows he is lucky, but there are so many others which aren’t.
Narrated by Dinky as he remembers his miserable start in life, his story is heartbreaking. You’ll never look at horse racing the same way again. It’s good to shine a light on and talk about nefarious practices, all done in the name of profit. To be frank, I hate humans just a bit more after reading this.
As for the book, Dinky is an engaging narrator, and very eloquent for a horse. In fact all the horses are more well spoken than a lot of English people I know. This makes it a slightly odd read. Dinky is only a few weeks old, after all, but it’s hard to be too critical. The author captures Dinky’s sense of confusion and mistrust really well. He just wants to be loved, and throughout his journey, pushed from one place to another until he is finally taken to a place of safety, he is trying to make sense of what is happening to him. Falteringly, and with many mistakes, he learns the way of the herd, guided by alpha male Chrome and lead mare, Connella. It’s a real insight into horse psychology and how we really don’t understand what is going on inside their heads. (It’s a lot, by the way!)
Fortunately, this story has a wonderful ending, as Dinky gradually warms to the author (who owns Dinky) and his new horse friends, but it has a hint of sadness too, as Dinky remembers his mother and the friends he made. He knows he is lucky, but there are so many others which aren’t.
November 30, 2022
Dinky: Thye Nurse Mare's Foral is a beautiful and heartbreaking story, exploring the dark side of horse breeding. Dinky is born to a nurse mare. This is a horse who is mated for the sole purpose of keeping a supply of milk for high-dollar foals. There is no life for a nurse mare, she is there to undertake one purpose, and her foal, Dinky will suffer the consequences of being born to a nurse mare.
Long before Dinky is ready to leave his mother, he is taken from her. He doesn't understand what is happening and it affects him greatly. It must be said, that this is a true account of Dinky's life. As heartbreaking as it must be to read a fictional story of this nature, knowing that this story is real, packs a deeper punch.
Where there is sadness, there is also love. And Dinky finds himself with Marta. Life may be hard, and Dinky certainly has a lot of learning to do, but it is also refreshing, fun, and filled with the love of Marta.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal is a wonderful book. The audiobook is read by Tom Sleeker, who does an excellent job of telling Dink's story.
I dare you not to cry when you read this story. I also dare you not to have the biggest smile on your face when you finish this story.
Long before Dinky is ready to leave his mother, he is taken from her. He doesn't understand what is happening and it affects him greatly. It must be said, that this is a true account of Dinky's life. As heartbreaking as it must be to read a fictional story of this nature, knowing that this story is real, packs a deeper punch.
Where there is sadness, there is also love. And Dinky finds himself with Marta. Life may be hard, and Dinky certainly has a lot of learning to do, but it is also refreshing, fun, and filled with the love of Marta.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal is a wonderful book. The audiobook is read by Tom Sleeker, who does an excellent job of telling Dink's story.
I dare you not to cry when you read this story. I also dare you not to have the biggest smile on your face when you finish this story.
March 25, 2025
This is my second book about Dinky, the first being The Nurse Mare's Tale, and this one, The Nurse Mare's Foal by Marta Moran Bishop. Both did not disappoint. This skilled author has a way of expressing the fears and profound feelings of these horses as they navigate life and learn their roles in the herds.
Dinky was separated from his mother and his friends, Lucky and Kaylle, when he was too young, leaving him burdened with abandonment issues and immense anxiety. The humans who cycle him through one farm to another are not kind. They see Dinky as small and worthless.
But Dinky knows otherwise. His mother told him he would be strong, so he continues to try to withstand everything thrown at him. His biggest fear is being sold at auction and what could happen next.
But not all is bad when Dinky meets his forever family, Marta and Ken. There, the timid horse also meets Connella and Chrome, his adopted brother and sister. Connella and Chrome grow frustrated with Dinky, who struggles to adapt. They try stories and advice to no avail. Without ruining the story, I will leave it there.
Dinky's tale is one that warms the heart and shows the reader another side of life through the eyes of these magnificent horses. You won't want to miss this one!
Dinky was separated from his mother and his friends, Lucky and Kaylle, when he was too young, leaving him burdened with abandonment issues and immense anxiety. The humans who cycle him through one farm to another are not kind. They see Dinky as small and worthless.
But Dinky knows otherwise. His mother told him he would be strong, so he continues to try to withstand everything thrown at him. His biggest fear is being sold at auction and what could happen next.
But not all is bad when Dinky meets his forever family, Marta and Ken. There, the timid horse also meets Connella and Chrome, his adopted brother and sister. Connella and Chrome grow frustrated with Dinky, who struggles to adapt. They try stories and advice to no avail. Without ruining the story, I will leave it there.
Dinky's tale is one that warms the heart and shows the reader another side of life through the eyes of these magnificent horses. You won't want to miss this one!
May 11, 2023
This book was absolutely beautiful, the imagery was so beautiful! Dinky, I felt all your emotions and was right there with you through it all. It did rip my heart out and I had to take mini breaks from it, having had bred foals myself before to my best friend of a mare. But in the end it did truly put my heart back together again and I had emotional, heart felt tears 💗 this book really does open up a huge conversation of what does happen and what needs to be and should be addressed. Some of this book is due to the author’s imagination alongside true events but it felt real and true. Thank you Marta
September 28, 2025
This story broke my heart, page by page. I'm the type of person who never healed from the death of Bambi's mother. But I still believe in happy endings, and this one has one.
Through Dinky's thoughts and conversations with other horses, the reader learns of Dinky's struggles. Even though he was taken from his mother hours after birth, thoughts of his mother inspire him to fight for survival. Fears of being adopted by mean humans torment him as he watches his friends find families.
It hurt to read how cruel humans can be to the magnificent and sensitive beasts. Dinky may have been the runt, but he has a heart of gold. I'm happy he found a forever family.
Through Dinky's thoughts and conversations with other horses, the reader learns of Dinky's struggles. Even though he was taken from his mother hours after birth, thoughts of his mother inspire him to fight for survival. Fears of being adopted by mean humans torment him as he watches his friends find families.
It hurt to read how cruel humans can be to the magnificent and sensitive beasts. Dinky may have been the runt, but he has a heart of gold. I'm happy he found a forever family.
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