God, Grace, and Horses: Life Lessons from the Saddle

by Laurie M. Brock

From the beloved author of  Horses Speak of God  comes a warm and inspiring guide to the life lessons we can learn from horses
 
Laurie Brock, Episcopal priest, messy Christian, and horse lover, shares the experiences of love, grief, humility, joy, and deep wisdom that she discovers day to day with horses. From barely-there trails in the Grand Tetons to muddy fields in the Kentucky Bluegrass, God is revealed in the simple ways of these magnificent creatures. For anyone feeling doubtful, distracted, or anxious in these challenging times, Laurie brings us back to center, reminding us to breathe, get back on the saddle, and move beyond the familiar into the freedom of something new. 
 

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2022

About the author

Writer, priest, horse-lover, Southern woman. Fan of faith, humor, grace, and good wine.

Reviews

[Round Mountain Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just can't get enough? Well the second book is available. This book follows the first book theme. We can learn so much from our time in nature and this author describes the lessons in faith she learned in her time with horses. Our faith can grow and we can find spiritual growth if we are present in the time that we spend with our horses. If you love horses this book is a breathe of fresh air.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover of this book. In fact that’s why I wanted to read it. There’s lots of horse information in this book. She draws parallels from riding horses to religion. It’s an interesting book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Eunice R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good spiritual and everyday horse sense within its pages and the author, Laurie M Brock, writes at an easy, gentle gait. Like one of her cowgirl riding instructors once advised her, "around horses, go slowly". In other words, one shouldn't gallop through this book; walk and maybe transition into a trot but take time to "see purple" and smell the roses, or the horses, as the case may be, to more fully appreciate the embedded gems.

Before reading this book God, Grace and Horses, I just thought, a horse is a horse. However, it was fun to meet the various horses Brock rides, such as: Moe, Spencer, Izzy and her own Nina, to name some, and discover their respective personalities and the experiences from which these horse sense lessons have evolved.

I deduce from reading this book, that variety in horses creates a variety of nuances in how to ride despite the various standard operating procedures of how to post; hold the reins to communicate with individually respective horses and to build a better relationship and ride for both horse and rider. Such is life and our own human diversity of living experiences with God.

Obviously, experienced horse people will love this book; however, it is instructional for those of us with minimal horse connections as well. Those of us who love Jesus will definately be blessed in learning better ways to communicat and relate with God and others with greater grace and to live in His grace, ourselves. Additionally, pastors and counselors or others who often deal with high stress issues on a regular basis may well find this a very beneficial "sermon solace" to still their hearts and minds.

There could be pricks of challenge akin to a horse feeling the taps of the crop upon its rump, for our own good and improvement.

Although this has been great "riding horses" with Brock there is one word of caution to readers who believe in a young earth. Brock appears not to. However, overall, this book certainly has good value of thought and I'll certainly look at a horse with greater affinity and perception in a next encounter and try to remember the lessons Brock shares.

If a reader enjoys this book and wants to "ride more horses" with Brock, know that she has a string of several other 'lessons from horses' books already "in the barn," groomed, bridled and saddled, just waiting for you to come 'ride'.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book had my nightly read. Therefore, it took longer than other titles to read. However, on many nights I fought to stay awake but it is such an enjoyable read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved her book Horses Speak of God then you’ll love this one. Brock builds upon the rich, theological world of nature and God with horses as deep teachers.

In my childhood, I had a Tennessee Walking Horse. After tiring of putting on the saddle one too many times, I would simply put on the bit and bridle and take off. His name was Sham, and he was one of the few things that kept me grounded in order to deal with childhood trauma. In heated moments of stress and strain, I’d jump on and let him take me wherever gripping his mane for dear life. With his speed and unpredictability, I felt like I was flying and dying at the same time. Only surrendering to the journey kept me close to what I can only describe as the heartbeat between God and nature. Laurie’s writing took me back to this sacred journey….

My prayer for anyone reading is that it will do the same for you as well.

Recommended: nature lovers, Christians, Horse enthusiasts

**thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy**

[Lauren Shelton | Cowtown Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“God, the great I am, loves us, in relationship. God gathers us in the holiness of community, in the miracle of we. We were truly not meant to be alone, neither horses nor humans. Because we were created for this.”

Laurie Brock takes readers on an introspective journey of faith and horses… well it’s more a horse informative read with pieces of faith sprinkled throughout. It was really interesting, to hear the many stories that helped shape her faith and love of horses. I also learned so much more about horses and horse culture. There are a few components of her theology that I don’t agree with 100% and there’s a disconnect in a bit of that, but I was still able to take something away from this book. I am very glad I read this and will definitely recommend it to some friends in the western world. I received this copy of God Grace and Horses from Paraclete Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that there was a good balance between horsey wisdom and relating back to the bible at the beginning but as the book progressed it went a lot heavier on God and lighter on horses unfortunately. It was interesting to read of the authors experiences during the beginning of the COVID pandemic although it felt a bit rushed, like she didn’t want to address it really yet. Overall, well written and easy to follow.

[Jan Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had spiritual experiences with horses, I enjoy reading books by authors who have had them too. Ms. Brock's books stand out to me because of her background in a liturgical Christian church (similar to the denomination I grew up in). I very much enjoyed reading her beautifully written stories. They were quite validating. I look forward to reading more in the near future!

[Kim P · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 on the audiobook. Writer read audiobook and little clunky at times with repeating phrases etc. I grew up with horses and so much in the book resonated with me and took me back to my relationship with horses as a child and teen. Also loved her tying in her relationship with horses in to her relationship with God. Gave me a lot to think about and look back on. Hard to explain.

[Janet Wolanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Validating

I grew up horse-crazy in a litugurical religion similar to the author's Episcopalian one. But I didn't know any horses or anyone affiliated with them. When I grew up and finally started riding horses of my own, I felt closer to God than ever. It's good to meet others (especially a priest!) who also regard some horses as the spiritual gifts and teachers that they are.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared to be so touched. Brock writes with heart. This book is beautiful from start to finish.

[Jennifer DeSimas · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit about grace, less about God, and a whole lot about horses