She Who Rides Horses

She Who Rides Horses #1

by Sarah V. Barnes, Linda Kohanov (Foreword)

Set more than 6,000 years ago, She Who Rides A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One) begins the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse. Daughter of a clan chief, bolder than the other girls but shunned by the boys because of her unusual appearance, Naya wanders alone through the vast grasslands where her people herd cattle and hunt wild horses for their meat. But Naya dreams of creating a different kind of relationship with the magnificent creatures. One day, she discovers a filly with a chestnut coat as uncommon as her own head of red hair. With time running out before she is called to assume the responsibilities of adulthood, Naya embarks on a quest to gallop with the filly across the boundless steppe. Unwittingly, she sets in motion forces and events that will change forever the future of humans and horses alike.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Horses, Prehistoric, Adventure

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2022

About the author

Critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist Sarah V. Barnes is both a historian and a horsewoman. Her first novel, She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, received the 2022 Best Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction, among other prizes. A Clan Chief’s Daughter represents the second installment in the She Who Rides Horses trilogy. When not writing stories, Sarah practices and teaches riding as a meditative art. She also offers equine-facilitated coaching and wellness workshops. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and spent many years as a college professor before turning full-time to riding and writing. She has two grown daughters and lives with her husband, her dogs, and her horses near Boulder, CO.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am super excited to have won a copy of She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes.

UPDATE!

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.

What is essential is invisible to the eye…

People have forgotten this truth…But you mustn’t forget it.

You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

Antoine de St – Exupery, The Little Prince (1943) Chapter XXI

Everything about She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes intrigued me. I love horses, all animals really, so I was super excited to read about a young girl with a connection to a young horse and how it will change their world forever.

Horses are a food source, but Naya wants to ride the red filly. Her patience pays off as she earns the filly’s trust and willingness to let her ride. Naya uses no ropes, no force, just asks permission, allowing the filly to choose the time. I have a feeling it won’t be long before her imagination comes up with more uses for the horses.

I love the visionary aspects, the psychic connection Naya has with the filly.

When Naya is injured and she and her mother are forced to accept the help of strangers, I watched her grow as they struggled through the winter. The filly, a stallion and a pregnant mare choose to stay close to them.

Naya is approaching adulthood. For the first time, she feels an awareness of her sexuality. Will she be able to make her own choice of a mate or will one be chosen for her?

I am hooked on the series and I had to read the intro to Book Two, to see what was over the cliff that had captured everyone’s attention in Book One.

She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes is a must read for horse lovers…maybe even all animal lovers.

At the end of the book is a section on domestication and the language of the characters. a glossary, references, an acknowledgment and an intriguing afterword by Linda Kohanov.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legend that Changed the World

Reading the story of Naya and how she was the first woman to ride a horse, have me a new found appreciation of riding and caring for horses. I've always found horses to be a majestic animal and their contribution to this world is unbelievably breathtaking. While reading this book, I could not help but feel that Naya is a hero to many young girls and women all over the world. The love she has for herself and for her new filly whose cost matches her hair color warmed my heart immediately and I admire we passion to be different from the rest. I loved the fact that no matter how much her family resisted and misunderstood her dream, she never gave up and changed the course of history for both humans and horses. I was jumping for joy when Naya was able to communicate with the filly. She must be the origin for Eliza Thornberry and Dr. Dolittle. All the more reason to prove that horses are magical creatures. The perseverance and fortitude Naya demonstrated with the Filly no matter how much she resisted proves the love Naya had for the Filly that forged an unforgettable relationship.

A legend that sparked the rest of time for humans and horses alike. This book deserves 5 stars.

[Tawny Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe by Sarah V Barnes is an exciting historical fiction adventure taking place some 6,000 years ago in which a teenage girl decides that instead of simply using the wild horses as food, she wants to ride one. From a modern perspective, the idea that anyone would find riding horses odd is a hard concept to follow. That is just what we do with them after all, but someone had to have come up with the idea at some point. Sarah V Barnes does a wonderful job of telling us the story of the domestication of horses while also giving us exciting characters and a thrilling adventure of near-death experiences, otherworldly visions, and romance.

She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe by Sarah V Barnes as stated above is an exciting story. However, the story is also filled with colorful characters and well-researched aspects of the time the story takes place. How the people live in a historical fiction work is often as important as the story, as knowing how the day-to-day requirements of people work allow us to feel more for the characters as we understand their world better. Let’s be honest, the average reader hasn’t researched how life was 6,000 years ago, as such Barnes's descriptions are spot on in helping you to understand the world as it was at the time her fictional story would have taken place. I will warn you though, that this story ends on an intense cliffhanger, leaving you champing at the bit for the continuation of this tale.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses is so different than my usual read, but it’s exciting to dip into a rare-for-me genre.

The setting of this young adult coming of age story takes place during ancient times and centers on Naya, a young girl who sets out to train a wild horse and be the first person to ride her. Naya is a unique heroine. This brave and determined daughter of a clan chief follows her dreams and exceeds expectations.

I like the example Naya sets for young readers. And how fun it is to ‘see’ the ways of the world thousands of years ago before it was civilized. Wonderful visualization. The emotional component is also there, sharing sweet, tender moments that make the story especially memorable.

First Line: Naya rose to her feet, blue eyes intent on the horizon.
Series: A Saga of the Ancient Stepp book 1
Genre: Coming of Age Fiction, YA
Author: Sarah V. Barnes
Page Count: 278

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long, long ago there lived a girl. Naya, the daughter of a chief in her clan. Despite her role, she has dreams which she struggles to make her clan understand. Horses can be more than just food. Her dream is to tame a wild horse and ride it. What an advantage it would be.

I was pulled into this historical adventure from the synopsis. I was one of those young girls who dreamed of owning my own horse. How could I not enjoy a story about a young girl who is the first to ride a horse. What I quickly discovered as I got further into the book was the fascinating journey of Naya and her clan. How they lived a nomadic life much as Native Americans used to. The social dynamics and Naya’s place in the clan. And her spiritual journey. The author showed me her world and I was transported to another time, met members of other clans and was enthralled by Naya’s enchantment with the wild horses.

I have to read the next book. This one ends on a cliffhanger. That can sometimes annoy me. I like some kind of conclusion. But this time, I was just anxious to continue with a young girl’s journey. To be transported back to her world, which is so fascinating, and see what her future brings.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Slmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book

I really enjoyed reading She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One by Sarah V. Barnes. The writing in this book was perfect for me. Clear, simple, and beautifully written, from the beginning, Barnes’ writing style was very inviting. The descriptive tone was well balanced, giving me a nice curiosity about the main character and the book’s setting. The author’s words painted clear pictures in my mind’s eye and I felt connected to the story right away. Also, the author was considerate to add a character list with descriptions, first thing before readers are introduced to the story. Overall my immediate response to the book was feeling very welcomed to continue. Not only that, this fiction novel is full of interesting historical relevance that really brings out authenticity for the time and place of the characters. Hands down, this book is impeccably written and I was engaged throughout. I really enjoyed the family dynamics between the main character and her tribe. The setting and backstory really captured my attention. It transports readers to another time and place in our distant past, as part of a tribe of hunter gathers and tradition. Readers learn of indigenous culture in a story about honoring our intuitive visions. The protagonist is a young girl that readers may sense as a bit ostracized from her community. She is led to journey on the outskirts of her settlement on her own and finds herself on a vision quest as she makes connection with a band of wild horses. Overcoming social and cultural challenges amongst her tribe, she is compelled to tame and ride a wild horse that she forms a connection with in the wild. Then a twist of events occur which ushers readers to taste the world of shamanism. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. As new characters are introduced, we learn of varying traditions of neighboring tribes and journey into a vision world to help save the protagonist from peril. The introduction of new characters from other tribes allows for new connections to arise within the story. The book often kept me in joyous suspense and wonder for the outcome. I would love to read the second edition of this saga. The first book was a very enjoyable read. I really enjoyed the themes in this story and the book was extremely well written. I highly recommend this book.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really enjoyable, easy read from Sarah V. Barnes; It is a well structured story, with good pace and good detail. Really good YA read – which takes place not in a dystopian future but instead thousands of years ago when humans were just beginning to domesticate cattle, dogs, sheep et cetera. A great twist on the usual alternative world.

The story is set to a backdrop at a time when Europe and Asia were still Hunter-gatherers and lived in camps much like the Native American Indian. We are transported back to a time when people were still learning how to farm and still followed migratory patterns across the landscape, when the survival of the village rested on each person doing their part.

As a culture, it is well rounded out. How the people work together as a group, what they ate, how they dress, how different groups of people approach God, how even marriage takes place.There is an overarching spirituality to the story.

As main character, Naya, is well fleshed out as we watch her develop the trust of a group of wild horses on the grass plains. Naya is in fact on a spiritual journey, drawn to animals all her life, she is particularly entranced by the horses. As the story unfolds, we see tensions mount within the clan – even 4000 years ago humans had politics and power struggles – And naya has to navigate her desire to tame and ride horses (something no one has yet thought to do) and convince the rest of her tribe that this is a good thing and will help them in the long run.

Naya's village begins their trek to winter further south, which raises issues for the young girl, who still is trying to befriend the horses. Whilst she is focusing on this, a group of hunters attempt to attack and she is hurt quite badly protecting the horses. This then introduces more characters, and in particular one that might be a romantic interest… Overall a really fascinating story, which has a really good world fleshed out as well as more complex dynamics with subplots.

[Etherai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this four stars because I enjoyed the concept and the prehistoric world. My favorite passages were the ones involving the spirit world. The main character however... has a lot of growing up to do. Her attitude through most of the story makes me give this a lower rating. The ending was so distasteful, although I understand the need to create curiosity for the sequels... I do wish I'd had more insight into Naya's feelings for most of the book. After a point there was more focus on action rather than any insight into Naya's character. If anything, the three supporting characters stole the show for the last couple chapters. So when the disheartening end happens, well, I'm not used to leaving a book so frustrated. I will look out for the sequel, if only to see Naya grow up more, and for Aytal to get the happy ending he deserves. Honestly I cared far more for Oyuun, Sata, and Aytal, than I did for Naya for most of the story. I kept waiting for Naya to actually talk to Aytal, about anything that had happened, but I was destined to be disappointed in that. I also have very little patience for immaturity, and of course, lack of communication as a plot device, especially at the very end. It's a means to an end as a storyteller, I understand, but I don't enjoy it.

[Sarah Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses was a purely delightful read. I enjoyed this book immensely and wouldn’t hesitate to read the rest of the series.

This story follows Naya, a Clan girl living on the wild steppes thousands of years ago. She is known for her unique red hair and fierce personality. She encounters wild horses while exploring one day and connects with a red-haired horse. She has a vision to make the horses part of the Clan, and longs to ride her red horse one day. While the Clan is journeying to their winter home, however, she is injured. The story follows her visions as she is called to form deep bonds with the wild horses and the travelers she meets.

The story is charming and easy to read. Sarah Barnes has obviously researched and is well suited to write about this time period. The descriptions of scenery, people, and customs are vivid and easy to connect with. Naya’s personality is well-developed and she matures throughout the story, becoming a young woman ready to take on responsibilities when the story draws to a close.

The horses and even Naya’s dog, Amu, are described in detail and made me feel as though I was part of the story. I’m excited there will be a 2nd book and I look forward to reading it.

[Emily Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Sweet Tale of Bonding and Heartbreak

Naya is a young girl living in a clan of hunter gatherers near the Caspian Sea. Taking place around 4,000 BCE, the clan exists before much of the world is "civilized" and rely on the meat of horses and other animals to survive. Not Naya,though. She works hard to train a young, red haired filly to be her own companion. As she perfects her skills to ride, she introduced a new technology to her clan: riding horses.

However, this doesn't necessarily have the effect she desired as more people start to learn this new skill. My absolute favorite part of the book, and the part which broke my heart, was when Naya's brother, Ayatal, taxes the blame for something she unwittingly did to save her the guilt. I don't want to spoil this for anyone, but this book has many such moments like this.

In a world of hunt or be hunted, Naya helped to pave the way for a new way of life. A new relationship between man and horse which lasted for centuries after.

I think this book is pretty much appropriate for all ages. It has mild fight scenes and such, but nothing a twelve year old probably couldn't handle. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Kathrin Spinnler · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes is a historical fiction novel about a young girl who lived 6,000 years ago and was the first person who began to tame horses. The story follows Naya as she develops a special connection with a band of wild horses on the steppe.

From the start, this book is intriguing and exciting. The author is especially talented at drawing the reader into a world very different from our own. Although the characters live a life we can barely imagine, we emphasize with them and eagerly follow their journey.

Aside from the growing bond between Naya and the horses, the story also explores the interpersonal relationships between various characters, and the reader learns about life at the dawn of civilization. Although the story flows well throughout and doesn’t seem like a history book, it is clear that the historical background has been thoroughly researched. For those who are interested in learning more about the facts behind the fiction, there is a section at the back that goes into more depth.

I would highly recommend She Who Rides Horses to anyone who enjoys diving into a completely different world and learning something about history. It is a great read for young people but equally intriguing for adults.

[ava hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and movingly beautiful story of a girl, Naya, whose special red hair flows in the wind and showcases her strong and capable personality. Just as within any piece of historical fiction, you can clearly tell that Sarah Barnes has done her research, as is made apparent through, for example, the vivid detailing of the clothes and garments. There is not much dialogue, and one could get lost in the inner thoughts and descriptions of scenery, but make no mistake, this is not a boring book. Although there is an abundance of descriptive imagery, it only serves to add to the plot and enhance the experience of reading, allowing you to picture what Naya is experiencing. The compassionate nature of Naya will appeal to alike kind-hearted readers, and anyone who cares for horses in the least will have their heartstrings tugged through Barnes’ prose. As the first novel in the series, I look forward to seeing how Barnes will continue to develop the relationships and plotlines within “She Who Rides Horses.”

[Eva Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Barnes's book She Who Rides Horses is the first installation in what (I hope) will be an interesting saga about how the first horse was tamed. I was hooked from the first line, and felt very happy to see horses captured so accurately in writing. It was very clear to me from the start that Barnes has spent a good amount of time either studying or researching horses. Each interaction felt intimate and carefully written, and this extended to the interactions between characters.

I did feel like the internal monologuing tended to drag on a bit long. It was very expositional, but I honestly wasn't thrown off by it. I think that once I noticed it, I started to see it more often, but the frank tone and blunt way of thinking feels very appropriate. But overall, I had a great time reading and really enjoyed each character that Barnes introduced. I really look forward to reading the next installment of this story, and can't wait to see what else Barnes writes!

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a redhead myself, I am often drawn to red-haired characters in stories. Too often, those with red hair get short shrift. Witches and clowns are frequently portrayed with red hair. Redheads are supposed to have violent tempers that flare up at moment’s notice. Then there are the taunts: “I’d rather be dead than red on the head” or “treated like a redheaded step-child.” That one leaves me cringing every time I hear it. Still, in fiction, redheads do have good representation. Take She Who Rides Horses by Sarah V. Barnes as an example.

Barnes features Naya, a redhead and a female, as the first person to tame, train, and ride a horse more than 6000 years ago. Naya discovers the horse she yearns to ride while wandering from her tribe’s camp. The horse is special because it has hair almost the same color as Naya’s. Naya has been giving names to the horses as she watches them. The red one she names Bhokos, meaning Flame.

Naya holds a special place in the tribe because she is the daughter of a clan chief. Still, she is a girl, so she is expected to conform to behavior expected of girls and women. Naya longs for more freedom. Sara, Naya’s mother, gives Naya as much freedom as she can. She too had longed for opportunities when she was a girl. Now, as the clan chief’s wife, she must follow rules and take care of her responsibilities.

Horses represent no more than food for Naya’s tribe. Naya feels the urge to be on the special horse’s back even though no one has ever done that before. Out in the open plain, Naya waits patiently and stays still. Over days of returning to where the horses feed and continuing to wait quietly, Naya finds she can inch ever closer to the horses without causing them to run. The horses are aware of her presence, but she is gaining a little ground each time she visits.
Readers clearly know that Naya will be successful in being able to ride Flame. The story will engage readers on other fronts: Naya’s fierce independence, her strong will, and her determination. Barnes has done a masterful job of portraying a time long ago. Her research in to the period is evident and is woven into the story seamlessly—not as a lecture.

She Who Rides Horses is the first in the series. Readers will look forward to book 2. For book clubs, there is much to discuss: the time period, culture, marriage and child-rearing customs, tribal hierarchy, and the horses themselves.

Sarah Barnes “teaches riding as a meditative art.” Readers will discover that in She Who Rides Horses.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses by Sarah V. Barnes is an expansive historical fiction tale taking readers on a sweeping adventure through the prehistoric Pontic-Caspian Steppe. This story mainly centers on Naya and her mother, Sata, daughter and wife, respectively, to the leader of their clan. Naya’s clan’s main food source is the wild horses that roam the steppe, but Naya has visions of riding a horse with a coat in a similar red shade to her hair. Barnes’ writing style is clear and descriptive, giving her readers a dynamic picture of the characters and the world around them.

Barnes has an acute attention to detail. She guides her readers through the daily lives of prehistoric peoples on the steppe, showing us the ins and outs of their cultures and traditions. At times, this can slow down the narrative, but for readers who enjoy descriptive writing, especially in historical fiction, this book will provide them with lots of new information. This is expanded by the Author’s Note, which includes even more historical information about the domestication of horses and the languages of the peoples discussed in this book. For curious young readers, this will allow them to really dig into the source material. I could also see this book working well in a classroom setting on ancient history, with the historical notes offering varying individual projects for students. However, this book doesn’t read like a history lesson; it’s able to hold the reader’s attention with compelling characters and a story.

The characters are well-developed, helping guide the reader through their world. Sata and Oyuun, in particular, feel larger than life. Even though this book is meant for young readers, parents will see their own actions and worries reflected in this pair, which would make this a great book to read alongside a child in a buddy reading activity.

I was left feeling that Naya could have had more development through Sarah V. Barnes’ She Who Rides Horses, especially since she is the one receiving visions of how to improve her clan’s relationship with the horses. But having a follow-up novel gives solid promise of that! I’m left excited for the sequel and for where Naya’s journey takes her and her family next.

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story; I was telling my daughter about it and can’t wait to either read it with her or have her read it on her own. I felt the beginning was a slow start; Naya stands out in her clan, she has blue eyes and red hair, she’s different from everyone and they are not shy of letting her know this. Naya goes on an etmn-itajo, a soul journey, where she connects with this red filly. She wants to really connect with these animals and tame them, something her clan has not even thought of doing. I was honestly shocked when she didn’t get the support from her clan, her journey had to be kept a secret because only their priests are allowed this and even her father, the chief, believed something like this was impossible. Naya has the support of her mother and grandmother; I wish to have seen more of her grandmother because I felt a closeness with her and Naya and was disappointed that after Naya got injured, we don’t see her again.
After this incident I felt the story change a little and things start to pick up. It was hard for me to put the book down during their struggles of winter. Here, we are introduced to new characters, from a different tribe, who I fell in love with. I really liked that there was a small connection with Sata and Oyuun, she grew up with his wife and he knows the clan where she came from. There were talks of him taking her to visit them and after this ending, I really hope she goes. Just like him, my heart was hurting. Honestly, I am upset that I have many unanswered questions, but I hope they’re answered in the next book.
There’s a little romance in the book leaving me to believe it would be great for middle schoolers (a great book to read in school) and up. There’s not much adventure but you feel the passion Naya has and you learn that not everything will always work out how you expect. It’s hard for me to not talk about the ending of this story without giving away a lot of information. I guess I will just say that I really wasn’t expecting this, and my emotions were rolling.

[Lauralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses tells the story of the first person who had tamed and ridden a horse. Naya is the daughter of a chief. Her clan often hunted wild horses for meat. However, Naya wants to form a relationship with a red horse. Naya embarks on a quest to tame and eventually ride the horse. As Naya learns how to ride the horse, she realizes that she has changed the course of history.

Naya is a very interesting character. She is a very spiritual person. I also like that she is very feisty and strong-willed. There were times in which she was uncertain of herself. However, she slowly gained confidence throughout the course of the novel. I also liked her strong bond with the red horse. She had to work hard to earn the horse’s trust. Therefore, her relationship with the horse is the strongest aspect of the novel. Naya is a tough and admirable heroine.

Overall, this novel is a solid coming-of-age story. Still, there are a few flaws in this book. I did not like how Naya was unconscious in most of the novel. Her unconsciousness did help develop the other side characters. However, I felt it was too long for her not to be involved in her own story. It made the last part of the novel seem rushed. I also did not like the cliffhanger at the end. I believe there could have been some resolution. Nevertheless, it was still an engrossing read! I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. I loved the prehistoric setting! The writing was very lyrical and filled with vivid imagery! I am excited for the sequel! I can’t wait to find out what happens next in Naya’s journey! I recommend this for fans of The Last Neanderthal, The Clan of the Cave Bear, and She Who Remembers!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One) by Sarah V. Barnes is an excellent historical fiction that takes the readers on a thrilling journey set more than 6,000 years ago. The story follows Naya, the daughter of a clan chief, who is ostracized by the boys in her community due to her unique appearance. Naya dreams of developing a relationship with horses different from that of her people. Her encounter with a red filly sets in motion events that will change the course of history, forever altering the relationship between humans and horses.

The book is well-written, with well-developed characters and a smooth pace that keeps the readers engaged. The plot is filled with adventure, peril, love, and betrayal, making it an enjoyable read. However, there are moments where it feels like an important bit of information was removed during editing, disrupting the flow of the story.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the extensive interdisciplinary research that underpins the narrative. The author masterfully imagines an encounter between a girl and a horse that is both timeless and grounded in fact. For readers interested in learning more about the historical facts behind the fiction, a section at the back goes into more depth.

Overall, She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One) is an engaging and well-crafted historical fiction that seamlessly blends fact and imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction and the fascinating relationship between humans and horses. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Pontic-Caspian Steppe during c. 4000 BCE, a young girl about 14 summers old, Naya, crouches down in the tall grasslands observing a herd of wild horses. She admires and studies these creatures as she does this she begins to ask herself, "Maybe I can ride one?"

That isn't exactly how the book begins, of course, the author does a much better job of describing the landscape of the ancient steppe, She does such a marvelous job that I could see the purple-orange sunset, smell the yellow grass, hear the whinny of the horses, and feel the cool breeze of a late summer evening. Beautifully written, I love it when authors immerse you in the story from the start and that's exactly what Sarah V. Barnes does.

This book is quiet, much like I would imagine the Ponitc-Caspian Steppe would be during this time. So you'll not find much dialogue or intense action scenes. One of my favorite parts of the book is the descriptions of daily life in 4000 BCE. How did they survive? How did they sleep? How did they cook or make bowls? The author provides these answers within her pages as you follow Naya on her quest, which is awesome and necessary for those using this book as a supplement for a lesson on ancient history. Plus it's always refreshing to read history from a different person's POV.

In conclusion, SHE WHO RIDES HORSES reminds me of a mix of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE meets CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR by Jean Auel. I highly recommend this book for every classroom and school library. Thank you, Sarah and iReads for the opportunity to read this exquisite book!

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this atmospheric saga, a young teen named Naya is drawn to confront tradition by following her mystic calling and attempting to befriend, then ride, a horse. As the daughter of the clan's chief, thinking of horses as anything other than a source of nourishment is unheard of and not be taken to kindly, especially with current tensions rising within the clan's leadership. But Naya's grandmother and mother recognise the extraordinary happenings as something special at work and allow Naya to follow her own path. When Naya is mistakenly shot with an arrow, the truth becomes hard to hide. Naya risks her own life and the lives of those trying to protect her as she follows what she believes is a message from the spirit world.

She Who Rides Horses immediately reminded me of reading Clan of the Cave Bearers. Immersed in an ancient civilisation, one young girl stands apart and slowly builds a unique relationship with horses that had never been attempted before. Naya's journey is an amazing adventure story with an ancient setting that makes for a truly unique YA novel.

A sincere thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a beautiful magical story for a horse lover

My husband used to own a horse when I first arrived here in America. He owned a Quarter horse. Scud is one beautiful horse. I know that when I get the chance to review this book, I will enjoy reading this book.

It's a beautiful magical story for a horse lover. The character's names are so unique especially Naya. This girl is not your ordinary gifted girl who not only loves her family, and her tribe but is willing to sacrifice her life to save the horses.

I loved the settings of this beautiful story. The Power of Forgiveness and young love is fun to read. The second chance of love is so awesome too. This book is like watching the survivor tv show. You learned so much about how to survive in the wilderness. It makes you appreciate your life the most compared to the characters of this story.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few books that can enter the hallowed ground of personal mythology in a lifetime. The three sacred texts on my shelf were Le Petit Prince, The Alchemist, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. "She Who Rides Horses" enters that pantheon of books etched into my soul, to be read and reread until every word is committed to memory.

I was given a copy by Linda Kohanov during one of her horse workshops. When I finally got around to picking it up off the shelf, I could not sleep until I consumed each page. I cried multiple times throughout the reading. A deeply moving heroine's journey to tame the first horse ("Tu deviens responsable pour toujours de ce que tu as apprivoisé"), thoroughly researched by a historian to be as accurate as we can know, and written with an emanating love for linguistics.

I love this book. If you love horses, or The Little Prince, I know you'll love it too.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses is a very detailed story about a teenage girl, Naya, who has visions of horses. Although her clan kills the horses for food, her heart's desire is to ride them. One red horse in particular.

The storyline is one of hardship, recovery, trust, and forgiveness. The spiritual aspect of the story lends another dimension of insight, relationships between horses and mankind. I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape, the many-layered characters, and the ever-changing circumstances of their everyday life.

A very exciting and enjoyable read that will take you on an inspiring magical journey. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and liked learning about the people living on the steppe thousands of years ago. I enjoyed learning about how people may have come to start viewing horses as animals to be tamed and riden instead of just used as a source of food. I liked the characters in the story, but I was really drawn up short when I unexpectedly came to the end, leaving the reader in shock because the story line was not resolved at all. Most books that are part of a series can be read as "stand alone" books but this one leaves you hanging and the rest of the series hasn't been written yet!!! My advice-- wait till the books are all out then start reading them.

[Adrien Weinhoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is to die for!
Immediately I was drawn in and intrigued by this story. I was a horse girl growing up and I felt so connected to the main character because of this. My only complaint about this book is that the next one hasn't been published yet! I absolutely need more to read of this series!
The writing is so detailed, I can really picture each scene as if watching a movie. The characters are in depth and cause you to care deeply about them. It's incredibly well done and this book deserves so much attention!
Can't wait for book 2!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe is a good introduction to the new to me and talented author, Sarah V Barnes. I found this story to be an entertaining one. I thought it was an unique one and fun to see through the eyes of the first human to ever ride a horse during ancient times. It was a pleasure to be transported back in time by six thousand years and meet the strong willed daughter of a clan chief, Naya. I admired her bravery and determination. I found her character to be one that would be a good role model for present day young girls and woman. She proves to herself and others that it is okay to be different, have the ability to embrace yourself, follow your dreams, and do not give up. I thought it was wonderful book to read.

I am giving She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who are between the ages of thirteen and up and for fans of historical fiction. I am curious to see what the next book from A Saga of the Ancient Steppe will be like and to see Sarah V Barnes’ characters come to life again.
I received a paperback copy of She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Thistle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read so many "first horse ever tamed" and "first dog ever tamed" stories. I love them. This one though... completely unrealistic. If you want some fantasy version of "first X ever tamed" story, then sure, go for this one.

Way too many "her soul had a chat with the horse's soul" scenes for me (literally, their souls met and had conversations). DNFed at 45%.

[Epona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was moderately well written and interesting and I was enjoying it enough to finish it, and then it committed the crime of ending in the middle of the actual story. It's really irritating and frustrating, this trend of ending the story in the middle just so we'll come and get your sequel. No thanks.

[BookTrib.com]

Travel to a vivid world of the ancient steppe and the cultures that dwelled there in SHE WHO RIDES HORSES by Sarah Barnes. 🐴

Read the full review on Booktrib.com

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. It was particularly resonant given my love of horses and interest in spirituality. The era this story is set in (4000BC) was described so evocatively, it was an enjoyable history lesson especially given the authors profession.