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The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son
When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy why not take Rowan to Mongolia, the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing intersected? The Horse Boy is the dramatic and heartwarming story of that impossible adventure. In Mongolia, the family found undreamed of landscapes and people, unbearable setbacks, and advances beyond their wildest dreams. This is a deeply moving, truly one-of-a-kind story -- of a family willing to go to the ends of the earth to help their son, and of a boy learning to connect with the world for the first time.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
210 people are currently reading
2673 people want to read
About the author
Rupert Isaacson
21 books41 followersRupert Isaacson was born in London to a South African mother and a Zimbabwean father. Isaacson's first book, The Healing Land (Grove Press), was a 2004 New York Times Notable Book. He has travelled extensively in Africa, Asia, and North America for the British press and now lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Kristin, and their son, Rowan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 661 reviews
August 4, 2016
I'm an existentialist, a pragmatist and look askance at those who believe in any form of magic, spells or influence on the here and now by muttering mumbo jumbo, whether from an obeah man, a shaman, priest or rabbi. Which isn't to say I don't enjoy the ritual and hopefully, accompanying feast.
But still, I was touched by this man and the extremes he would go to try and heal his severely autistic son. It relied on having a lot of money and a mostly-compliant wife and very much being a hands-on father to his untoilet-trained son. He went to the ends of the earth, to the high summer plains in Mongolia paying for guides and their families, vehicles, horses, shamans and ceremonies all for his son. And his son made gains, if not towards normality, at least towards socialisation. Using the toilet, making friends with other children and learning a skill like riding were great achievements.
The author, who is the little boy's father, has no idea if it was the shamanistic ceremonies that brought about these happy changes or if it was a fortuitious by-product of such an amazing experience as the summer in Mongolia. He comes down more on the side of the healing was the little boy's connection with animals, specifically horses. Well he would say that, he's been involved in horses all his life.
Proof of that is that on his return to Texas he didn't open a centre for Mongolian Shamanism to help autistic children, but Horseboy Foundation, which uses movement and horses as therapy. His little boy Rowan has been homeschooled on the back of a horse, maths, English, everything taught whilst up in the saddle. It would take a hard person not to like this lovely man and the great love he has not just for his own child, but for all children similarly afflicted and how he wants to help them all.
I really enjoyed the book. Rupert Isaacson can write. I've just ordered The Healing Land: The Bushmen and the Kalahari Desert. I'm looking forward to reading it, I already know a little about this area from The Old Way: A Story of the First People. It's really great isn't it how a good writer can lead you into their other books even the subject matter isn't related, you just like how they write what they want to say.
But still, I was touched by this man and the extremes he would go to try and heal his severely autistic son. It relied on having a lot of money and a mostly-compliant wife and very much being a hands-on father to his untoilet-trained son. He went to the ends of the earth, to the high summer plains in Mongolia paying for guides and their families, vehicles, horses, shamans and ceremonies all for his son. And his son made gains, if not towards normality, at least towards socialisation. Using the toilet, making friends with other children and learning a skill like riding were great achievements.
The author, who is the little boy's father, has no idea if it was the shamanistic ceremonies that brought about these happy changes or if it was a fortuitious by-product of such an amazing experience as the summer in Mongolia. He comes down more on the side of the healing was the little boy's connection with animals, specifically horses. Well he would say that, he's been involved in horses all his life.
Proof of that is that on his return to Texas he didn't open a centre for Mongolian Shamanism to help autistic children, but Horseboy Foundation, which uses movement and horses as therapy. His little boy Rowan has been homeschooled on the back of a horse, maths, English, everything taught whilst up in the saddle. It would take a hard person not to like this lovely man and the great love he has not just for his own child, but for all children similarly afflicted and how he wants to help them all.
I really enjoyed the book. Rupert Isaacson can write. I've just ordered The Healing Land: The Bushmen and the Kalahari Desert. I'm looking forward to reading it, I already know a little about this area from The Old Way: A Story of the First People. It's really great isn't it how a good writer can lead you into their other books even the subject matter isn't related, you just like how they write what they want to say.
July 7, 2012
Unbelievable. Disgusting. Annoying. Breathtaking. Gripping. Soul searching. Intense. Amazing. Curious. Disappointing. All words I could use to describe this book. I have a real love-hate relationship with this book. In the beginning, it didn't hold my interest very well and I couldn't wait to get it over with. As I continued to read about the adventure in Mongolia I was so riveted I could barely put it down for wanting to know the outcome. Only to be disappointed at the end when the final Shaman didn't shed any light on what he saw or what his vision was in regard to what the roots of Rowan's afflictions were and how what he saw would help, just that it would. The descriptions of the ceremonies and rituals were so graphic I could barely stand to read about them. In the end, I am so happy for the family that Rowan and his family were healed from the experience. Not to take anything away from them and their experience, but many families have children who suffer from Autism and have no funds or guidance or contacts to help them get the help they need; in these cases I find it so sad that these lost souls have no recourse but to be saddled with their afflictions and not to be able to fly free with their wonderful personalities and talents and share with us their special gifts. Can I recommend this book? I don't know. I don't feel that everyone would benefit from reading about this, it is a very unconventional (and for most unthinkable) treatment path to seek. However, some of the proceeds from this book go to the school/camp the author has established for treatment and therapy with horses for Autistic children, which I support whole-heartedly.
March 12, 2015
The first thing I need to say is that the author at times says things which have me uncomfortable. He seems very self-entitled. For example, throughout the book he'll focus on the physical characteristics of women (such as their body size and general attractiveness), while constrastly defining men as either wise, strong, or silly boys. Perceive that as you may.
Anyway, as a person who has experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, I did find the beginning sections to be helpful at further understanding the experience of extreme sensitivities, among other things, and subsequently how to better assist them be as independent as possible.
But eventually, the story took a turn for the repetitive. The dialogue is boring. There really isn't a need to repeat dialogue like 'Ok.', or repeat each time his son gets upset in some way. Even though the latter issue might be effective at drawing an understanding of this kind of life, it is not an effective narrative.
I did like the interactions with shamanism. I respect much of the practice, and have a new interest in it as a person with druidic tendencies. But I could never really afford a journey like what they had - so where to learn the practices? Anyway, overall I learned some, but eventually I got pretty bored and annoyed with the objectification and repetition. The ending was nice.
Anyway, as a person who has experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, I did find the beginning sections to be helpful at further understanding the experience of extreme sensitivities, among other things, and subsequently how to better assist them be as independent as possible.
But eventually, the story took a turn for the repetitive. The dialogue is boring. There really isn't a need to repeat dialogue like 'Ok.', or repeat each time his son gets upset in some way. Even though the latter issue might be effective at drawing an understanding of this kind of life, it is not an effective narrative.
I did like the interactions with shamanism. I respect much of the practice, and have a new interest in it as a person with druidic tendencies. But I could never really afford a journey like what they had - so where to learn the practices? Anyway, overall I learned some, but eventually I got pretty bored and annoyed with the objectification and repetition. The ending was nice.
January 31, 2013
He's a good writer, he writes well and I was interested enough to read and see the book to the end. But to me he came across as arrogant, and what he calls science doesn't really follow the scientific method (for example he says something I think he attributes to his wife like "if rises in autism could be attributed to autism being diagnosed more frequently, we'd see a decline in other forms of developmental disorder" which is pretty much NOT a scientific argument as it assumes autism was being diagnosed at all--versus people just being called "eccentric" or "different" but not being diagnosed).
The book is really full of bad science, which was a barrier for me to any credibility.
The book is really full of bad science, which was a barrier for me to any credibility.
January 18, 2016
The whole time I was reading this book, I keep asking myself just who was he trying to help, himself or his son? Father is in denial and Mother is just along for the ride. I found Rupert to be overbearing and hopelessly clueless. I also found him to be down right rude talking about his interaction with the" Native" people trying to help him and his son.
Writing is far to detailed to the point you lose all focus and interest. I do hope one day Rupert wakes up and sees he is not and never will be in control.
Writing is far to detailed to the point you lose all focus and interest. I do hope one day Rupert wakes up and sees he is not and never will be in control.
February 18, 2011
I wasn't sure if I'd like this story, since Rupert Isaacson is the main character, the author, AND the narrator. But it's very well done.
My heart broke for Rupert, his wife, and their severely autistic son, as they just tried to survive day-to-day, and find the extra energy to try different treatments, therapies, supplements...anything that might help.
Who would have thought that a trip to Mongolia - way out of their regular routine - would not only be possible, but would actually help bring healing?
I don't honestly know what I believe about faith healing, or really how it works, or if it is partly explainable via natural means, and I'm not sure entirely what I think about the shamans that they traveled to see over in Mongolia, but I do believe the shamans were attempting to help out of love, and love has its own power.
Whatever the case, Rupert and his wife took an enormous, incalculable risk, and in doing so, found what they and their son so desperately needed - healing and hope.
This is an amazing story, and beautifully told.
My heart broke for Rupert, his wife, and their severely autistic son, as they just tried to survive day-to-day, and find the extra energy to try different treatments, therapies, supplements...anything that might help.
Who would have thought that a trip to Mongolia - way out of their regular routine - would not only be possible, but would actually help bring healing?
I don't honestly know what I believe about faith healing, or really how it works, or if it is partly explainable via natural means, and I'm not sure entirely what I think about the shamans that they traveled to see over in Mongolia, but I do believe the shamans were attempting to help out of love, and love has its own power.
Whatever the case, Rupert and his wife took an enormous, incalculable risk, and in doing so, found what they and their son so desperately needed - healing and hope.
This is an amazing story, and beautifully told.
January 6, 2011
I just finished the book. Marvelous read. A remarkable story of a family's journey and a remarkable healing. It was a joy to read. I've heard it said that we're never tested beyond our ability to deal with the tests we're given. I don't think I would have been able to deal with the sorts of challenges that the Isaacson's had to deal with. I loved the author's summary at the end. Very valuable for me to frame this mysterious disorder. In the esoteric lore it 'reads' that advanced souls will be born into a trying time on earth to help the earth/mankind into the next level. Perhaps these gifted and interesting souls are among the helpers. There were so many things I loved about the book...especially the author's description of the beautiful countryside that they passed through. For that reason, I started streaming the Netflix movie last night but only got 1/3 through - saving it for later when it wasn't so late. The book though is always better. I'll look forward to watching the rest of the movie. I highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2012
Isn't it amazing what wealth can do for you and your kids. Really? Travel to Mongolia on a hunch that magic shamans can "heal" your autistic child through the use of horse sense? Aside from Mr. Issacson patting himself on the back for his obsessive belief in "horse magic", there is little of value in the story.
November 21, 2020
Hallelujah. Hunter S. Thompson is dead but his resurrected soul marches on in the person of Rupert Isaacson. Rupert Isaacson describes himself as being a borderline alcoholic with a son who is borderline on the autistic spectrum.
Like most parents of autistic children, the Isaacsons were constantly confronted by a plethora of rogues and impostors pitching to them phony cures. Like most parents, they were bitter whenever they fell for what in hind-sight appeared as a very obvious scam.
Living in Texas, the Isaacsons encountered horses on a regular basis and noticed that their son perked up whenever he was on a horse. Rather than buy a horse for $500 which can be done in Texas and which I would do if I lived there, Isaacson decides to becoming one of the hucksters peddling an autism cure.
He gets the financing for movie that will like Mongolian shamanism and horses with a treatment for Autism. He and this wife then set of for the deserts of Mongolia like Hunter S. Thompson and his attorney in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
The result is as a funny as Hunter S. Thompson's drug filled spree in Nevada. Isaacson and his wife are delighted when a Mongolian shaman orders his wife to douche herself with home made vodka. At that point the story kicks into overdrive.
The Horse Boy is great fun. Pretend that you are once again an undergraduate arts student hoping to one day be a Gonza journalist. Read the book. When you are done, get back to doing the language exercises prescribed by the Speech Pathologists.
On the weekend you can spend $40 and go on a 2 hour trail ride with your child if you are living in Canada or the US. I certainly have found that my autistic kids love trail riding. Just do not spend more money on this hobby that you would if your kids were neurotypical.
Autistic kids you see like horseback riding for the same reason that they like skiing. They can progress at their own speed and their peers do not get angry with them for hurting the team. My kids can now ski diamond runs on Ontario ski hills not to be confused with diamond runs on Alberta hills. They have always enjoyed themselves.
Parents, please remember that individual sports are the way to go with autistic children. They always enjoy them.
Like most parents of autistic children, the Isaacsons were constantly confronted by a plethora of rogues and impostors pitching to them phony cures. Like most parents, they were bitter whenever they fell for what in hind-sight appeared as a very obvious scam.
Living in Texas, the Isaacsons encountered horses on a regular basis and noticed that their son perked up whenever he was on a horse. Rather than buy a horse for $500 which can be done in Texas and which I would do if I lived there, Isaacson decides to becoming one of the hucksters peddling an autism cure.
He gets the financing for movie that will like Mongolian shamanism and horses with a treatment for Autism. He and this wife then set of for the deserts of Mongolia like Hunter S. Thompson and his attorney in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
The result is as a funny as Hunter S. Thompson's drug filled spree in Nevada. Isaacson and his wife are delighted when a Mongolian shaman orders his wife to douche herself with home made vodka. At that point the story kicks into overdrive.
The Horse Boy is great fun. Pretend that you are once again an undergraduate arts student hoping to one day be a Gonza journalist. Read the book. When you are done, get back to doing the language exercises prescribed by the Speech Pathologists.
On the weekend you can spend $40 and go on a 2 hour trail ride with your child if you are living in Canada or the US. I certainly have found that my autistic kids love trail riding. Just do not spend more money on this hobby that you would if your kids were neurotypical.
Autistic kids you see like horseback riding for the same reason that they like skiing. They can progress at their own speed and their peers do not get angry with them for hurting the team. My kids can now ski diamond runs on Ontario ski hills not to be confused with diamond runs on Alberta hills. They have always enjoyed themselves.
Parents, please remember that individual sports are the way to go with autistic children. They always enjoy them.
March 5, 2011
I can see why people who don't understand autism would think this book is amazing. It was a little weird for me at the end. I understand the parents' struggles - and I could really relate. However, I think instead of shamans and horses healing their son, it was probably the one-on-one time he got with them, and the distance from all of the things in the environment that overstimulate our kids with autism - the noise, the lights, the smells etc. It was also evident to me from the beginning that this was a very intelligent little boy who had some real fears and sensory issues that were holding him back. Some good lessons to be learned but still a little strange to me.
Read
June 18, 2020This is a memoir chronicling a family's ongoing struggle to raise an autistic son. It follows the journey they take to Mongolia in the hopes of healing him.
It is beautifully written and very moving. I highly recommend both reading the book and watching the DVD by the same name as they complement each other. -Kassandra V.
It is beautifully written and very moving. I highly recommend both reading the book and watching the DVD by the same name as they complement each other. -Kassandra V.
March 31, 2018
How far would you go to heal your child?
This book is not amazingly written and a journey of that kind doesn't have to be necessary for everyone with a child with special needs. But it was necessary for the Isaacson family and that is all that matters here.
We all have our mountains to climb and our journeys to make, each in our own way to reach our goals. But in the end, it will be the same for all of us: WE CAN MAKE IT! We can somehow be happy, despite the anger and the hurt and all the prejudice thrown at us for having a child with special needs, we can somehow rise above it and find our own way - not to a cure, because that may not be possible, but to a little healing and a way to smile again!
It may take a lot of risk and a lot of work; it may even take an epic horseback journey, but we can all get there someday! This is the message this story is sending and this is why it's absolutely worth reading.
This book is not amazingly written and a journey of that kind doesn't have to be necessary for everyone with a child with special needs. But it was necessary for the Isaacson family and that is all that matters here.
We all have our mountains to climb and our journeys to make, each in our own way to reach our goals. But in the end, it will be the same for all of us: WE CAN MAKE IT! We can somehow be happy, despite the anger and the hurt and all the prejudice thrown at us for having a child with special needs, we can somehow rise above it and find our own way - not to a cure, because that may not be possible, but to a little healing and a way to smile again!
It may take a lot of risk and a lot of work; it may even take an epic horseback journey, but we can all get there someday! This is the message this story is sending and this is why it's absolutely worth reading.
November 14, 2009
You know when you are at Costco, and just before checking out, you peruse the book aisle, spontaneously pick one out, and then hope it's magic? Well, this book was very interesting--shamans, autism, and a couple so completely unlike me that I had to learn from them! I enjoyed the passion of the father, and I celebrated with him in the small successes.
His writing is terrible. I also don't think his motives were pure. Maybe I'd do the same thing in a desperate situation--try to make the most of it by at least making some money along the difficult road. I rarely picked this book up for excitement to read the next chapter--it was mostly to finish.
His writing is terrible. I also don't think his motives were pure. Maybe I'd do the same thing in a desperate situation--try to make the most of it by at least making some money along the difficult road. I rarely picked this book up for excitement to read the next chapter--it was mostly to finish.
November 7, 2009
As someone who is interested in autism and anthropology, I was drawn to see the movie. The author, Rupert Isaacson, was at the screening. He spoke and answered questions revealing that since this movie/book he has gone to Australia with his son, Rowan, to do healing work with Australian aborigines. He understands that there are some people who may think that he's exploiting his son and he has a sense of humor about it.
I think that the perspective of indigenous peoples toward difference is valuable. Rowan and others on the autism spectrum may not have a disorder. They may just be different. Their differences make it difficult for them to function in cultures that don't allow for the existence of people who experience the world so variantly. Rowan may be a future shaman as the shamans in Mongolia predicted, and he may utilize his alternate view of reality in another way. I believe that Rupert Isaacson is on the right track. We can re-frame the way we look at autism to better integrate autistic individuals into Western cultures.
I found Rowan's natural rapport with animals, which Temple Grandin has written about, awe inspiring. I've never cried while reading a book's acknowledgements before. Rupert Isaacson has a gift for bringing his readers into his son's world.
I think that the perspective of indigenous peoples toward difference is valuable. Rowan and others on the autism spectrum may not have a disorder. They may just be different. Their differences make it difficult for them to function in cultures that don't allow for the existence of people who experience the world so variantly. Rowan may be a future shaman as the shamans in Mongolia predicted, and he may utilize his alternate view of reality in another way. I believe that Rupert Isaacson is on the right track. We can re-frame the way we look at autism to better integrate autistic individuals into Western cultures.
I found Rowan's natural rapport with animals, which Temple Grandin has written about, awe inspiring. I've never cried while reading a book's acknowledgements before. Rupert Isaacson has a gift for bringing his readers into his son's world.
November 22, 2010
This story is AMAZING. Okay, I admit, I didn't read the book, I watched the movie. But it covers the same ground, since the movie is a documentary made by the father, who wrote the book. And for this story, you really need the visual of a movie. It is incredible. I was skeptical when a friend told me about it because it just sounded too hokey. An autistic boy's family travels to Mongolia in search of healing for their son. I was cynical and thought it sounded too "Hollywood," or like Hollywood trying to be indie and hip. Well, in any case, I was completely stupid and naive to dismiss this story so quickly.
I think it's perhaps the most incredible testament to love and hope I've ever seen. I sat there with my mouth hanging open almost the whole way through. It's the kind of thing that's so precious and sacred that if someone I knew watched it and didn't like/get it, I'd probably have to defriend them because I couldn't possibly understand them any longer.
This story makes me want to be a better person -- a more patient, empathetic, kind, open, and loving person.
I think it's perhaps the most incredible testament to love and hope I've ever seen. I sat there with my mouth hanging open almost the whole way through. It's the kind of thing that's so precious and sacred that if someone I knew watched it and didn't like/get it, I'd probably have to defriend them because I couldn't possibly understand them any longer.
This story makes me want to be a better person -- a more patient, empathetic, kind, open, and loving person.
June 8, 2021
I read part one, and I don’t think I want to read any further.
The Good
I like the part about the therapeutic and learning benefits of horses and riding, but there are better texts on that, and that was the only thing I liked so far in this book.
The Bad
This guy gets seemingly free access to another man's horse, who really likes his son. He is able to get private instructors for his son. He does not appreciate these things and insists that they aren’t enough and that he has to take his son to Mongolia. He also claims to have money problems, even though he doesn’t seem to. Also, his son also seems like a good candidate for an autism dog, but he never even considers this.
And the Ugly
He talks about wanting to heal his son, and make him less autistic. When riding, he claims his son is becoming less autistic, even though that’s not really what’s happening.
The Good
I like the part about the therapeutic and learning benefits of horses and riding, but there are better texts on that, and that was the only thing I liked so far in this book.
The Bad
This guy gets seemingly free access to another man's horse, who really likes his son. He is able to get private instructors for his son. He does not appreciate these things and insists that they aren’t enough and that he has to take his son to Mongolia. He also claims to have money problems, even though he doesn’t seem to. Also, his son also seems like a good candidate for an autism dog, but he never even considers this.
And the Ugly
He talks about wanting to heal his son, and make him less autistic. When riding, he claims his son is becoming less autistic, even though that’s not really what’s happening.
May 31, 2009
Horses and Mongolia are two of my favorite topics, so naturally this book attracted my attention! My main concern, however, was that books by Westerners who go off the beaten track often romanticize traditional cultures in ridiculous ways and I feared it would be too New Agey. Fortunately this book did not succumb to any of the likely pitfalls. Isaacson was brutally honest and humble about their struggles with raising an autistic child, did not prescribe what they did as a miracle cure for everyone, and was very respectful of the people he met in Mongolia, describing them as real people, not exotic specimens. Rowan is a very fortunate little boy and his story will take you along on the journey of a lifetime!
May 11, 2018
This was a book I found very hard to put down, an amazing memoir that was beautifully written and warrants no less than a 5 star rating, my first of 2018.
In awe of this couple and the depths and lengths they went to for their son was truly remarkable. This is an incredible story about Rupert and Kristin Isaacson travelling to the remotest part of Mongolia in search of the Shaman and Reindeer people to help heal their autistic son, Rowan.
The authors description of Mongolia was stunning and fascinating, there were many times I felt like I was on a journey with them.
A moving and enthralling read I highly recommend.
Book ‘I’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
In awe of this couple and the depths and lengths they went to for their son was truly remarkable. This is an incredible story about Rupert and Kristin Isaacson travelling to the remotest part of Mongolia in search of the Shaman and Reindeer people to help heal their autistic son, Rowan.
The authors description of Mongolia was stunning and fascinating, there were many times I felt like I was on a journey with them.
A moving and enthralling read I highly recommend.
Book ‘I’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
July 13, 2016
I was interested in this book from a professional point of view as well as a general interest in this families story. The lengths this family went to, to find help - and peace for their son was extraordinary and to be commended. A takeaway, I believe, is that parents know their own children best and should be guided by their own intuition and research. If it feels right go for it.
December 1, 2017
The book is focused on ‘curing’ the little boy of autism, which isn’t possible and considered highly offensive in the autism community.
I still yearn for an actual book about an autistic person.
I still yearn for an actual book about an autistic person.
May 3, 2020
This book was a gift from a friend who knew me well enough to know that this story combined not two, but three, of the topics I most like to read about: autism, true life adventure stories, and the practices of traditional healers. In this case, they combine in a true tale of a severely autistic boy with an uncanny connection to horses, a desperate family willing to try anything to help, and a journey on horseback to visit the traditional healers of the original "horse whisperers" of Outer Mongolia. During their journey, Rowan and his family face challenges brought on by the difficulty of the travel and the difficulty of autism, moments of skepticism and grace, and eventually, a measure of healing and peace.
Comments for other potential readers: If you like adventure travel stories, go all in -- I doubt that you will be disappointed. If you are the parent of a child with autism but have no other interest in the additional dimensions of the story, I'm not sure you will benefit, other than to find common ground in Rowan's family's embarrassment and stigmatization when he has lengthy "meltdowns" that most people do not understand and his family cannot always control. (Interestingly, the tribesmen of Outer Mongolia were far more accepting of Rowan's behavior than those in more "civilized" cultures, such as our own.) If you are a professional who works with children on the autism spectrum, especially if you have patients who also receive hippotherapy (therapy that uses horseback riding as a primary treatment approach), this book will give you a better understanding of the bond that can develop between horse and child. It will also remind you to be compassionate even on your worst day when you are standing on your last nerve. (There is an absolutely cringe-worthy early scene in which Rowan's father picks him up from occupational therapy, and it is more than apparent that the therapist can't wait to be rid of him and can't help herself from making a judgmental remark that she no doubt forgot by the end of the day but lives painfully on in his father's memory.)
Even if you don't have any of these particular interests, but you just like a really good story, you could well like this book. I will quote from the book's back cover some sentiments with which I heartily agree: "Rupert Isaacson has conjured a nonfiction journey that reads like an epic novel. . . . The world of Mongolian shamans, the details of adventuresome travel, the mysterious world of autism . . . the world of horses . . . amazing! By the time you are in the grip of this book, you'll see love, marriage, and parenthood as realms of magic, profound power, and further amazements. The Horse Boy (is) a terrifically good read."
Comments for other potential readers: If you like adventure travel stories, go all in -- I doubt that you will be disappointed. If you are the parent of a child with autism but have no other interest in the additional dimensions of the story, I'm not sure you will benefit, other than to find common ground in Rowan's family's embarrassment and stigmatization when he has lengthy "meltdowns" that most people do not understand and his family cannot always control. (Interestingly, the tribesmen of Outer Mongolia were far more accepting of Rowan's behavior than those in more "civilized" cultures, such as our own.) If you are a professional who works with children on the autism spectrum, especially if you have patients who also receive hippotherapy (therapy that uses horseback riding as a primary treatment approach), this book will give you a better understanding of the bond that can develop between horse and child. It will also remind you to be compassionate even on your worst day when you are standing on your last nerve. (There is an absolutely cringe-worthy early scene in which Rowan's father picks him up from occupational therapy, and it is more than apparent that the therapist can't wait to be rid of him and can't help herself from making a judgmental remark that she no doubt forgot by the end of the day but lives painfully on in his father's memory.)
Even if you don't have any of these particular interests, but you just like a really good story, you could well like this book. I will quote from the book's back cover some sentiments with which I heartily agree: "Rupert Isaacson has conjured a nonfiction journey that reads like an epic novel. . . . The world of Mongolian shamans, the details of adventuresome travel, the mysterious world of autism . . . the world of horses . . . amazing! By the time you are in the grip of this book, you'll see love, marriage, and parenthood as realms of magic, profound power, and further amazements. The Horse Boy (is) a terrifically good read."
September 30, 2025
Geen mega spannend boek, maar een mooi verhaal met interessante gebeurtenissen en een mooie beschrijving van het landschap van Mongolië.
September 22, 2016
A great book about the incredible journey one couple takes with their son who has autism. They travel to Mongolia to meet shamans and the reindeer people in a quest to find a healing for their son's behaviors that so often come with autism. Behaviors that leave a family exhausted, frustrated, isolated and desperate. I have mixed feelings about this journey. On the one hand, I applaud the parents, specifically the dad, for never giving up on their son and for trying every single avenue that might work to help with tantrums, lack of communication, and difficulty with potty training. It is important to note that indeed those behaviors decreased at the end of trip and continued to decrease following their return to the States. On the other hand, the dad comes off as so inconsiderate of others, including his wife, that it can be very off putting. At the same time, this could be what accounts for some of the growth that is seen on the trip - the fact that the dad made it all about Rowan no matter what that meant for anyone else.
The book itself often gets bogged down in minute details that don't move the story forward. Because of this, at times it reads like a travel diary. However, because of the gravity of this journey, Rupert probably did want a written account of his trip. For a book that others will read, though, I believe some editing could have kept the pace a little faster.
As a professional who works with children with special needs, I learned about the everyday frustrations that my parents go through and have a better appreciation for them. I also learned to not give up and continue to try anything and everything that could help my students - you never know what will break through to a child with special needs and make the difference in their lives.
I love that the family lives in the Austin area and now has a horse therapy ranch. It's a good reminder that you need to find your passion and combine it with your niche in life to create something that makes a difference in the world.
The book itself often gets bogged down in minute details that don't move the story forward. Because of this, at times it reads like a travel diary. However, because of the gravity of this journey, Rupert probably did want a written account of his trip. For a book that others will read, though, I believe some editing could have kept the pace a little faster.
As a professional who works with children with special needs, I learned about the everyday frustrations that my parents go through and have a better appreciation for them. I also learned to not give up and continue to try anything and everything that could help my students - you never know what will break through to a child with special needs and make the difference in their lives.
I love that the family lives in the Austin area and now has a horse therapy ranch. It's a good reminder that you need to find your passion and combine it with your niche in life to create something that makes a difference in the world.
December 24, 2009
Having an Autistic son, I was attracted to this book about an Autistic boy (very close to the age of mine, in fact). I was amazed by the fact that this couple just up and traveled to Mongolia with their Autistic son in hopes of a cure from the Shamans and interaction with horses there. As I was reading, I could relate to many of the behaviors Rowan exhibited. The way Rowan spoke was all too familiar to me. The writing isn't great, but it's definitely an interesting story. I myself am not a believer in Shamans. Some of the ceremonies described in the book were outrageous to me. I think there are other explanations to Rowan's improvement, to include prayer on the part of Rowan's parents (which I am a believer in), a learning environment free of distractions, and higher expectations from Rowan's parents based on their belief in Shaman healing. Children will often live up to your expectations and Rowan's parents stopped giving in to his every whim after they had the expectation that he was being healed.
I would like to add that I was uncomfortable with some of the crude language and descriptions in this book (particularly in reference to Rowan's lack of potty training).
I would like to add that I was uncomfortable with some of the crude language and descriptions in this book (particularly in reference to Rowan's lack of potty training).
March 6, 2012
How far would you go to help your child? I’d go to the ends of the earth, which is just about what Rupert and Kristin did when they took their son on an expedition through wildest Mongolia to find the Shamans who Rupert believed might be able to heal their autistic son, Rowan. From having to drink awful sounding concoctions and eat animal intestines, to experiencing rather wacky ceremonies and traveling for days on horseback through rough and dangerous terrain, Rupert continued to follow his intuition. Though this may all sound quite mad, before you judge, why not find out how Rowan was at the end of the story! The reason I only gave it four stars is that I did struggle through some of the detailed travel writing, imagery and repetition during the long journey. I think I was just eager to find out the results. All in all, a well written and motivating read into one family’s voyage though autism and the lengths they would go to find healing for their son. It also serves as a reminder to follow our inner voice, even though at times it might sound like a crazy idea.
Want to read
August 6, 2010I'm very interested in shamanism and in autism, so it was natural I'd be interested in reading this book. I dipped into it at the used book store yesterday and wasn't impressed. I will have to read it now to be sure but it sounded from the bits I read that the author understands neither one at all well despite intimate encounters with both. It had the feeling of someone whose worldview is completely unchanged by his experiences, having no real clue what happened to him or his son at any point along the journey, and no theory why what he almost randomly decided to do actually seems to have helped. Too bad! Some people can't learn anything new no matter if you bash them over the head with knowledge.
July 27, 2009
This book is truly beautiful, and so well written. From experience I know that sometimes we have to construct the story of a child's life because the child doesn't have the words yet to share that story--Isaacson does a beautiful job of sharing his son and family with us. I don't think it really matters exactly what therapies they tried, or even that they went to Mongolia (although that makes for wonderful reading!)--what matters is that they followed their guts, their hearts, and their child's lead and gave him what he individually needed. It's beautiful, the peace they find. Rowan's triumph, thanks to the complete empathy of his father's writing, is one we all get to share.
August 10, 2009
Having worked as a behaviorial therapist for children with autism and having a nephew with autism, I have a lot of compassion for the families, these children and the day to day struggles they face. Rupert Isaacson's courageous journey with his son and wife to Mongolia to visit the shamans was beautifully written. At times the story seemed more focused on describing the landscape of the region, but overall you could get a sense of the all the emotions this couple faced as they crossed Monoglia on horseback to heal their son. They portrayed the true saying that parents will go to the other end of the earth to do anything for their children.
June 11, 2012
I had some reservations before reading this book. I was concerned it might be one of those books that claims to have the cure for autism and tries to get everyone to follow his lead. It wasn't actually like that at all. It was purely his story and experience trying to heal his son taking an unlikely and difficult approach. I found it to be touching, heart warming and most of all believable. I was originally concerned that the author would be tempted to leave out the difficulties and setbacks to make for a better book and prove his success. I was grateful that he did in fact leave in those details because I would have been suspicious of the truthfulness otherwise.
September 7, 2016
I've had this book for quite a while, and found the story to not only be heartwarming, but something demonstrable with troubled children and even adults. It doesn't take a trip to Mongolia to see the evidence that horses bonding with humans is absolutely beneficial in many different ways. As a natural horseman, and medical practitioner, I have guided families to initiate this unique trait to help improve all kinds of debilitating illnesses.
This story really resonated with me, and I liked it enough to guide parents and other family members to give it a try. I have found this to be a successful intervention technique to heal.
Great read.
This story really resonated with me, and I liked it enough to guide parents and other family members to give it a try. I have found this to be a successful intervention technique to heal.
Great read.
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