A review by thelexingtonbookie
Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley
4.0
This book came into my life through a woman who has been like another grandmother to me. Donna is my grandmother’s best friend, and without fail, Donna sends me cards, letters, and little things that make her think of me. She was sending me book mail before book mail was even on my radar. So, last summer, Donna sent me a copy of this book, Joey. She knows I’m a reader and a horse girl, and she said she really enjoyed it and thought I would too. Well, it took me some time to get to the novel, but I cannot wait to write Donna and tell her that it is adorable and that I am so happy she thought to share this book with me, so that I could share it with all of you!
Written memoir-style, Bleakley recounts the true story of Joey, a blind Appaloosa horse that was rescued by Kim Tschirret, owner of Hope Reins. Kim started a fledgeling equine therapeutic center for both rescue horses and children in need of alternative therapy- hippotherapy, with the goal that the therapy sessions would be free of charge. Repeating the mantra, “God will provide”, Kim decided to go ahead with these plans despite the financial risk. She brought home Joey, and his companion Speckles, two neglected Appaloosas who would need special care. However, these two horses seemed to be favorites with the children, who offered many special miracle moments to difficult cases. Joey, in particular, had quite the effect on all those who came into his life, including those who decided to donate generously to the facility.
I will admit, I did end up listening to the audiobook of this novel to help get it off the TBR pile, but the audio still had me tearing up in the car. It’s such a sweet story, and though maybe cheesy at times, I still found myself relating to the wonder that is the horse/human bond. It’s an amazing thing to learn to communicate with such a big, strong, independent animal, and even more amazing to witness the silent communication between a bonded pair. Horses base their communication on body language, so when they seem to be intuitively reading our minds, they are noticing the most subtle movements of our body language. Throughout Joey, Bleakley beautifully communicated the special feeling that comes with getting bit by the horse bug.
As I said, this book is based on the true story of Horse Reins, so I highly encourage you to check out their website here, give Joey a read (or listen), and if you can, make a donation to help these kids and their wonderful equine councilors.
Written memoir-style, Bleakley recounts the true story of Joey, a blind Appaloosa horse that was rescued by Kim Tschirret, owner of Hope Reins. Kim started a fledgeling equine therapeutic center for both rescue horses and children in need of alternative therapy- hippotherapy, with the goal that the therapy sessions would be free of charge. Repeating the mantra, “God will provide”, Kim decided to go ahead with these plans despite the financial risk. She brought home Joey, and his companion Speckles, two neglected Appaloosas who would need special care. However, these two horses seemed to be favorites with the children, who offered many special miracle moments to difficult cases. Joey, in particular, had quite the effect on all those who came into his life, including those who decided to donate generously to the facility.
I will admit, I did end up listening to the audiobook of this novel to help get it off the TBR pile, but the audio still had me tearing up in the car. It’s such a sweet story, and though maybe cheesy at times, I still found myself relating to the wonder that is the horse/human bond. It’s an amazing thing to learn to communicate with such a big, strong, independent animal, and even more amazing to witness the silent communication between a bonded pair. Horses base their communication on body language, so when they seem to be intuitively reading our minds, they are noticing the most subtle movements of our body language. Throughout Joey, Bleakley beautifully communicated the special feeling that comes with getting bit by the horse bug.
As I said, this book is based on the true story of Horse Reins, so I highly encourage you to check out their website here, give Joey a read (or listen), and if you can, make a donation to help these kids and their wonderful equine councilors.