Horse Gone Silent (Horse Gone Silent Trilogy) Paperback – January 23, 2016

I opened the book that my daughter was reading with the intent to just read over the table of contents. That was my first mistake. The next time I looked up, I had finished it. So word to the wise, don't open this book unless your ready to ignore everything. Another thing to note is that you will probably cry and laugh all within the same chapter. I mention cry and laugh in that order because this isn't that typical tear-jerker story. You feel love and laugh at the humor right along from a perspective that we haven't heard before, that of the horse itself. Shane Ledyards book Horse Gone Silent is a story that reminds us of our basic nature to feel empathy for the well-being of others, that being human or animal. The story takes us through the life of a horse named Bravado. The reader rides along through his adventures and missteps as he grows up and experiences the life of a magnificent jumper. Readers familiar with the industry will both read on with excitement and dread for what we believe may happen next. Non horse riders will enjoy the charming tale full of humor and emotion, love and tragedy. For certain, when the reader finishes the book, they will look at horses and the industry differently. And if you are lucky enough to own one, the next time your horse nickers to you, it will mean so much more than ever before. This book is a wonderful read that would captivate any age and is capable of making future horse welfare advocates out of us all.

This is the kind of emotional book you read in one sitting. Told from the horse's point of view, Horse Gone Silent is the story of a champion Grand Prix horse and the precarious life all horses lead. Ridiculously valuable when they're winning, and worth next to nothing when they can't win any more, this 'based on a true story' novel gives us insight into what a horse might be thinking as he goes from the top of the world, to a bottom that we can't even imagine. Being in the Hunter world myself, I hear all sorts of stories and have learned to ride on some very experienced(read old) horses that have captured my heart. Showing makes you want to be on the best of the best of horses, but our horses have a short span of time when they can compete at that level, and then their fate depends on the kindness of their owners. While this story is told from the horse's POV, it rings very true. I've seen horses who are leased out to different barns year after year until they turn into machines. Every horse deserves their 'person', and as a rider, I feel I owe that honor towards any horse I ride, even if it's only for an hour every few weeks.Bravado starts off in Europe, bred as a show jumper, where he's then sold to an investor in America, where he starts his career. Things are going great while Bravado is sound, and winning shows, but one misstep, and suddenly he's lame, and his investor/owner is no longer interested in him. Shane Ledyard is in the business and I'm sure he knows what he's talking/writing about. He obviously loves horses, making his writing grab hold of the reader enthralled until the end. I am so in love with Bravado, a horse who really lived up to his name. I hope the author gives us some hints as to who the horse is who inspired this story before I spend hours going through Grand Prix videos looking for him.Wonderful book. Not since Black Beauty, that I read as a I child(twice) have a loved a horse story more.

I loved the old classic, Black Beauty, because it was uniquely written from the viewpoint of the horse himself. This book follows that same pattern and it wonderfully portrays the ups and downs of the life of a horse- his early days as a world class athlete, and his later years when he was not so well cared for. How beautiful to think of a horse with integrity and character, as well as faith. Well done!

Give this book a chance. It’s a GREAT read !!!As a horse owner of purchased horses and auction horses, low level hunter jumper shoes as a kid to hunter paces as an adult, to extreme trail rider through the mountains of Montana I was intrigued by what this story would be. At first I could not read this book. As some other reviews pointed out it was clumsily written and seemed clunky. I lost interest quickly as a result.Recently coming home from a horse pack vacation in Montana, I haven’t had much sleep because my head and my heart have been missing the mountains and the sweet middle aged horse who took amazing care of me.I picked up the book again and could not put it down. It only took about 90 min to read but it left me feeling so inspired and wanting to go outside to show my horses how much I appreciate them.Great read from the horses perspective and also some very vauluable lessons for humans as well.“We act out of anger to hide our fear” And “must Stay present, you may miss something”Highly recommend for both adults and young readers. !!!!

Really enjoyed this horse book excellent author I bought the other two in the trio ad well highly recommend for yourself or any horse lover in your life

It was lovely reading a book from the horses perspective.Moving from owner to owner & yard to yard does happen sadly & happened to our pony Tom who I tried out 2 years ago & then didnt ride until recently. He was traumatised by it & didn't think he was staying. Bravado in this story coped better. However all horses deserve to be loved & looked after for life as they have all the same emotions that we do including grief. Great book.

enjoyed whole book

To the author, Shane Ledyard: What a wonderful book. You had me at: “ I can understand everything people say; everything.”I’ve always believed that about horses. When I say “always”, I mean only since I’ve had my own horse which has been only 3 years. So, for most of my life I was as ignorant and dull as most humans. Thank You for this book and for quoting scripture and showing you are a true Christian with love for all beings, as exemplified by Saint Francis of Assissi. Thank you for warning us at the start of the book about the evil one (Arthur), and for the redemption and guidance at the end. Thank you for your description of “machines”, as horses who have given up and are broken. The least we can do for them is validate their existence, and if enough consciences are stirred maybe peoples’ hearts will change. What a shame on us all. Let’s pray that more of them will be given a second chance, like Bravado. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and so does my horse.PS. After finishing this very short book I quickly gave it a 4 star rating - I rate everything by Gone With The Wind ( yes, I know its racist), so, talking Pulitzer prize material I gave it only a 4. However, in retrospect I think it deserves 5 stars because of its own merit as simple and true: This is the way; walk in it.

I read this book in one sitting, I just had to keep going which pays testimony to the author! As a horse owner we are privileged to have a beautiful dressage horse who has the most adorable temperament and we love her dearly. I am so grateful that having got her as a youngster she will be with us for all of her days. As soon as we walk onto the yard she calls to us and comes for cuddles, it has always made me feel special and after reading this book it feels even more special.