Peter DeCosemo, one of the original developers of the Ansur saddle, has written a novel, Led by the Grey. The story is centered around the Royal Household Cavalry horses in London and was in part inspired by a terrorist bombing in 1982 that killed four men and seven horses.
But the story goes far beyond a simple narrative of life with the cavalry as Peter weaves a complex fantasy in which horses talk, mythical creatures come to life, and a teenage boy discovers his own special courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Peter's love and keen understanding of horses shines through every page as the reader is taken on an amazing tour of the London area on an engaging adventure. Nearly every chapter draws you on to the next as far as your imagination can take you.
I found myself captured by the story and emotionally drawn in to the characters and conflict. I ended up in tears more than once, caught up in the beautiful "personalities" of the horses, their wisdom, power, and devotion.
I do not often recommend books to people, but I think all my horse oriented blogger friends would really enjoy this one. Here is the website with all the ordering information: http://www.ledbythegrey.com/
I actually ended up spending much of the last two days reading Peter's book. I did visit the chiropractor this morning, but was locked in the pages for the better part of the day.
The Boys seem happy and content. Once again we were blessed with a load of really good hay, so they are certainly enjoying that. Everything is still frozen, but the sun today melted the little coating of snow we had the other day, so I am suspicious it's getting a little warmer out. At this point it's hard to tell as winter seems to have settled in with some pretty determined cold temperatures this year.
It is sort of sour grapes for me anyhow as I am not quite up to riding yet, so I don't really feel as if I am missing out on much. I could ride in the woods, but since none of the Boys have had any work since November, I'm not sure who would be well behaved enough to go out. Then again, they are trained horses, after all.
Theory: A trained horse should be rideable after weeks off. Actually, past experience with all the horses I've owned, has proven this to be true, but I am older now.
It has been over six weeks since my surgery to I am expecting some sort of physical clearance from my surgeon next week when I go to see him again. But I doubt that means instant transition back to sitting trot and heavy duty dressage.
Meantime, I'll just take some carrots out to the barn with me and stuff those cute horsey faces with treats. It's the least I can do.
Thanks for the book review. I will track down a copy asap. I remember the news reports of that cowardly attack. There were many more horses and people injured as, in panic, they galloped away, some climbing over cars.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds like an enjoyable read especially on a freezing cold weekend. What's better than snuggling up with a good book.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the boys will appreciate some carrots any time you think it's a good idea.
Sounds like an interesting book - thanks for the recommendation and I'll have to search it out.
ReplyDeleteI think you should start with some ground work for a week, then a short ride in the arena on the calmest one after a good ground session and see how you feel. This is no race, right? Your knees too will appreciate a gentle re-introduction.
ReplyDeleteI too think I will track this book down. Having lived in England for a few years I will have a greater understanding of the big picture than I would have otherwise. We visited the Royal Mews last summer. I don't know if these are the same horses though.
Best wishes for 2010 ! for all horse lovers
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