From the Horses Mouth

Every horse lover should read this book. It is so heartbreakingly true it will bring you to tears many times as you read. Someday this abuse has to be stopped. I love the way the book is written, with the horses telling the story. A very powerful book.Thank you, Mr Davis for writing this book. So many people choose not to see what is happening to these beautiful and naturally unique horses.

My family is just getting into the Walking Horse industry, and I felt this book was a good way to find out some of the history of the breed. I was very upset of find out that these animals are treated in such a manner. It almost makes me embarressed to say that I want to be a owner and breeder of these fine animals. All I can say, is that now that I know what is actually happening, I can try to do all I can to promote sound horses and help in the fight to get this to come to end someday. More people need to read this book, and maybe someday there will be enough of a push to make all this torture end.

I showed pleasure Tennessee Walking horses for years and a padded horse on one occasion. I saw most all of the things mentioned in this book done to these wonderful horses, with perhaps one exception. Although I never sored any of my own personal horses, due to the fact I love them too much and a blue ribbon isn't that important to me, I was shown how to do it and encouraged to do it and did show horses which were sore (although I was not their owner but was riding them for their owner). I cared to much about my animals to sore them and was very interested in reading this book when I found out about it. It is pretty painful to read but it is very honest in describing what does happen to these wonderful horses. Unfortunately today the plantation pleasure horses are going through as much as the padded horses, only minus the pads. If only they could talk and Mr. Davis has done a really nice job giving them their due. I hope this book will enlighten many, but at the same time will not turn anyone away from this breed because it is a wonderful breed to own, ride and show; and all these things can be done successfully without abusing the horses. Funny how the characters in this book really remind me of some of the exact big time walking horse trainers and showmen I know of.

Finally, a book that is sensitive and sympathetic to the horse abuse that goes on behind closed-doors everyday in horse barns all over the country, but especially the south. The Tennessee Walking Horse has generated millions of dollars for the economy, and is 'hushed' by powerful lobbyists that contribute to higher political powers. The Tennessee Walking Horse has never had a 'voice', until now. This book exposes the dirty secrets of the trainers and stables through the voice of the horse, as told by the horse. Its about time! An animal lover's book at its finest!

Although this well written book is fiction, it is based upon the SAD facts that many horses in the Tennessee Walking Horse show industry must endure. Very educational for those that are not aware of the abuse these poor horses suffer.