Book SummaryChosen by a Horse, by Susan Richards

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Chosen by a Horse

The author experienced profound personal growth and recovery through the connection she formed with Lay Me Down.

In her memoir "Chosen by a Horse," Richards explores the transformative journey and healing she experiences, sparked by the deep bond she forms with an abused Standardbred she affectionately calls Lay Me Down. Lay Me Down's trusting and gentle disposition motivates Richards to confront her past traumatic events and contemplate the possibility of forming loving connections. Richards' emotional growth was catalyzed by their connection, which ultimately guided her toward the peace and camaraderie for which she had long been yearning.

Despite her traumatic past, the mare's calm and trusting nature deeply resonates with the author.

The author, initially reluctant to take on the care of another sick horse, ultimately becomes persuaded by the sincere trust and affection that Lay Me Down displays.

Richards, an experienced equestrian, deliberated before agreeing to take on a horse, especially one as frail as Lay Me Down. She already had the responsibility of looking after three horses, which, along with her social work obligations, added to her burden. Upon feeling an unexplainable compulsion, she responds to the televised appeal for assistance from the SPCA. Richards is profoundly moved by the evident distress and malnourishment of the twenty horses confined within the small, muddy space. She resolved to rescue any horse, irrespective of its state, to spare them from further suffering. The horse named Lay Me Down was guided towards her trailer.

The mare, despite her weakened and unhealthy state, exhibited a remarkable willingness to confidently follow Richards into the trailer, agreeing to be guided by her. Lay Me Down's unique transparency swiftly captured Richards' attention, setting her apart from the other horses.

Context

• The televised appeal likely aimed to reach a broad audience to quickly find homes or foster care for the horses, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Other Perspectives

• The term "deliberated" might not fully capture the complexity of Richards' decision-making process, which could have involved a range of emotions and considerations beyond simple contemplation.
• The compulsion Richards felt could be attributed to her own emotional state or a spontaneous desire to help, which might have been triggered by something other than the televised appeal.
• Rescuing any horse, regardless of its condition, could lead to a situation where Richards is unable to provide adequate care for all of them, potentially causing more harm than good.
• The act of following into the trailer could be a survival instinct, where the horse perceived the trailer as a safer environment compared to the muddy space it was confined in.
• The idea of transparency as a captivating trait might overshadow other important factors that should be considered when rescuing an animal, such as the animal's physical needs and the caretaker's capacity to meet them.

The unexpected display of tenderness and profound capacity for trust and affection from the horse sparked a major transformation in the author's personal development.

Upon Lay Me Down's arrival, Richards was continually impressed by the animal's serene and noble demeanor. Despite suffering from extended abuse and neglect, Lay Me Down holds no grudge or ill will against people. This unwavering trust and affection, especially toward Richards, deeply touches the author.

Lay Me Down's ability to provide unconditional love, despite a past filled with trauma, inspires Richards to reevaluate her own life and relationships. Richards, who has grappled with closeness and self-confidence because of her challenging history, finds herself both motivated and astonished by the remarkable capacity of the horse to provide love and practice forgiveness. Her understanding that their connection spurred her emotional growth and healing prompted her to confront the psychological obstacles she had built up.

Context

• Lay Me Down's behavior can be seen as an example of resilience, a trait that is studied in both animals and humans to understand how individuals overcome adversity.
• Interacting with animals can enhance a person's empathy and emotional intelligence, as it requires understanding non-verbal cues and responding to the emotional needs of another being.
• Forgiveness in animals is often instinctual and not burdened by the complexities of human grudges, highlighting a purity in their emotional responses.
• This involves developing a deeper understanding of oneself and one's emotions, often leading to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life. It can be sparked by transformative experiences or relationships.

The author forms a deep connection with Lay Me Down, which helps heal her past emotional traumas and sense of isolation.

The author discovers the affection and stability that eluded her in her early life through the unwavering loyalty and comfort provided by Lay Me Down.

Richards, who lost her...

Chosen by a Horse Summary The author committed to fostering a nurturing and stable setting that would support Lay Me Down's recovery, given her challenging past.

Richards commits to providing Lay Me Down with the care, comfort, and love she previously lacked. She understands the severity of the mare's physical and emotional wounds and commits herself to creating a haven filled with security, acceptance, and love for the horse.

The writer uncovers the shocking mistreatment and disregard Lay Me Down suffered while being used for Standardbred reproduction.

The horse Lay Me Down endured a difficult early existence, marked by nutritional deficiencies, confinement, and the harshness of racing, all of which resulted in enduring physical damage.

Upon assuming responsibility for Lay Me Down, Richards discovers the horrific mistreatment the horse suffered at the hands of its previous guardian. The early exposure to the racetrack subjected Lay Me Down's undeveloped body to extreme strain, leading to continuous pain and significant lameness. She then endured prolonged periods of disregard while confined to a field, where she was forced to produce many foals that financially benefited her owner, all without adequate food or shelter.

The horse endured lasting physical disabilities, such as arthritis and a significant limp, due to extreme...

Chosen by a Horse Summary The author grapples with the forthcoming passing of Lay Me Down, confronting her own apprehensions regarding bereavement and the subsequent journey through grief.

In this segment of the narrative, Richards conveys her profound emotional journey, cognizant of the fact that she is tending to Lay Me Down during the final phase of the horse's life. The author's profound anxieties and fears about death, which stem from her early life experiences, are intensified by the looming prospect of losing Lay Me Down. Richards is driven to confront her own impermanence and find ways to honor the life of the horse and its profound impact on her, aware that Lay Me Down's time was running short.

The author is devastated to learn that Lay Me Down suffers from an incurable tumor, which will inevitably result in her death.

The author wrestles with deciding when to compassionately end the life of her equine companion, facing her own fears about the creature's demise.

Upon arriving at the prestigious Cornell Veterinary Hospital with Lay Me Down, Richards was met with the devastating news that the mare had an incurable tumor in her eye, indicating that she did not have much longer to live. Richards is now confronted with the devastating truth that Lay Me Down's ailment is beyond healing. Richards grapples with deep emotional turmoil as she tries to...