Jennifer Bleakley

The cover caught my attention, the synopsis captured my heart. As an animal lover, I enjoy reading such heart-wrenching stories where the animal triumphs. It’s amazing to me that some animals can endure such terrible abuse or neglect and yet it doesn’t seem to faze their spirit. I know this isn’t always the case, but for Joey, he’s a gentle soul. But how to manage a blind horse? Sharing their trial and error, Jennifer Bleakley leads us from the very beginning and how it took an entire team effort to come up with various solutions (both with the paddock and with Speckles) in order to make it a safe home for Joey.

Joey focuses not only the horse that was rescued from near death but also the ranch that serves kids who are hurting. Hope Reins may have horse trainers, but it’s the horses themselves that provide the real therapy. Kids that visit can confide in them, knowing their secrets will be well-kept. A good listener is sometimes all a person needs in order to vent their frustrations, worries or hurts. And that’s exactly what these horses are: good listeners.

The book offers pictures of Joey, as well as some artwork. But it doesn’t just focus on him. It focuses on others, like Speckles, another neglected horse that initially appeared as if the bully and very stubborn only to find a lot of it had to do with that past neglect and present pain. This is a beautiful story of how broken people (and animals) can come together to not only aid in healing others while being healed themselves. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m so glad I requested this book. It was a good read and I can’t wait to share it with someone I know who’s a horse lover. She’s sure to enjoy this book as much as I have.

Hope Reins: Serving kids in life crisis through their 33-acre ranch, rescued horses, and restoration in Christ. Services are free of charge and made possible by any generous donors. They pair hurting kids with rescued horses to find hope and healing.… (más)