Book Review - The Horse Boy

The Horse Boy
A Father's Quest to Heal His Son

by Rupert Isaacson

I discovered this book through my local library e-newsletter - they send daily emails with book recommendations. Had I not seen it mentioned in the newsletter, I probably would've never even known about this book. And, I would have definitely missed out on a great read. It's not the usual type of book that I read, but, something about the story really seemed to call out to me.

The Horse Boy is a true story based on Rupert Isaacson's experience with his autistic son, Rowan. He describes the amazing journey that he and his wife embarked upon to try to heal their son. Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, discovered that when his son was in the presence of horses, he became more coherent and responsive. He realized that there was some kind of special connection that Rowan shared with horses. He began to come up with a plan - what some might call a crazy, impossible plan. He wondered what would happen if they took Rowan to a place in the world where horses and healing could come together. What came next is an adventurous trek through Outer Mongolia. A quest, which in part, took place on horseback, to find the traditional healers, or shaman, that might be able to heal Rowan. This voyage was filmed to be made into a documentary. See below for a clip from the filmed footage.

I have to admit that I know basically nothing on the subjects of horses, autism, Mongolia, or shaman. That made every aspect of this story truly fascinating to me. The things that this family went through, in search of a way to heal their son, are a testament to their love and devotion to him. Rupert and his wife, Kristin, are incredible people; strong and brave. It is a heart-warming story that leaves you with the feeling that anything is possible. It certainly made me a believer. A believer in the power of love, the power of animals, and the powers of unknown (such as with the shaman). I highly recommend this book to anyone. Be sure and watch the clip below. It is such an inspiring story!