Book Review: "Hold Your Horses" by Bonnie Timmons
Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
by Dianne Lehmann
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I laughed all the way through this book. It is full of wit and wisdom and wonderful images. There is so much truth in this book that it should weigh considerably more than it does.
You can read the entire book in one sitting (and indeed I did, fully intending to just give it a look and then get on with my domestic duties) but it warrants more time and many revisits. It was a gift from a dear friend and I forever thank her for it.
The subtitle for the book is "Nuggets of truth for people who love horses … no matter what" and it couldn't be truer. While the book is geared more toward the younger rider and horse lover, it can easily be appreciated by riders of any age.
Bonnie Timmons covers all the aspects of owning, loving, caring for and riding horses from "First Love" and "Buying a Horse" to "What it's all About" with charm and humor. She begins with: "The first time you see a horse you think: (A) I want to take him home with me RIGHT NOW [or] (B) This HUGE monster with sharp teeth and fire-breathing nostrils is going to EAT ME." Obviously, she thinks there is no in between and there may not be. I think it's a lot like broccoli; either you like it or you don't and you pretty much know that from the first time you experience it.
I was particularly taken by the Lesson #2 for getting on your horse wherein you place the mounting block beside the horse, stand on the mounting block, watch the horse move, move the block to the horse's new position, stand on block and start the process all over again. I've done this so many times with one particular horse that I couldn't stop laughing while reading it and looking at the accompanying artwork. This certain horse backs up when I try to mount, so the only way I can get on her is to put the block back of where it needs to be, get on the block and quickly put my foot into the stirrup as she is backing toward me. Then I have to hug my body close to hers, because she continues backing until I have swung my right leg over and gotten squarely into the saddle. Then she won't budge for nothing. This is why the description of getting your horse to walk-on found on pages 19 and 20 had me laughing so hard as well.
Timmons also offers up a lot of wisdom and not all of it is "between the lines." For example, in her section about riding she writes, "Keep one leg on each side and your mind in the middle." So true in more ways than one. She also offers tips on how to translate horses for sale advertisements as in: "has been shown" (read that "came in last") or "fun to ride" (read that "if you are a thrill seeker").
Obviously this book will not be for everyone. But if you have a horse now, have ever had a horse or have seriously thought about getting a horse, I am sure you will enjoy this book. The artwork is sweet and appealing and Timmons' sense of humor is even sweeter.
Bonnie Timmons drew all the cartoons for NBC's hit "Caroline in the City." Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Time, Outside and other national magazines and newspapers. She lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband and a personal menagerie that includes an ever-changing cast of horses.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Sounds like a good book Dianne, thanks for sharingHi David.
Well, I've certainly enjoyed it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Dianne
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