Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer- Review

It turns out that raising and a training toddler is not that different from working with horses. I recently read Life Lessons from the Horse Whisperer by Dr. Lew Sterrett with Bob Smietana and had a few ah -ha moments that really applied raising JDaniel. He mentions changing behavior means changing beliefs. JDaniel has the belief that he can make any choice he wants to about his behavior even if it goes against what we are trying to teach him. It takes real work to change those beliefs. Another point that stood out to me was how horses and people need evidence of hope. With all that goes on in a given day evidence that things are going in a positive direction is really necessary. Finally the fact that problems not addressed get bigger and bigger until they lead to despair, really hit home with me. JDaniel is really testing the limits. Areas I have been firm with him in are questioned less than areas that I am not consistent with. When I am not consistent, he ends up frustrated and in despair. Sometimes I end up frustrated and in despair too. The book beautifully illustrates these points with examples from the lives of the horses he has worked with and his own life.

I love that the book is honest about the author’s successes and frustrations in life and his work with horses. It is these honest points about his life that add a depth of understanding for me as the reader. They let me see the horses in his care grow and change. Dr. Lew Sterrett also talks about how God has changed him through work with horses and the people placed in his life.

This book is an easy read, but don’t skim through it. There are really great truths contained in it.

About the Author:

Lew has served as the Executive Director of Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, Inc. (MMRM) since 1977. MMRM, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home for a summer youth camp, and a leadership training center for youth, adult, and family groups. He has also promoted safety in public riding programs, serving as President of the Certified Horse Association for 7 years. A licensed pastor, certified Youth, Marriage and Family Counselor, he earned his PhD from North Tennessee Seminary in 2007. For more about Lew and Miracle Mountain Ranch visit his website.

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Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book to review by Litfuse Publicity. I am passing it on to a real horse lover in my family.