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The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son
When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy idea: why not take Rowan to Mongolia, the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing i...more
Hardcover, Large Print, 553 pages
Published
June 3rd 2009
by Thorndike Press
(first published January 1st 2009)
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I just finished the book. Marvelous read. A remarkable story of a family's journey and a remarkable healing. It was a joy to read. I've heard it said that we're never tested beyond our ability to deal with the tests we're given. I don't think I would have been able to deal with the sorts of challenges that the Isaacson's had to deal with. I loved the author's summary at the end. Very valuable for me to frame this mysterious disorder. In the esoteric lore it 'reads' that advanced souls will be bo...more
I wasn't sure if I'd like this story, since Rupert Isaacson is the main character, the author, AND the narrator. But it's very well done.
My heart broke for Rupert, his wife, and their severely autistic son, as they just tried to survive day-to-day, and find the extra energy to try different treatments, therapies, supplements...anything that might help.
Who would have thought that a trip to Mongolia - way out of their regular routine - would not only be possible, but would...more
My heart broke for Rupert, his wife, and their severely autistic son, as they just tried to survive day-to-day, and find the extra energy to try different treatments, therapies, supplements...anything that might help.
Who would have thought that a trip to Mongolia - way out of their regular routine - would not only be possible, but would...more
I'm very interested in shamanism and in autism, so it was natural I'd be interested in reading this book. I dipped into it at the used book store yesterday and wasn't impressed. I will have to read it now to be sure but it sounded from the bits I read that the author understands neither one at all well despite intimate encounters with both. It had the feeling of someone whose worldview is completely unchanged by his experiences, having no real clue what happened to him or his son at any point al...more
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Great, great book for people working with autistic kids or have autistic children. I have some limited experience with autism - mostly a beautiful girl who could not speak, signed a few words, and could hardly walk. This story of a father and his autistic son, Rowan, (who could speak- somewhat) is amazing. They (with mom) go on a quest to Mongolia (not for everyone I know) and meet with Shamans. By the end of the trip, Rowan is potty trained and moving towards what we would call normalcy. I...more
This story is AMAZING. Okay, I admit, I didn't read the book, I watched the movie. But it covers the same ground, since the movie is a documentary made by the father, who wrote the book. And for this story, you really need the visual of a movie. It is incredible. I was skeptical when a friend told me about it because it just sounded too hokey. An autistic boy's family travels to Mongolia in search of healing for their son. I was cynical and thought it sounded too "Hollywood," or like H...more
The Horse Boy is the story of the author and his journey through Mongolia with his son, Rowan, his wife, Kristin, and a film crew.
Rowan, an autistic child, displayed all the extreme behaviours: incoherent babbling speech, severe temper tantrums when thwarted or upset, inability to make friends, incontinence. His father noted, however, that Rowan had an affinity with animals, especially horses. Rupert (himself an expert horseman) found that Rowan, when riding, appeared more content an...more
Rowan, an autistic child, displayed all the extreme behaviours: incoherent babbling speech, severe temper tantrums when thwarted or upset, inability to make friends, incontinence. His father noted, however, that Rowan had an affinity with animals, especially horses. Rupert (himself an expert horseman) found that Rowan, when riding, appeared more content an...more
As a long-time fan of PBS, I was really looking forward to a sneak
peak of The Horse Boy, an independent film that has already won many
awards and will soon be airing on PBS for everyone to see. The story,
originally written and lived by Rupert Isaacson and his wife, centers
around their autistic son, Rowan. In examining and explaining the
difficulty of living with and raising an autistic child, the film
brings in various experts to explain the disease, their interv...more
peak of The Horse Boy, an independent film that has already won many
awards and will soon be airing on PBS for everyone to see. The story,
originally written and lived by Rupert Isaacson and his wife, centers
around their autistic son, Rowan. In examining and explaining the
difficulty of living with and raising an autistic child, the film
brings in various experts to explain the disease, their interv...more
True account about a boy with autism who loves animals. When he is six, his parents take him to Mongolia to ride horses and to meet some Shamans (Shamanism is a religion), hoping that this will help his development and heal him. What impressed me the most about this story is the love, patience and the sacrifice that his parents were willing to devote to help Rowan. Some of the religious ways (potions made with animal innards and cowdung, songs that the Shamans chanted, loud drumbeats) that...more
This book, in a sentence: A father takes his autistic son to Mongolia for shamanistic and equine healing. (Non-fiction)
This was a book I picked up several times in the shop before finally buying it while waiting at the airport. I guess I was sceptical, sceptical of the story, of the potential of the writing, I just wasn't sure about the whole thing - parent tries to cure child of autism. Wasn't sure where that was going to get fun or interesting really.
I'm glad to say my ...more
This was a book I picked up several times in the shop before finally buying it while waiting at the airport. I guess I was sceptical, sceptical of the story, of the potential of the writing, I just wasn't sure about the whole thing - parent tries to cure child of autism. Wasn't sure where that was going to get fun or interesting really.
I'm glad to say my ...more
As someone who is interested in autism and anthropology, I was drawn to see the movie. The author, Rupert Isaacson, was at the screening. He spoke and answered questions revealing that since this movie/book he has gone to Australia with his son, Rowan, to do healing work with Australian aborigines. He understands that there are some people who may think that he's exploiting his son and he has a sense of humor about it.
I think that the perspective of indigenous peoples toward diff...more
I think that the perspective of indigenous peoples toward diff...more
This seems like a melding of "Saving Ben," "Cowboy and Wills," and "The Possibility of Everything." So far, I love it.
"Horse Boy" was an interesting mix of the plain truth as in Dan E. Burns'"Saving Ben" and otherwordly experiences, as Hope Edelman describes in "The Possibiity of Everything."
I don't know if it is our toxic environment creating this surge in autism.
Rupert Isaacson has written a moving...more
"Horse Boy" was an interesting mix of the plain truth as in Dan E. Burns'"Saving Ben" and otherwordly experiences, as Hope Edelman describes in "The Possibiity of Everything."
I don't know if it is our toxic environment creating this surge in autism.
Rupert Isaacson has written a moving...more
With the advances in medical technology, autism awareness has risen in the past twenty years. However, so much is still unknown about this disability and the families that deal with it. When Rupert Isaacson realizes his son has autism, he is devastated. Once Rupert and his wife, Kristin, begin to adjust to life with an autistic child, they encounter immeasurable obstacles and challenges in caring for their son Rowan. However, Rupert, a lifelong horseman and world traveler, discovers something ...more
I thought this book was simply fascinating. I heard about the movie before I knew there was a book. This book tells the story of a man and his autistic son. The man is Rupert Isaacson, travel writer, human rights activist and journalist. While trying to get his son to engage, Isaacson discovers that his son possesses a link to horses. The son, Rowan, first starts to communicate with his dad when he gets on a horse. Rowan also shows strong signs of improvement after he encounters Kalahari healers...more
Cassie
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE with an open mind and heart
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AMAZING! EXTRAORDINARY! I loved this book! Rupert Isaacson takes you on an adventure to Mongolia and gives you a window into his life as a parent of an autistic child. Mr. Isaacson shares his doubts and fears about the trip and his son openly. You share moments of hope and despair, excitment and embarassment with the desperate father. You travel on horseback beside them day after day, watching the sunsets, being eaten alive by bugs, and enjoying the company of your friends. Rupert's writing in e...more
When Rupert Isaacson and his wife Kristen Neff had a baby boy, they were ecstatic. Things seemed to be going along fine until their son, Rowan, was about 2 years old. Kristen is a professor of human development and she noticed that some things weren’t quite right. She did some research and discovered that Rowan had all but one of the classic signs of autism. Rupert and Kristen tried everything they could think of to reach their son - from traditional treatments to new, untested ideas. Noth...more
this was fascinating for it's view into the life of one more child with his own set of issues - even though autism is described as being somewhere on AThere
spectrum, there are huge variances within the points on it; it's hard to use a linear model to describe it.
The story is told by Rowan's father, Rupert, who is refreshingly honest about how this disease
Absconded not only with Rowan's life but that of his parents as well. you can see Just how exhausting It all must
H...more
spectrum, there are huge variances within the points on it; it's hard to use a linear model to describe it.
The story is told by Rowan's father, Rupert, who is refreshingly honest about how this disease
Absconded not only with Rowan's life but that of his parents as well. you can see Just how exhausting It all must
H...more
I picked up this book because I've been working with autistic kids for 5 years now. I've heard that horse therapy is wonderful for autism, but I'm skeptical that this family's trip to Mongolia and Siberia to heal their autistic son really worked. But why would you write a whole book on the experience if it were a lie? As hard as the trek across the steppes of outer Mongolia on horseback would be, I'd do anything to help my child overcome autism. That's what this story is about. It's not fou...more
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't my favorite style of writing. Pretty choppy, but most books of this type are that way. Still, it was a very interesting story and one that made me jealous. I would love to drop everything and take my son to Mongolia to camp and ride horses and meet Shamans. Especially if it would mean he would be potty trained for life after that. Yes, I'd do it in a heart beat. But so far, the sticker chart is working pretty well and he's just one year behind Rowan so I th...more
Both a piece of travel writing as well as a couple's search for a way to make their autistic son's life better, this book is well-written and very easy to read. The author gives you a very good idea how difficult it can be for the parents of an autistic child. Their son would not toilet train and had searing tantrums that made it almost impossible for the parents to have any real relationship with each other. The ability of the son to relate to horses and a trip to Mongolia and eastern Siberi...more
A lot of people claim to be moved by this book, and indeed its difficult not to be, but I felt there were so many wishful interpreting moments that it distracted from the good message.
Absolutely I agree with the theory that many an autistic child has benefited from close contact with horses, but I feel too much was laid at the feet of the Shamans when there were much more logical explanations.
Much was made of his calm demeanor while out on the steppes but I couldn't help thinking tha...more
Absolutely I agree with the theory that many an autistic child has benefited from close contact with horses, but I feel too much was laid at the feet of the Shamans when there were much more logical explanations.
Much was made of his calm demeanor while out on the steppes but I couldn't help thinking tha...more
A rolicking journey, joining an adventurous (slightly crazy) family as they search out different explanations and healing experiences for their son diagnosed with autism and battling daily with tantrums, communication problems, and toilet training. The honest and revealing writing style created a very real protrayal of their struggles and leaps, the glimpses into the child's true thinking and his parents' exhaustion. I, too, felt nearly exhausted by the time they capped off their journeys and ...more
I found this book very thought provoking, and extremely interesting. I've never been in contact with autism, but can only imagine the frustrations for the parents. Whilst I was not necessarily convinced by the power of the shamans, I can believe that a spell out in the open, in the wide open, could help an autistic child; away from the judgements of others, able to be 'free' from the shackles of modern life. His parents too found space to deal with their son's issues, despite the difficulties ...more
Lynn Wilson
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who deals with autism or is interested in shamanism.
A heart-breaking and heart-warming story of a couple who will do anything to understand and help their autistic child. Rowan, the son, forms a bond with a neighbor's horse. This bond, combined with Rupert's connection to shamans around the world, led them to take a trip to the reindeer people of Mongolia, one of the most remote areas of the world, where shamans continue their ancient practices. They took a film crew with them and spent weeks on horseback trekking cross-country. It is a phenomen...more
Just amazing. I could *not* put this down. At first, I had it in the car, and when I found myself disappointed that I was home already (thus, ending my "read"), I took it out of the car and listened to it while doing things around the house. Last night, I quit "doing other things" and just listened because I had to find out how it ended.
This beautifully written and emotional story is about a father and his autistic son, the son's amazing connection to horses, an...more
This beautifully written and emotional story is about a father and his autistic son, the son's amazing connection to horses, an...more
Our son isn't autistic, but some of the behaviors & their outcomes sure sound familiar. Lack of potty training in a 6 year old, going out individually instead of as a family due to behavior issues, being unable to control emotions, the financial strain of parenting a special needs child...all things things sound too familiar. I am not planning a trip to Mongolia any time soon, but am hoping our long awaited dog friend may help satisfy some of Mason's needs.
A must read for parents inter...more
A must read for parents inter...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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When I had this book on loan from the library, I skimmed it and looked at the pictures. In that way, I had an idea of its story: another with autism. The narrator wrote well and his story was unusual, but I just didn’t have the time for it and let the book go back into circulation, unread. I didn’t know then that the story was also a film. I found it on Netflix – as an instant watch no less. The film is extremely good; highly recommended. Thank you Rupert Isaacson, Kristin, his wife, and others ...more
How many parents would travel to outer Mongolioa if they thought it would help their child? Rupert Isaacson did just that and this is the story of what happened before, during and after that trip from their homebase in the US.
Horses are amazing creatures and really do connect with many special needs individuals so I can see why the family might do this.
However, Isaacson struck me as a free spirit who perhaps was a bit irresponsible, wanting to set off on the horse quest at least par...more
Horses are amazing creatures and really do connect with many special needs individuals so I can see why the family might do this.
However, Isaacson struck me as a free spirit who perhaps was a bit irresponsible, wanting to set off on the horse quest at least par...more
You know when you are at Costco, and just before checking out, you peruse the book aisle, spontaneously pick one out, and then hope it's magic? Well, this book was very interesting--shamans, autism, and a couple so completely unlike me that I had to learn from them! I enjoyed the passion of the father, and I celebrated with him in the small successes.
His writing is terrible. I also don't think his motives were pure. Maybe I'd do the same thing in a desperate situation--try to m...more
His writing is terrible. I also don't think his motives were pure. Maybe I'd do the same thing in a desperate situation--try to m...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equine Therapy | 1 | 21 | Apr 03, 2009 06:52pm | |
| April is Autism Awareness Month | 1 | 9 | Apr 03, 2009 06:36pm |
Rupert Isaacson was born in London to a South African mother and a Zimbabwean father. Isaacson's first book, The Healing Land (Grove Press), was a 2004 New York Times Notable Book. He has travelled extensively in Africa, Asia, and North America for the British press and now lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Kristin, and their son, Rowan.
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