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For the Love of Horses
Three sisters and an unforgettable journey to tame New Zealand’s Kaimanawa horses.
For the Love of Horses is a heartfelt story with humble beginnings in rural Northland. From the trials and tears of Pony Club, to the joy of riding bareback and the pressures of adolescence and competitive showjumping, it follows the Wilson sisters’ remarkable rise to success at the highest level of competition. It is also the story of an unlikely childhood dream coming true.
Every second year in the wilderness of the Central Plateau, Kaimanawa horses are rounded up and sent to the slaughterhouse. In 2012 the Wilson sisters became aware of their plight and decided something needed to be done. Their days in the wild might be over, but did the horses deserve a death sentence? In this touching book, Kelly Wilson tells the story of how they embarked on a courageous journey to tame horses that many people believed were untrainable.
For the Love of Horses is a heartfelt story with humble beginnings in rural Northland. From the trials and tears of Pony Club, to the joy of riding bareback and the pressures of adolescence and competitive showjumping, it follows the Wilson sisters’ remarkable rise to success at the highest level of competition. It is also the story of an unlikely childhood dream coming true.
Every second year in the wilderness of the Central Plateau, Kaimanawa horses are rounded up and sent to the slaughterhouse. In 2012 the Wilson sisters became aware of their plight and decided something needed to be done. Their days in the wild might be over, but did the horses deserve a death sentence? In this touching book, Kelly Wilson tells the story of how they embarked on a courageous journey to tame horses that many people believed were untrainable.
- GenresHorsesNonfiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2014
21 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Wilson
20 books60 followersBorn in Whangamata, Kelly Wilson relocated to Northland with her family at the age of five. Having grown up around horses, she competed in show jumping to Pony Grand Prix level, before focusing on her creative talents. She won a scholarship to Auckland University of Technology and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Graphic Design, going on to become an award-winning photographer and designer. She is the bestselling author of four adult books, For the Love of Horses, Stallion Challenges, Mustang Ride and Saving the Snowy Brumbies, a children's picture book Ranger the Kaimanawa Stallion and a junior chapter book series Showtym Adventures. With her sisters Vicki and Amanda, Kelly has starred in the hit-rating TV series, Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, following their work taming New Zealand's wild Kaimanawa horses, and travelled to America and Australia to rescue and tame wild horses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 14, 2016
For the love of horses by Kelly Wilson. This book interested me because I love horses and my friend recommended this book to me. This book covers a brief story of the Wilson sisters childhood and their many horses they have owned and show jumped. This also covers the Wilson first time seeing the wild Kaimanawa horses and training them. This book will contain many adventures that you will want to read about. I recommend this book for any one how likes horses.
June 20, 2022
I received a copy of For the Love of Horses from Netgalley for Review Consideration. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This book interested me because I love horses. This book covers a brief story of the Wilson sisters childhood and their many horses they have owned and show jumped. This also covers the Wilson first time seeing the wild Kaimanawa horses and training them. This is an autobiography, based on the sisters childhood. It has interesting metaphors and onomatopoeia all through the book.
This book is set in a little farm in the North Island, with a few acres of land. The family couldn’t afford paddock fencing, so they used fallen logs instead. As the sisters got older, they travelled around the country. This book starts when the sisters were young and grew up with horses. The book carries on to tell us about Vicki and her sisters competing in shows. It then goes into them travelling and going to university. Their early struggles and humble beginnings were fascinating.
In conclusion, I think that For The Love Of Horses, is a very interesting and informative book about the lives of Vicki Wilson and her sisters. This is a story of three sisters’ love for horses and their determination to get the most out of what life has to offer.
This book interested me because I love horses. This book covers a brief story of the Wilson sisters childhood and their many horses they have owned and show jumped. This also covers the Wilson first time seeing the wild Kaimanawa horses and training them. This is an autobiography, based on the sisters childhood. It has interesting metaphors and onomatopoeia all through the book.
This book is set in a little farm in the North Island, with a few acres of land. The family couldn’t afford paddock fencing, so they used fallen logs instead. As the sisters got older, they travelled around the country. This book starts when the sisters were young and grew up with horses. The book carries on to tell us about Vicki and her sisters competing in shows. It then goes into them travelling and going to university. Their early struggles and humble beginnings were fascinating.
In conclusion, I think that For The Love Of Horses, is a very interesting and informative book about the lives of Vicki Wilson and her sisters. This is a story of three sisters’ love for horses and their determination to get the most out of what life has to offer.
April 5, 2022
A great autobiography for anyone who follows the Wilson sisters or for anyone who loves horses and the allure of wild horses in general. These three girls have so much experience and knowledge to be shared. I'm not big into show jumping like they are but it was still fun to read about their winnings and achievements. The parts about creating bonds with the wild horses were the best parts, though. I highly recommend if you are a horse lover like me!
December 4, 2014
From the moment I picked it up, I couldn't put this book down. Knowing the Wilsons and having followed their journey with their wild Kaimanawa ponies on Facebook, some of the stories and many of the photos were familiar, but that didn't make the book any less enthralling to read. Their early struggles and humble beginnings were fascinating, and the images of the girls riding scruffy ponies in gumboots will seem a far cry from many who know them today as highly successful competition riders.
Throughout the story there are two clear lessons to take away - the first is the power of perseverance and courage, often against impossible odds, and how much you can achieve if you follow your dreams, regardless of how far-fetched they seem; and the second is the importance of making sure that your horses are happy and enjoying their life in your company. This is one thing that so many riders and trainers seem to overlook, and even in years of riding it was Vicki who first emphasised to me, above all else, how important it is that your horse is happy.
This is a true, unembellished story of three sisters' love for horses and their determination to get the most out of what life has to offer. Kelly wrote it beautifully and I was captivated from start to finish. I'll be recommending this book to everyone, whether they love horses or not!
Throughout the story there are two clear lessons to take away - the first is the power of perseverance and courage, often against impossible odds, and how much you can achieve if you follow your dreams, regardless of how far-fetched they seem; and the second is the importance of making sure that your horses are happy and enjoying their life in your company. This is one thing that so many riders and trainers seem to overlook, and even in years of riding it was Vicki who first emphasised to me, above all else, how important it is that your horse is happy.
This is a true, unembellished story of three sisters' love for horses and their determination to get the most out of what life has to offer. Kelly wrote it beautifully and I was captivated from start to finish. I'll be recommending this book to everyone, whether they love horses or not!
June 25, 2025
I learned from this book: "Every horse has a story to tell.” A common saying is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” emphasising the idea that underneath the cover can be completely different from the exterior. The quote relates to this because it expresses that a horse's behaviour can sometimes be hidden behind their actions, and there is always a reason for those actions. One example is when the Wilson sisters rescue an older mare named Bess. She’s quiet and withdrawn, and at first they think she just has a calm nature, but they soon realise she has shut down emotionally due to neglect and trauma from her previous owner. As they work with her gently, Bess slowly begins to trust people again. Her story shows how past experiences shape a horse’s behaviour, and how understanding and patience can help uncover the truth behind their silence. This can also be true for people; they can be quiet and shy, but the reason is because of past experiences. Just like how the Wilsons helped Bess, we can take time to help and understand others so that they heal. Growing up, the Wilsons always got the problem ponies, and they made it their job to listen to them and help them be the best version of themselves. In doing this, they gained skills that many people don't have, like patience and reading body language. Kelly Wilson also explains that horses, like humans, cope in many ways when they are faced with tough, new circumstances. She does this to help readers understand that each horse is an individual with their own personality and experiences. Just like people, some horses freeze, some run, and others might lash out when they're afraid. By making this comparison, Kelly helps readers develop empathy for anyone who reacts differently in a stressful situation. A quote from the book says, “Each horse was handling the situation in a different way. Some had shut down and were almost in survival mode; others were wide-eyed and panicked and would bolt around the yards as soon as they saw people.” Her purpose is to encourage people to be kind and patient. She wants people to realise that there’s no single “right” way to behave when scared. Kelly also wants us to recognise the emotional depth that horses have as well, which would then make us more likely to treat them gently. This book has taught us that working with animals, especially those who have been misunderstood, teaches powerful lessons about empathy and patience. Kelly Wilson’s writing reminds us that whether we’re dealing with horses or people, what we see on the outside is often only part of the story. By choosing to listen, understand, and respond with kindness, we not only help others grow but also grow ourselves as well.
September 27, 2017
This book review is on the one and only… Vicki Wilson and her sisters! Vicki Wilson is a talented horse rider, who trains and tames kaimanawas, and show jumps. This book is called For the Love of Horses, and all in all, I would give it a 4 out of 5. This book's author is the talented Kelly Wilson, who happens to be one of Vicki’s sister. This book is a biography about all three sisters, but I am focusing on Vicki.
As I said before, this book is an autobiography, based on the sisters childhood, and explaining and talking the readers through one of the musters they did. It has interesting metaphors and onomatopoeia all through the book. The genre of this book is an interesting biography, with facts at the end of the book.
This book is set in a little farm tucked away in the North Island, with a few acres of land. The family couldn't afford paddock fencing, so they used fallen logs instead. As the sisters got older, they travelled around the country, having adventures along the way, for example, riding into musters.
Some events in this book are the musters, travelling and swimming in the lakes in the middle of winter. In the musters dust flies everywhere, and horse hooves fly dangerously, sometimes catching on an arm, or leg. Imagine sitting in a hot stuffy car, with rain and sleet beating on the windows. Then you jump into a freezing lake, with a small layer of ice on the top. That is what the sisters did with no fear of cold at all! Crazy, right?
The plot of this book starts when the sisters were baby’s. cute little baby’s who grew up with horses. The book carries on to tell us about Vicki and her sisters competing in shows. It then goes into them traveling and going to university.
In conclusion, I think that For The Love Of Horses, is a very interesting and informative book about the lives of Vicki Wilson and her sisters. My favourite part about the book, was when it described Vicki jumping aboard the family sheep, but kept falling off. One thing that I learnt about Vicki Wilson, is that she actually never went to University! This is the second time I have read the author Kelly Wilson, and I really enjoy her books. She has written a couple of picture books, and three autobiography’s. I would definitely read her again, she starters interesting language throughout her books. I think that this is a brilliant book, and would recommend it to adults, or children who are up for a challenge.
As I said before, this book is an autobiography, based on the sisters childhood, and explaining and talking the readers through one of the musters they did. It has interesting metaphors and onomatopoeia all through the book. The genre of this book is an interesting biography, with facts at the end of the book.
This book is set in a little farm tucked away in the North Island, with a few acres of land. The family couldn't afford paddock fencing, so they used fallen logs instead. As the sisters got older, they travelled around the country, having adventures along the way, for example, riding into musters.
Some events in this book are the musters, travelling and swimming in the lakes in the middle of winter. In the musters dust flies everywhere, and horse hooves fly dangerously, sometimes catching on an arm, or leg. Imagine sitting in a hot stuffy car, with rain and sleet beating on the windows. Then you jump into a freezing lake, with a small layer of ice on the top. That is what the sisters did with no fear of cold at all! Crazy, right?
The plot of this book starts when the sisters were baby’s. cute little baby’s who grew up with horses. The book carries on to tell us about Vicki and her sisters competing in shows. It then goes into them traveling and going to university.
In conclusion, I think that For The Love Of Horses, is a very interesting and informative book about the lives of Vicki Wilson and her sisters. My favourite part about the book, was when it described Vicki jumping aboard the family sheep, but kept falling off. One thing that I learnt about Vicki Wilson, is that she actually never went to University! This is the second time I have read the author Kelly Wilson, and I really enjoy her books. She has written a couple of picture books, and three autobiography’s. I would definitely read her again, she starters interesting language throughout her books. I think that this is a brilliant book, and would recommend it to adults, or children who are up for a challenge.
April 21, 2020
This is the first adult book by Kelly Wilson, describing the life of the three Wilson sisters - Vicky, Kelly and Amanda. From their early days of riding and training ponies, leading on to winning major show jumping classes and taking part in the Kaimanawa horse musters, this book is supremely readable. Kelly writes in a very engaging, natural style that is informative and unputdownable. A beautiful book with glossy pages and many, many photographs. I can highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in horses.
June 1, 2018
Brilliant
Amazing and interesting journey showing every emotion possible, not just human but animal too. The achievements these girls have made and goals they are aiming for at a young age deserves a round of applause. Loved the natural horsemanship and respect shown to the horses. Can't wait to read the next book
Amazing and interesting journey showing every emotion possible, not just human but animal too. The achievements these girls have made and goals they are aiming for at a young age deserves a round of applause. Loved the natural horsemanship and respect shown to the horses. Can't wait to read the next book
June 18, 2022
New Zealand brumbies are Kaimanawa horses, with all the same issues. This is a horse lovers read, with magnificent photographs, and inspiring stories of three young women who have worked hard to be elite horsewomen and role models.
June 15, 2017
This book was very inspirational an
d help me alot with my own horse
d help me alot with my own horse
December 17, 2017
So inspiring!!
April 8, 2021
Kelly is an amazing writer and her attention to detail and honesty makes it feel like you where there!
March 29, 2023
I LOVED it!! 😍 Huge Kelly Wilson fan so it was lovely to read about her childhood and growing up in the North Island. I would’ve loved to have had their childhood.
April 16, 2018
This book was really good and I liked hearing about the Wilson sisters story. I learnt a lot more about them and about what horses they have had. Recommended to people who love these three sisters.
December 20, 2021
I recently finished this book from my local library and absolutely loved it. It contained the two books written by @kellywilsonnz titled ‘for the love of horses’ and ‘stallion challenges’ 🐎
The patience, skills and love of horses that the Wilson sisters have absolutely inspire me and give me hope that there are other like minded horse people in this world that are determined to always do the right thing by the animals. If you are interested in reading about them successfully training New Zealand’s native wild horses (kaimanawa’s) to save them from slaughter then give it a read. 📚
By the way, in the background is my pony Gypsy. She is an Australian brumby that was also once wild! I thought it was a cool comparison ☺️
The patience, skills and love of horses that the Wilson sisters have absolutely inspire me and give me hope that there are other like minded horse people in this world that are determined to always do the right thing by the animals. If you are interested in reading about them successfully training New Zealand’s native wild horses (kaimanawa’s) to save them from slaughter then give it a read. 📚
By the way, in the background is my pony Gypsy. She is an Australian brumby that was also once wild! I thought it was a cool comparison ☺️
December 3, 2014
To start, this is the first time in a long time that I've made the effort to finish a book in less than a week. The narrative is wonderful, coming across as either having a cup of coffee with the author as she tells you her story, or a harrowing novel about three sisters’ journey with horses - wild and otherwise. Reading this book, I would never peg Kelly Wilson as a first time author. I could not put this book down, and cannot wait to see what Kelly Wilson publishes next.
November 30, 2015
Great stories and the book flowed well. I loved the photos and the morals - perserverance, follow your dreams, and above all make sure the horses are happy. The Wilsons are well known in NZ and I learnt more about them and their riding beliefs and background. I followed the facebook page and even saw some of the stories firsthand, which was cool to hear the background of it! Kelly did great as a first time author, was like she was sitting there telling you everything.
January 2, 2015
Inspirational and Beautiful
This book was well written and captured in the mind what the experiences of these girls and their horses were really like. I felt myself being pulled in as if I was there. I was inspired and amazed at all they accomplished! All horse lovers should read this book!
This book was well written and captured in the mind what the experiences of these girls and their horses were really like. I felt myself being pulled in as if I was there. I was inspired and amazed at all they accomplished! All horse lovers should read this book!
September 17, 2015
This book was so beautifully written. I watched the show and when I realised they made a book I just had to get it. Once I read the back in the bookstore I couldn't not buy it no matter how expensive it was. I'm so happy the Wilson sisters got to share their fascinating life with everyone. Kelly Wilson is an amazing photographer and I'm glad she put some of her photos in the book.
March 14, 2015
This is certainly a lovely book to look at. It's on thick paper with lots and lots of photos. The Wilson girls' work with the Kaimanawa wild horses is fascinating and the losses are particularly hard.
October 19, 2014
Read this in a day! Couldn't put it down such a good read
January 17, 2015
really enjoyed this book
July 20, 2015
Good book, I liked it :-)
June 7, 2015
I love it, love it, love it. I have read it twelve times and it is still the greatest book I have ever read.
April 29, 2022
An amazing and inspirational story!
July 20, 2015
Fantastic, I couldn't put it down
July 23, 2015
this is an amazing book
November 3, 2015
Love love loved this book. Inspiring story a must read! Such a great thing that these girls do.
March 10, 2016
This again is an amazing book Kelly Wilson is an amazing author and I cant wait for her book to come out at the end of the year.
Read
May 4, 2016It would be great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews