Hope . . . From the Heart of Horses: How Horses Teach Us About Presence, Strength, and Awareness

by Kathy Pike, Linda Kohanov (Foreword)

Hope . . . From the Heart of Horses explores and celebrates the relationship and bond possible between horses and humans. Each chapter offers a life lesson about trusting one’s instincts, honestly addressing emotions, achieving clarity in communications, and re-leasing negative thoughts. Because survival depends on being highly tuned to the thoughts and feelings of others, horses sense human intentions rather than what a person offers in facial expressions, which creates a remarkable effect on the relationship between these two distinctly different species. Among the moving stories the author relates are a horse named Hope who teaches the difference be-tween hope and faith; an abused horse’s background bringing up old memories and helping the author to move on; a young Olympic equestrienne hopeful who dis-covers and reaffirms her self-esteem; and a corporate training session in which one participant achieves great success merely by being honest about her fears. As you see how these people grow deeper into them-selves as they learn the horse’s way, you, too, will be inspired to explore and apply the deep and ever-lasting connection and communication between horses and humans.

Genres: Horses, Animals

232 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Kathy Pike is the founder of The Academy for Coaching with Horses. She is a speaker, coach, facilitator and an internationally published author of Hope from the Heart of Horses: How Horses Teach Us about Presence, Strength and Awareness, available in both English and Dutch. Kathy was the vision behind and founding partner of the Horse as Teacher book series, featuring two books each with ten contributing authors. Her first book, Pathways to a Radiant Self: A Journey of Growth and Discovery with the Chakras offers a complete guide for healing and expanding one’s energy field. She has over 20 years experience in the areas of energy systems, personal development, life coaching, equine based learning, and leadership development.

As a pioneer in the field of Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC), Kathy has taught EFLC Certification Programs worldwide. Her work has reached over 18 countries as she has trained others to employ Horse as guide and mentor for the human heart and spirit.

Reviews

[Kerri Lukasavitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this Kathy Pike book. Her writing is beautiful. I loved her stories about the different horses she has met along her journey toward understanding horses and our relationship to them in a deeper way. All of her books have been a joy to read.

[Deanna Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Pike's account of Equine Based Learning and the horses in her life is a little more practical and less "woo-woo" than her mentor Linda Kohanov's. Still, if you enjoyed The Tao of Equus, you will enjoy this book, and probably vice versa, unless you're opposed to a little "woo-woo" (I am not). Not a life changing book (Tao of Equus was for me) but a reminder to stay on the path and stay congruent. And maybe a good starting point before Tao. If you're looking for a training or how to book, this really isn't it; it's more a collection of case histories.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. There were definitely things in here that resonated with me. Being a horse-y person, and working with horses on a regular basis, there are things that I already do that were mentioned, but things that I will take into working with them in future. Additionally there are lessons from this book that I will take with me in my general life.
I like how the book was broken down into lessons. Each chapter being a different lesson to be learned.
It was well paced and a good read, to the right reader I would definitely recommend this book.

[Roberta Kelinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. As a huge horse lover and owner of 5 horses during my life, I wish I had this new found knowledge a long time ago. I do know how horses can read our emotions and energy and I love doing energy work with them to assist their release of stored energy and emotions. Horses are sacred and so in tune with the humans who surround d them.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, easy to read book

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting and I found out horses really are intuitive! I enjoyed the stories. I am really not into mind body stuff but it worked.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a lovely book. It's been a while since I've been on GoodReads, and the last time I was here I was reading this book. So it's been a while since I've finished it... but I do still remember quite a bit of it, and I remember that it was intriguing and quite beautiful. A very personal story, about a subject that's very close to my heart. I might re-read it sometime soon.

[DreamPacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Well written, interesting and goes along with my other favorite horse people. She even quotes Mark Rashid.

[Ari van der Westhuizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely read this book again...and again... I loved it!!!

[Morgon · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a bit hard to read sone parts. But all and all it was a good read