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Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer
A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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February 25, 2025#LifeLessonsFromAHorseWhisperer – Lew Sterrett
#MonarchBooks (2010)
The true horseman does not whisper, he does not even have to talk. He understands that the unspoken language between horse and human says it all. There is much to be learnt from those relationships.
The term ‘horse whisperer’ is thus not entirely accurate but is an accepted term to describe someone who can effectively communicate with horses. Mark Rashid has authored several books relating his experiences with horses, often applying the lessons learnt to human relationships. This book by Dr. Lew Sterrett, who has trained more than 3500 horses, from wild mustangs to sophisticated breeds, follows the trope, and includes condensed biographies of the author, as well as the horses who has acted as his teachers: “The essence of this story is to look at some of life’s perplexing circumstances through the eyes of a horse.” (11)
Several horses star in these stories: Nava Rose, Desired Star, Spotlight, Romeo, and many others. They have one thing in common: They taught life lessons with no intention to do so, they were merely being honest. And horse people will tell you: Horses never lie, and often act as mirrors for human behaviour, showing you what you need to see within yourself.
Basic lessons learnt by the author include that lives are seldom transformed in the blink of an eye, but rather by a series of small steps, that failure is often part of the process, that nobody needs to be defined by limitations, that behaviour is merely a symptom of the underlying problem, that hope is an essential incentive for change, and that sometimes it is best to do nothing, because “…you know that one false move, one word spoken in anger, could ruin everything.” (18)
We have become so caught up in intricate theories and how-to-improve-yourself advice, that we have lost track of the basics. Horses teach us how to recapture what we have lost.
#Uitdieperdsebek
#MonarchBooks (2010)
The true horseman does not whisper, he does not even have to talk. He understands that the unspoken language between horse and human says it all. There is much to be learnt from those relationships.
The term ‘horse whisperer’ is thus not entirely accurate but is an accepted term to describe someone who can effectively communicate with horses. Mark Rashid has authored several books relating his experiences with horses, often applying the lessons learnt to human relationships. This book by Dr. Lew Sterrett, who has trained more than 3500 horses, from wild mustangs to sophisticated breeds, follows the trope, and includes condensed biographies of the author, as well as the horses who has acted as his teachers: “The essence of this story is to look at some of life’s perplexing circumstances through the eyes of a horse.” (11)
Several horses star in these stories: Nava Rose, Desired Star, Spotlight, Romeo, and many others. They have one thing in common: They taught life lessons with no intention to do so, they were merely being honest. And horse people will tell you: Horses never lie, and often act as mirrors for human behaviour, showing you what you need to see within yourself.
Basic lessons learnt by the author include that lives are seldom transformed in the blink of an eye, but rather by a series of small steps, that failure is often part of the process, that nobody needs to be defined by limitations, that behaviour is merely a symptom of the underlying problem, that hope is an essential incentive for change, and that sometimes it is best to do nothing, because “…you know that one false move, one word spoken in anger, could ruin everything.” (18)
We have become so caught up in intricate theories and how-to-improve-yourself advice, that we have lost track of the basics. Horses teach us how to recapture what we have lost.
#Uitdieperdsebek
February 10, 2010
I received this book through the Goodbooks giveaways.
Read as literature, this book is not a great success - the writing is so-so, the book repeats itself and sometimes drifts off mid-story.
If read for content, however, it's a whole different story. I don't think this book was written to sit on a musty bookshelf holding 'great literature', but rather to deliver an important message. It does a terrific job of reaching that goal.
This book is about kindness and forgiveness and perseverence. It talks about trust and healing and the choices we make. It is about recognizing that what appears on the outside does not necessarily reflect what is going on internally. This book is about giving and receiving non-material gifts. It is about making positive changes in our lives and overcoming the tragedies and obstacles that we face. It is about the redemptive power of faith. I feel enriched after having read it.
Read as literature, this book is not a great success - the writing is so-so, the book repeats itself and sometimes drifts off mid-story.
If read for content, however, it's a whole different story. I don't think this book was written to sit on a musty bookshelf holding 'great literature', but rather to deliver an important message. It does a terrific job of reaching that goal.
This book is about kindness and forgiveness and perseverence. It talks about trust and healing and the choices we make. It is about recognizing that what appears on the outside does not necessarily reflect what is going on internally. This book is about giving and receiving non-material gifts. It is about making positive changes in our lives and overcoming the tragedies and obstacles that we face. It is about the redemptive power of faith. I feel enriched after having read it.
February 28, 2010
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their relationships with others with a more gentle spirit, yet leading spirit! There are some great life lessons to learn out of this book about leadership, trust and relationships.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first recieved signed up to review this book. I love watching the dog whisper and some thought this might be similar and that kind of interesting. I was delighted with this book. It is more than just for horse lovers! (though I would consider myself that as well!)
It gave me some interesting thoughts to ponder and made me think a whole lot about how I react to people (and animals). If you looked into my copy you’ll find it marked with a lot of yellow from all the stuff I’ve gleaned out of it! (Watch for some in my quotes section!)
I love how Lew related the horses to people and how to lead and guide them to Christ; how gentleness can go a long way. He taught me a lot in this book and I enjoyed sitting in the quiet soaking it in. The basics of the book is to give insight about how relationships work and the importance of having trust with one another and listening to each other.
He breaks it down into two categories. The “want to” horses, and the “have to” horses. The “want to” horses do it because their hearts have learned how to desire it and the “have to” horses do it because they’ve been forced into submission. I really could relate to it and understand — how many times I’ve made me children be the “have to” instead of helping them desire it. Or how many times I’ve been the “have to” and didn’t understand really why I was doing something.
One of the most profound statements I read in the book was “Nobody can pretend as well as professional Christians. Behind every “bless your heart” were hurt feelings that no one wanted to or knew how to talk about.” That sure made me think of a lot of past instances in my life and it hurt because it’s so true, He wasn’t saying it to be derogetory — quite the opposite. We get good at hiding our true feelings sometimes and it’s easy to put on a “show” when you’re always in the spotlight, while inside you’re dying. I could relate to this so well because I remember a time in my life when I was fully involved in ministry yet our marriage was falling apart and nobody knew… how could they? We put on a great front for people to see.
As well as people relationships, being a new “farmer” or pretend farmer lol, it gave me a lot to think about regarding horses since I’m interested in that – though that is not the main intention of this book. It made me realize they are a lot smarter than I ever thought they were (and dangerous!).
** This was a complimentary review copy!
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first recieved signed up to review this book. I love watching the dog whisper and some thought this might be similar and that kind of interesting. I was delighted with this book. It is more than just for horse lovers! (though I would consider myself that as well!)
It gave me some interesting thoughts to ponder and made me think a whole lot about how I react to people (and animals). If you looked into my copy you’ll find it marked with a lot of yellow from all the stuff I’ve gleaned out of it! (Watch for some in my quotes section!)
I love how Lew related the horses to people and how to lead and guide them to Christ; how gentleness can go a long way. He taught me a lot in this book and I enjoyed sitting in the quiet soaking it in. The basics of the book is to give insight about how relationships work and the importance of having trust with one another and listening to each other.
He breaks it down into two categories. The “want to” horses, and the “have to” horses. The “want to” horses do it because their hearts have learned how to desire it and the “have to” horses do it because they’ve been forced into submission. I really could relate to it and understand — how many times I’ve made me children be the “have to” instead of helping them desire it. Or how many times I’ve been the “have to” and didn’t understand really why I was doing something.
One of the most profound statements I read in the book was “Nobody can pretend as well as professional Christians. Behind every “bless your heart” were hurt feelings that no one wanted to or knew how to talk about.” That sure made me think of a lot of past instances in my life and it hurt because it’s so true, He wasn’t saying it to be derogetory — quite the opposite. We get good at hiding our true feelings sometimes and it’s easy to put on a “show” when you’re always in the spotlight, while inside you’re dying. I could relate to this so well because I remember a time in my life when I was fully involved in ministry yet our marriage was falling apart and nobody knew… how could they? We put on a great front for people to see.
As well as people relationships, being a new “farmer” or pretend farmer lol, it gave me a lot to think about regarding horses since I’m interested in that – though that is not the main intention of this book. It made me realize they are a lot smarter than I ever thought they were (and dangerous!).
** This was a complimentary review copy!
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July 26, 2024When I signed up for this blog tour, I somehow misread what the book was about. I was thinking that although it was a true story, it was going to be in the form of a novel. (still not sure how I got that impression…I’ll blame it on “pregnancy brain” haha!) So when I first received the book my first thought was “Oh no, this wasn’t what I expected. If I had known that it was an inspirational memoir type book I’m not sure I would have signed up for it.
That being said, I did enjoy the book. Although I’ve never been super interested in, or had anything to do with horses (yes, I know, a person from Wyoming who’s never ridden a horse, are you surprised?) I enjoyed the practical applications he made in the book, and how he used more familiar examples such as sports to help explain his points.
Like most inspiration/devotional/help books this wasn’t a book I could just sit down and read all the way through. I read it in bits and pieces over several days, but the writing was easy to follow along with. His story is unique and interesting, and I’d recommend this book, especially for horse lovers.
That being said, I did enjoy the book. Although I’ve never been super interested in, or had anything to do with horses (yes, I know, a person from Wyoming who’s never ridden a horse, are you surprised?) I enjoyed the practical applications he made in the book, and how he used more familiar examples such as sports to help explain his points.
Like most inspiration/devotional/help books this wasn’t a book I could just sit down and read all the way through. I read it in bits and pieces over several days, but the writing was easy to follow along with. His story is unique and interesting, and I’d recommend this book, especially for horse lovers.
December 27, 2017
I learnt quite a bit from this book and it was certainly an interesting read however, it was very repetitive and very religious. I respect all religions and the belief in them and why people believe what they do. However, I hadn’t realised how much of the book would be based around religion. Yes, he does Sermon on the mount and that should have been an indicator for be, but for some reason I felt like there was more about religion than his lessons on horses and his experiences with them. In the end this is just my opinion, and I thought I’d share it. He is clearly very accomplished and he is incredibly inspiring. I know hat I have certainly learnt a lot from it, regardless of the details of its contents. I definitely recommend if you want to gain perspective in a different way.
July 7, 2020
Rating based on my enjoyment of the book, not the writing or literary merit or whatever. Very much enjoyed this quick read, was delightfully surprised by the depth of the lessons the author learned and shared. Love the parallels of our hearts to wild horses 😊
August 25, 2017
Easy read; shared & passed on
January 16, 2018
Got lost a few times when he changes stories.
May 10, 2010
Being an animal lover, I was intrigued by Lew Sterrett’s story when the offer came to review this book.
Not only is Dr. Sterrett a grisly old cowboy who can tame wild horses, he is also a licensed pastor and certified counselor. He has successfully combined his two passions (horses and people) and uses his talents to minister to others, worldwide. I wasn’t aware of his Sermon on the Mount program prior to this review, but after reading this book I would love to see a live presentation.
Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer shares the many life lessons Lew has learned from his time spent training horses. Lessons of faith, trust, hope and transformation, which are inspiring and motivational. Some are deep and thought provoking – others are simple yet powerful. This book made me laugh AND cry at times – some of the stories he shares of horses that have been broken in spirit by harsh trainers broke my heart……and yet at the same time it was easy to parallel those examples to people who have been broken in spirit by the harsh things in life.
I enjoyed reading about Lew’s ideas on leadership (which make a lot of sense!) and how he took a run down, falling apart ranch, saved it from closing and turned it into the Sermon on the Mount ministry which blesses so many lives today. All throughout the book, Lew is very clear about his faith in Christ and his personal relationship with Jesus, which is the “icing on the cake” for this book.
February 10, 2010
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I was very excited to see that I won this book on Goodreads. I was even more excited to see, once it arrived, the Christian backbone that the author uses to navigate through his story. This was beautifully written, and being an animal lover, I was appreciative at his sensitive and touching writing as he talked about his personal experiences with different horses throughout his life and how this translates to navigating through our own lives. Going through life's challenges, struggles, resistance, and traumas are all about our mindsets and who we lean on in those times of trouble; where our faith and roots lie deep; and the acknowledgment of our God who leads us through the roads of life. Lew Sterrett has a knack for relating this idea to us through his personal writing and touching stories. This book is highly recommended, and a quick, easy read that leaves you thinking and appreciative for this one life we have to live.
I was very excited to see that I won this book on Goodreads. I was even more excited to see, once it arrived, the Christian backbone that the author uses to navigate through his story. This was beautifully written, and being an animal lover, I was appreciative at his sensitive and touching writing as he talked about his personal experiences with different horses throughout his life and how this translates to navigating through our own lives. Going through life's challenges, struggles, resistance, and traumas are all about our mindsets and who we lean on in those times of trouble; where our faith and roots lie deep; and the acknowledgment of our God who leads us through the roads of life. Lew Sterrett has a knack for relating this idea to us through his personal writing and touching stories. This book is highly recommended, and a quick, easy read that leaves you thinking and appreciative for this one life we have to live.
February 25, 2010
From My Blog...[return][return]When I began reading Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer I had not only not heard of the author but also had no idea he counseled and had a ministry. Dr. Sterrett uses his experiences with horses as an example of how humans can help one another and get through those rough times life has a way of throwing each and every one of us. As the beginning of the book mentions, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer is not simply a novel about horses. I was fortunate enough to read this book while watching a loved one die and the underlying theme of hope and inspiration helped bring me solace at a time when I did not think I could find much good in the situation I was facing. This compact novel is filled with inspirational and uplifting tales as well as valuable lessons on how each person can live a better life. Whether looking for suggestions on how to have better relationships, an uplifting novel, or direction in life, Life Lessons From A Horse Whisper is an excellent choice.
June 3, 2010
My first thought was - I want to check out this book, because I'll bet my dad would like it. (He raises horses and I was sure he would find this very interesting.)
Surprise surprise, I enjoyed the book. I thought the stories related by Sterrett were great and related managed to relate a variety of Christian leadership principles in a non-threatening, easy to understand way.
I think you can read this book in two ways: The first, you'll find a nice, simple story, that will leave you feeling quite "warm and fuzzy" at times (even as Sterrett relates some tough stories and issues.) The second, you'll find something that will help you identify some ways to strengthen your leadership skills - especially if you work with students of all ages.
Sterrett uses the illustrations given to him through his horse training, to find ways to talk about leadership growth and potential - without sounding preachy or tough. Instead, he does it in a casual, laid-back manner that will cross gender and economic lines.
I'm glad I picked up this book - oh and I still think my dad will like it!
Surprise surprise, I enjoyed the book. I thought the stories related by Sterrett were great and related managed to relate a variety of Christian leadership principles in a non-threatening, easy to understand way.
I think you can read this book in two ways: The first, you'll find a nice, simple story, that will leave you feeling quite "warm and fuzzy" at times (even as Sterrett relates some tough stories and issues.) The second, you'll find something that will help you identify some ways to strengthen your leadership skills - especially if you work with students of all ages.
Sterrett uses the illustrations given to him through his horse training, to find ways to talk about leadership growth and potential - without sounding preachy or tough. Instead, he does it in a casual, laid-back manner that will cross gender and economic lines.
I'm glad I picked up this book - oh and I still think my dad will like it!
February 28, 2010
I am enjoying this book. However, I am feeling like it is a book that needs to be read and finished more closely together than I am able to do at the moment. I think I may start over to better enjoy it.
I must start by saying that I received this book through a GoodReads giveaway. I initially thought that I would be put off by the Christian overtone of the book, but found that I truly appreciated Sterrett's views on life lessonshe has learned through working with animals. Not only did it take me back to my youth spent riding horses, but it has made me think of my daughter and her realtionship with horses. I think she should read this book and I plan on giving it to her to read over the summer.
I must start by saying that I received this book through a GoodReads giveaway. I initially thought that I would be put off by the Christian overtone of the book, but found that I truly appreciated Sterrett's views on life lessonshe has learned through working with animals. Not only did it take me back to my youth spent riding horses, but it has made me think of my daughter and her realtionship with horses. I think she should read this book and I plan on giving it to her to read over the summer.
October 20, 2015
I had the privilege to hear Lew speak and it intrigued me to buy this book. I enjoyed it so much that I almost read it in one sitting. The book was much like what he shares with you when you hear him speak, preach, and teach. There were so many great pearls of wisdom that I will need to read this again periodically to catch every nugget. Lew's experiences with horses and managing people have given him a great deal of wisdom to share on parenting, relating to others, and more. I highly recommend this book and I highly recommend that you meet Lew some time at one of his sermononthemount.org programs.
February 11, 2010
Reading about the author piqued my interest. I have a strong belief that horses can teach us so much about living. The Churchill quote "there's something about a the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man" hangs on my wall; now just under it on a bookshelf is this book. The man knows his horses, and is in good relationship with God. Recommend it for readers looking to improve relationships - with self with others with horses or with God! (Bought extra copies to send to my horse devoted daughter and give to friends.)
February 16, 2010
Humans and animals both crave attention, affection, and affirmation. Seeking to work with a horse without these things does not make for a positive working or trusting relationship. The same goes for humans. Dr. Lew teaches us that relationships, whether it be with horses or people, is about getting them to go from I can't, to I can. I really enjoyed this book, which was a total surprise, but I am so glad I read it. Training a horse, like having a relationship, are both about trust and hard work. That is what I got from this book. Highly reccomended.
February 22, 2010
Looking at the title at a bookstore, I would not even consider purchasing this book. Upon completing it (in about 4 hours) I feel this is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read! I wouldn't consider myself to be a spiritual person by any means, but this book has made me look at how I treat people and react to adversity. The author provides a variety of detailed life experiences of how he has tried to help people rebuild broken relationships with the help of God. This book is a fantastic read and could help someone find direction in their life.
February 10, 2010
I liked the message that was throughout this book. A whisper is stronger than a shout. The book travels from the writers early child hood to current day with lessens learned along the way. While some pages were devoted to religion, I still liken the tone and writing. I believe any one or any religion can learn from another. This could be used in any group setting for a conversation opener.
July 6, 2011
Overall not really bad--it's just "talked" rather than "written." If you love horses, you will enjoy this.
Oh my! This is definitely written for the groupies who come to his Sermon on the Mount performances. Dull.
Reviewing this for a professional publication. So far, so good. Strange to read it the week of my late Dad's birthday--he was a true horse whisperer....
Oh my! This is definitely written for the groupies who come to his Sermon on the Mount performances. Dull.
Reviewing this for a professional publication. So far, so good. Strange to read it the week of my late Dad's birthday--he was a true horse whisperer....
August 4, 2012
I loved this book! The author, Dr. Lew Sterrett, is an honest-to-goodness horse whisperer. The book is written in a down-to-earth, conversational manner, and the stories he relates about training horses are captivating. He takes those stories and turns them into lessons for human relationships and leadership, using his Christian faith as a foundation. I really, really loved the book.
March 1, 2010
This book is not just about horses, it's an inspirational look at honesty, trust, patience and personal growth. All valuable qualities we should each strive for.
A very well-written book, though at times I felt like I've heard it before.
Still a book that you tell your friends about.
A very well-written book, though at times I felt like I've heard it before.
Still a book that you tell your friends about.
March 14, 2010
this is a well written book. It is not a book that I would chose to read by title alone. I don't believe I will just add this to my bookshelf, as it posseses interesting ideas and I shall pass it on to others to share.
February 10, 2010
Won this on first reads.
Good read! Anyone in any type of relationship can get something from this book. Very insightful!
Good read! Anyone in any type of relationship can get something from this book. Very insightful!
February 10, 2010
Inspirational! Won here on Goodreads.
February 22, 2010
This was a nice book on handling life's struggles through the eyes of a horse trainer. Very uplifting.
October 28, 2015
If you're a Christian and into horses, this is a must read! Godly principles of leadership from the perspective of a lifelong horse whisperer.
February 11, 2010
I received this as a goodreads giveaway :-) What an inspiring book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews