She Flies Without Wings: How Horses Touch a Woman's Soul

by Mary D. Midkiff

From a renowned horsewoman and gifted storyteller comes this groundbreaking new book that explores a powerful relationship like no other: the magical kinship between women and horses.

Drawing from myth and literature, the author’s own experiences, and interviews with countless women, we learn, through women’s deeply personal stories, how horses enrich our lives and connect us to nature–making us readers of rhythm and invisible signs, helping us harness our youthful sexuality, sharing the “horsepower” we need to reach our dreams. And here we see how, for thousands of years, the deep kinship between women and horses has connected us to our most intimate feelings of delight, helped us learn to solve problems, and set our creativity free.

From the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer to the fiction of Jane Austen to folktales from around the world, She Flies Without Wings uses great literature and myth to encompass a wide spectrum of beliefs and perspectives–and creates a true celebration of speed, air, and the spectacular animal that connects us with both.

Filled with the moving lessons–-about sensuality, commitment, power, nurturance, and spirituality–women riders have known for centuries, written with a loving hand by an expert equestrian, She Flies Without Wings is an eloquent paean to a pairing that enlivened history, inspired literature, and continues to enchant us all.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals, Memoir

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me want to find a horse to sit with and ride again.
3.5 stars

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Susan Chernack McElroy's review on the back of this book truly sums it up. "Lyrical and compelling, Midkiff's prose speaks to the depth of a woman's soul."

This book was beautifully written and poignant. I loved reading all of the quotes that were interwoven with the author's story and found my soul deeply awakened. I recognized many of the qualities within myself that Midkiff rightly suggests horses evoke in women and it deepened my longing to have an opportunity for real horses to be part of my life.

[Laura Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read this I discover something about myself and my horsemanship that I didn't realize before.

A testimony of personal accounts yet many commonalities align with how I felt growing up as well.

Beautifully put together and one of my favorite reads.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, but then I love horses and I feel the very spiritual connection women and horses have. This book speaks to the depth of a woman's soul and the powerful spirit of horses. The author is such a gifted storyteller that it is a beautiful read!

[Heather Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! Uplifting! This book easily became one of my favorites of all time. I will re-read it again and again.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will validate every instinct of why you love horses.

[Tami Gandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this somewhat memoir and how she ties in her thoughts to different quotes, excerpts, poems about horses and what they do for a woman's soul.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational book to read.

[Jenifer DeGrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommended
pay close attention to reading this
Great read

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all horsewomen!

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, eloquent view of how women relate to horses and riding. It made me miss riding desperately. I can't wait to saddle up again!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it was "a little much" sometimes - maybe too heavy on the 'spiritual nature of women & horses'. We can like them but does it have to be oh so magical ? :)

[Laura Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldn't get into it, shelved

[Darla]

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