Author(s): Allen Anderson

Natural World & Animals

As with all the Andersons' books, "Horses With a Mission" relates amazing, poignant stories of animals who make a difference in people's lives. These horses, though, go beyond the expected to true acts of courage and heroism, demonstrating the powerful link between humans and horses and also the feats of love and compassion possible when we follow our best instincts. The stories include: Molly, a pony rescued during Hurricane Katrina who was attacked by a frightened rescued pit bull. Although the vet thought Molly would not survive because one of her legs was mangled beyond repair, she lived and eventually received a prosthetic leg. She now works at camps for children with cancer and disabilities, inspiring them to keep trying, to keep thriving. Butch, a therapy pony who inspired a severely disabled girl speak for the first time. Little Katie had never spoken. After nine and a half years of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, none of her 'human' therapists had been able to stimulate language skills. The second time she sat high upon Butch's back, the therapist encouraged her to give Butch the command to 'walk on'. Katie sat hesitant and nervous, but also excited and thrilled to be riding. She watched Butch's ears, which were perked up and poised to listen, and she spoke, and Butch responded, walking forward from her first ever verbal command.