Healed by Horses: A Memoir

By Carole Fletcher

Book Overview

Carole Fletcher's story opens on a November morning in 1975. She began this day as a striking young teacher in a happy relationship; a horse lover and car enthusiast -- ultimately, a young woman eager for what lay ahead. But a gasoline explosion changed all that, leaving her with second- and third-degree burns over sixty-five percent of her body. At day's end, surgeons warned she had a one-in-ten chance of surviving the night and that even if she did, it would be more than likely she would never walk again -- let alone ride a horse. Carole surprised everyone: her family, her doctors, even herself. After seven months in the hospital and twenty-eight skin graft surgeries, she began to ride her beloved horse, Bailey. Thanks to the therapeutic nature of riding, she slowly regained almost full use of her legs. And though more surgery and almost four years of rehabilitation would follow, Carole eventually plunged into the world of performance with a clever trick horse named Dial. Carole Fletcher tells an inspiring and eloquent story of recovery and rebirth. Healed by Horses offers a compelling account of one woman's uncommon courage and perseverance, and illustrates the extraordinary connection possible between humans and horses, and how that bond can restore, motivate, and heal.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416582967
• ISBN13: 9781416582960
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Book

Healed by Horses is a wonderful book that gives hope and encouragement to anyone who reads it! It reaffirms the fact that life is a gift, and, if you allow it, struggle can make you better. As Carole states on page 230: "It's working with horses that heals, by developing discipline, courage, patience, and perseverance. You may come to horses -- as I did -- unable to walk, unable to cope, disfigured and in despair, but what I learned is that horses do not judge by looks or class or reputation. Still, you must earn their trust and cooperation, and out of that comes self-esteem."

The True Story of Carole Fletcher

Healed by Horses is a must-read; a fantastic book that leaves readers entertained, educated and... changed. Page by page, this memoir delicately, and sometimes dramatically, shows the true story of Carole Fletcher. Its inspiring message touches readers of all interests, ages and spectrums. The book, on the surface, is about a burn victim whose life is turned upside down after a near-death experience in a gasoline explosion. Underneath, the storyline is even stronger and deeper, as Carole Fletcher delves into the meanings of inner and outer beauty, self-worth, "a never give up mentality," inspiration and other life lessons. Carole shows us how horses, who never judge our outer appearances, dragged her out of a near suicidal state and, ultimately, launched her career as an internationally respected trick horse trainer and author. I've had the pleasure of meeting Carole Fletcher at her Reddick, Florida, home. She is a true gem; a delightful, strong woman who sees each day as a gift. Her book -- and her story -- are a gift to us. Healed by Horses gets TWO THUMBS UP! Summer Best Ocala, Florida

Fanning the Flames

As a fan and student of Carole Fletcher's Trick Training techniques, I was familiar with the bio behind this book before reading it. So it was with a literary mindset that I opened the cover, expecting to view the entire book with a critical eye; curious, mostly, to learn just what did Larry Scanlan do to bring the ashes of Carole's past back to life. My resolve to be largely unmoved lasted maybe two pages. I was totally captivated. Through Larry Scanlan's ability to weave pertinent and insightful personal details through the charred remains of Carole's past, Carole emerges as she truly is: human, rather than a string of incredible facts. People everywhere can relate some situation in their life to what Carole has endured and draw courage from her story. Her hospital ordeal was gut-wrenching; the stories about her horses have the same effect on your heart. There were plenty of details to whet the appetites of horse people, but there is message and metaphor for every one, everywhere; lessons for all of us on overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, healing relationships, feeling real compassion, looking for the true beauty in every one and everything around you, finding meaning in life. Through 'Healed by Horses', Fletcher and Scanlan have made a tremendous contribution to society.

A great read

What a wonderful book, Carole Fletcher is so open, sharing her feelings of despair, anger, and hope. We go through this with her, the tears and the laughter, keep a box of tissues beside you when you read this book. She gives us all hope that we can be better, achieve more inspite of the difficulites we might encounter in life. Carole rose above the pain and disfigurement with her beloved horses...ride on Carole!!!!

Healed By Horses

I could not put this book down. A truely inspirational story of one woman's hell and the horses that helped heal her. It made me laugh and cry. Thank you for sharing Carole Fletcher!