“It’s your attitude. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do, and it’s not what you do, it’s what you feel. You have to be connected to yourself, Henry, before you can connect with someone else.” She gently touched herself on the chest, above her heart. “It comes from here. If your heart isn’t right they’ll know it.”
Mark Rashid, Out of the Wild
It seems I have quite a few horse books to catch up on for my new “Book Club” section. Out of the Wild has been sitting on my shelf for a few years waiting for me to have a moment of spare time to pick it up and finally read it.
I first saw Mark Rashid teaching a clinic at Equine Affaire in 2018. While we were watching him teach a friend recommended I check out his books. This is the first one I picked up and I will soon reach for more of his writing.
Get your copy at Trafalgar Square Books
Out of the Wild is centered around Henry, an old cowboy who’s lived through guilt, grief, and tragedy. Once a well known and talented rancher his trauma and guilt led him down a dark path of alcohol addiction, and more trouble. His life was spiraling when he arrived at a horse ranch and met Jess.
Jess is a gifted horse trainer and never gives up on Henry. The book tells of their connection and how her different view of training horses changes Henry.
Mark paints the scene very well, the book was turned into a major motion picture, but I feel like I already watched the whole thing in my head. Details are well described and the characters are well developed.
Although a fictional story it feels very real and Mark’s knowledge of horses help add to the story. This is not the stereotypical “horse media” written by someone who doesn’t know horses. It’s refreshing to have real knowledgeable equestrians also writing successful novels.
“When he sees that you are giving him the respect he deserves, and the understanding he needs, he will start to trust you in return.” She took a sip from her milk glass. “When you have his trust, you’ll have the horse. Once he trusts you, putting the saddle on him won’t be a problem.”
Mark Rashid, Out of the Wild
Final Word:
I really enjoyed watching the clinic in 2018 where he taught four riders to improve their transitions. He also focused completely on what the horse was telling him, not hesitating to point out a pony with a sore back. I admire his horsemanship and I also admire his writing, which is descriptive and engaging.
I had trouble putting the book down…it flowed really well and I felt an attachment to the characters and the story. I haven’t yet seen the movie but in my head it’s already there. I even cried…and you know a book is good when it creates feelings that strong.
I highly recommend Out of the Wild by Mark Rashid for anyone. Horse-lovers will enjoy it but I wouldn’t limit it to horse lovers; the story focuses on horses and horsemanship but it isn’t total objective. This book is so much more.
I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square books. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!
Out of the Wild by Mark Rashid
The Green Horseman 
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