Book Review Excerpt from Going Gaited Online Magazine
Something I will also be adding (hopefully) to the next issue is an offering of eBooks. Recently I got an email from a woman named Rose Miller asking me to review a book she had written about Tennessee Walking Horses entitled "The Horse that Wouldn't Trot". This is right up my alley as two of my favorite subjects- books and horses. To really excite me though, a book has to be well written with a good story line. I want to lose myself in the storyline. I want to laugh out loud, and I want to feel the emotion emanating from the pages. Did I get all of that with Rose's book? Oh yea, I did.
People often tell me, as we compare notes about "been there and done that" that I should write a book about my life. "Really?" I say, always surprised. I've just been…living. Nothing special, I think, but people always tell me that my life has been packed with drama. THAT, I'll have to admit, is truly so. Rose Miller has me on the drama hands down. Rose is a bit older than me so she's had more time to collect memories, a large portion of which being about horses. As she shares her failures and successes, she talks to the reader about her journey as if she were sitting with you in her kitchen, chatting over a cup of coffee. I laughed out loud at times, and at others, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I found myself speed reading through some of the pages because I didn't have time to be sitting at my computer reading a book right then but couldn’t bear to get out of my chair without reading what happened next.
Rose's journey unfolds over decades of a life spent with horses. She takes you back to the time she was a "newbie" making decisions we all have made that, in retrospect, make our hair stand on end as we wonder how we didn't kill ourselves. Rose's honest and straightforward approach to her compelling story is endearing and humbling. The detail and humor in which she shares her memories is fascinating. I have trouble remembering what I had for lunch yesterday. Rose can retell a conversation that took place 30 years ago. I can tell you why though. Some folks are born for story-telling. Rose Miller is one of them. Here is her website. http://www.rosemiller.net/ I'd recommend you get yourself a copy.
I'm trying to talk Rose into letting Going Gaited Online Magazine represent her and her book in eBook format so it can be downloaded immediately to our readers. As a matter of fact, I'd like to offer any of Rose's books. Right now, I'm reading her next offering about mules. It's called "Broomtails and Longears". It's even better than the last book. I have giggled my way through about 25 pages so far and look forward to ending this day with another 25 pages. Rose, you go girl. I can't wait to read your next one!
Tracey Buckalew, editor
Going Gaited Online Magazine
Book Review By Connie Fenner from "The Paper Horse"
You don’t have to have Tennessee Walking Horse in your barn to become engrossed in The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot, a memoir of one woman’s journey to success from the show ring to the breeding shed.
Success usually comes with a price, and the author paid that price with sleepless nights, countless tears, and heart-wrenching decisions. When you operate a sizeable boarding, breeding and show barn, and you truly love the horses, it seems heartache is always lurking just around the corner, but likewise, the joy.
The narrative dares to discuss the breed’s abusive practices to produce the controversial exaggeration of the Walking Horse’s original smooth gait. Rose Miller bred her horses for excellence through natural talent and training, yet was forced to compete against those who used illegal practices.
The well-written narrative is both revealing and inspirational as the author struggles with her daughter’s brave battle with breast caner, and the stillbirth of her first grandchild. She turns to prayer seeking answers and direction…for her family, her animals and herself.
The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot is suited for horse lovers from 12 to 100, and is full of charming anecdotes of the author’s horses and their personalities. You’ll meet “Nugget,” a successful show mare who wanted nothing more than to be a mother (yes, the author regularly uses an animal communicator), but could not seem to put healthy foals on the ground.
You’ll follow her journey with “Praise Hallelujah,” her nationally-known stallion, and soul mate, who was awesome in the show ring and produced many champions to carry his name. Learn why the author decided to geld him.
Rose Miller’s message is this: follow where you are led, go through doors that open, and trust that even in adversity, you can be blessed.
Connie Fenner, editor
The Paper Horse Magazine
Too cute! I'm
into reading your book, darn you......stayed up way too late last
night.....couldn't put it down!:>) Finally my eyes just would not stay
open.....well, back to reading!
My very dear friend and horse-partner Carol L. gave me the best Christmas gift this year--"The Horse That Wouldn't Trot". Thank you for writing it for all of us other TWH lovers. I devoured it. I have only owned gaited horses for the past 35+ years--first as field trial mounts, then pleasure horses and, finally at age 67, a show horse. Never thought they'd stuff me into a monkey suit to show but Carol did. I am having a blast! Carol and I co-own a beautiful Silver Dollar mare; her dam was a direct daughter of Sun's Delight and a Merry Go Boy mare. She proves everything you wrote about Sun's Delight progeny. We are very proud of the fact that she was bred at Brantley Farm in TN; we have gotten to know Charles and Nellie and love to hear the stories about his grandfather and Allen F-1. I can appreciate your love of the Arabians, but I sure don't miss posting; "ride one today, own one tomorrow" is certainly true in my case. It's not only the gait--it's the temperament that hooks you. Best wishes for success with your book. I know I will treasure my copy.
Anne B. NJ
Rose,
I just finished reading "The Horse That Wouldn't Trot" - FANTASTIC! I loved every page of it despite the sorrows that you described. It brought smiles and teary eyes, but one place rolled the goose bumps uncontrollably over my entire body: I was reading along, enjoying it so much, when I hit the last paragraph on page 66: "A little sorrel colt was born in May that year on the Harlinsdale Farm..."I reread the paragraph three times because I knew who it was and what was coming. I was also very proud of you for pulling no punches on the soring topic -you didn't dwell on it but your comments were accurate and effective and described how so many of us felt at those shows - the frustration for our own showing on an unlevel playing field, but the knowledge that we were in the company of suffering horses. The show where I first laid eyes on Poppy, and knew I had to have her was a commission show at Burlington, Kentucky. The sored horses were plentiful and we were stalled beside some of the worst - it was horrendous. I slipped out of the motor home in the middle of the night to check on a black padded horse who had been unable to stand much of the day. He was in so much pain, but I stood at his stall and tried to talk soothingly to him. The next day I called whatever Burlington's version of the Humane Society was - they sent someone around, but nothing was done. The Trainer knew the trainer etc. and kept warning me how dangerous this was, but he was upset over the horses too. Your book refreshed some of those memories - and that's a good thing. We can't become complacent about the issue. I knew you had some rocky times in life, but I guess I didn't realize how much grit you had and how many times you suffered for your love of the horses. I also didn't realize what a determined, talented competitor you were - a true horsewoman. It will be a pleasure to do a book review for my little magazine and "talking up" your book will be easy.
Connie
I'm a 20 year
horse owner. My first horse was a non-registered TWH. We purchased
her as a yearling and from the first time we rode her she never trotted or
paced. Talk about being spoiled. We purchased our next few horses to
much disappointment as we thought a registered horse would have to be an even
better horse. Wow were we disappointed. I really never understood
why, but do now. I found your book very insightful and just a good read.
Thanks for sharing your story. As I progress in my horse experiences from
just having horses for pleasure trail riding, to possibly venturing into
showing, I am much more educated as to what goes on and the possible techniques
fellow horse people and possible trainers will be using. Winning will
never be the ultimate goal, as I will take that cadillac ride any day over how
the horse looks doing it. As long as they are smooth, smooth, smooth, I
will be thrilled. Thanks for giving me information as to what blood lines
I need to look for to find those naturally smooth horses.
Doug W. NC
Hi Rose
I just finished reading your book. WOW!!! I learned at the end why you did it and I think that is great. (I was sorry to have it end.)
I felt
I knew Rose Miller pretty well, but now I really know Rose Miller. I
really enjoyed the book and stayed up past bedtime several times to read it.
(I knew a few of the other people in it too.)
Steve
Wirts,
(A supportive mentor in my early horse-show years.)
As a professional full time horseman trained in the Dressage discipline, it was an interesting and educating experience to work with a walking horse for the first time.
My professional training with many top Masters of the Equestrian World and graduation from the M.P.I.E.I. helped me to work with a breed of horse that moved differently than any others in the equine genre. After 35 years of professional teaching and training people and horses, sometimes separately, working with Rose Miller and P.H. is one of the highlights of my career.
Charles Sherman
2009
Once I started, I read this book straight through because I
was so interested to see what happened next. Rose's life with horses winds
through her family involvement in her passion, from showing and breeding to the
abuses of soring prevalent in the Tennessee Walking Horse training barns,
tragedies and accidents, heart-warming tales and chilling lessons for any horse
lover. Thank you for sharing your "horse life" with all of us, Rose.
Lori Northrup
Friends of Sound Horses Inc. (FOSH) President
TWHBEA Director
Activist for saving Tennessee Walking Horses from the abuses of soring
Tennessee Walking Horse lover, breeder and rider since 1978
Parelli Level 3 graduate
The Christmas break gave me time to read your manuscript. Very well done and a
marvelous documentary of how horses have played an important role in your life.
You have dealt with much pain as a horse owner, mom and friend. Yet you have
risen from hurt each time through renewal with a new acquaintance and the will
to share and love an amazing life. I admire your courage, your honesty and thank
you for the story. I hope you will share this story many times over as people
seek your print. Keep writing, perhaps our greatest gift is the one we have
hidden within ourselves.
Dr. David Whitaker
Director
of the Horse Program at Middle Tennessee State University
I
I finished the book last night and my it has been powerful. I cried, I learned, I'm angry, and the book is sticking with me.... I am so impressed with your life and your work and your guts to put it all in writing for all to benefit from.... I just read to enjoy and learn! I did both.
Nancy Ringle
