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The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son Hardcover – Bargain Price, April 14, 2009

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 376 ratings

When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy idea: why not take Rowan to Mongolia, the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing intersected?

THE HORSE BOY is the dramatic and heartwarming story of that impossible adventure. In Mongolia, the family found undreamed of landscapes and people, unbearable setbacks, and advances beyond their wildest dreams. This is a deeply moving, truly one-of-a-kind story--of a family willing to go to the ends of the earth to help their son, and of a boy learning to connect with the world for the first time.
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Amazon Exclusive: Temple Grandin Reviews The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son

Drawing from her own experience with autism and her distinguished career as an animal scientist, Temple Grandin has provided readers with extraordinary insight into how animals think, act, and feel. Her books include The Way I See It, and the national bestsellers, Thinking in Pictures, Animals in Translation, and Animals Make Us Human. We were eager to hear what Grandin thought about Rupert Isaacson and his family's quest to go to the ends of the earth to help their son. Read her exclusive Amazon guest review to find out.

This is a fascinating book. It is the tale of a family's journey to Mongolia with their five-year-old son who has autism. The family travels to the northern remote areas and lives with the nomads and herders away from the cities. I loved the descriptions of the nomad way of life, and that they were so accepting of a child with autism. Rowan loved baby animals and the people did not mind when he grabbed a baby goat and climbed into one of their beds with it. During the trip, Rowan developed improved language and behavior. He also had a magical connection with horses. There are many wonderful passages about Rowan’s exploits with a Mongolian horse named Blackie.

Rupert Isaacson was surprised at how accommodating the Mongolian people were. They tolerated Rowan's pushing, yelping, and joyful rushing about. At the end of the book the family get a rude awakening when a German tourist who was a psychologist disapproved of bringing a child with autism to a national park to view wild horses. I was interviewed by Rupert Isaacson before he wrote his book and we discussed perhaps the shamans and the healers in some traditional cultures had autistic traits. Their rituals with rhythmic chanting and repetitive movements have similarities to autistic "stims." When I was little, I went into a calm trance-like state when I rocked and dribbled sand through my hands.

Children with autism need to be exposed to lots of interesting things and new experiences in order to develop. One of the reasons the trip to Mongolia was so beneficial was that Rowan could explore lots of fascinating things such as horses, streams, plants, and animals in an environment that was QUIET. The Mongolian pastureland was a quiet environment free of the things that overload the sensory system of a child with autism. There were no florescent lights or constant noise and echoes. Some individuals with autism see the flicker of florescent lights which is like being in a disco with strobe lights. When I was a child, loud sounds hurt my ears.

Parents and teachers can duplicate the benefits of this trip without having to travel. Horseback riding is a great activity. Many parents have told me that their child spoke his/her first words on a horse. Activities that combine both rhythm and balancing such as horseback riding, sitting on a ball, or swinging help stabilize a disordered sensory system. There are lots of places you can take a child to explore nature such as parks, brooks or a field with tall grass. Children with autism need to be shown interesting things and encouraged to do new things. Everywhere Rowan went he was asked questions and encouraged to talk about the things he was looking at. You need to find QUIET, interesting places away from crowds of people, florescent lights, traffic, and noise, where you can engage the child and keep him tuned in. This is a great book and everyone who is interested in autism, animals or different cultures should read it. --Temple Grandin

From Publishers Weekly

In this intense, polished account, the Austin, Tex., parents of an autistic boy trek to the Mongolian steppes to consult shamans in a last-ditch effort to alter his unraveling behavior. Author Isaacson (The Healing Land) and his wife, Kristin, a psychology professor, were told that the developmental delays of their young son, Rowan, were caused by autism. Floored, the parents scrambled to find therapy, which was costly and seemed punitive, when Isaacson, an experienced rider and trainer of horses from his youth in England, hoisted Rowan up in the saddle with him and took therapeutic rides on Betsy, the neighbor's horse. The repetitive rocking and balance stimulation boosted Rowan's language ability; inspired by the results, as well as encouraged by such experts as Temple Grandin and Isaacson's own experience working with African shamans, Isaacson hit on the self-described crazy idea of taking Rowan to the original horse people, the Mongolians, and find shamans who could help heal their son. The family went in July, accompanied conveniently by a film crew and van, which five-year-old Rowan often refused to leave, and over several rugged weeks rode up mountains, forded rivers and camped, while enduring strange shamanic ceremonies. Isaacson records heartening improvement in Rowan's firestormlike tantrums and incontinence, as he taps into an ancient, valuable form of spirit healing. (Apr.)
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003P2VDB0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company (April 14, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 376 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
376 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story moving and inspiring. They describe the book as a great read with an engaging storyline. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and ability to describe events vividly. The book is considered an important read for anyone touched by autism, as it provides an amazing true story about an autistic boy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

67 customers mention "Heartwarming story"67 positive0 negative

Customers find the story moving and inspiring. They describe it as a fascinating adventure that takes them on many journeys. Readers appreciate the true-to-life story of love and healing. The book is described as complete and heartwarming.

"...Your heart will remind you on each page that despite the fascinating adventure and exotic nature of their efforts this was a brilliant and loving..." Read more

"...The movie is a nice complement to the book but the book is so much more complete and heart-touching...." Read more

"Great book. Love the story" Read more

"...The book is endlessly self-reflective and filled with inessential information such as the pet name the author and his wife gave their child, the half..." Read more

48 customers mention "Readability"48 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it interesting, well-written, and heartwarming. The CDs are also appreciated.

"...I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait each day until I had time to pore over a few more pages...." Read more

"...In the book they were evidently grateful. The Horse Boy was a great read--I couldn't put it down. It a heart-warming memoir...." Read more

"...A fabulous book that deserves an even wider audience." Read more

"Great book. Love the story" Read more

34 customers mention "Inspirational content"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and well-written. They appreciate the message of acceptance of thoughts and practices from both Western and non-Western perspectives. The story helps readers understand the challenges faced by the author and her family. Readers find it educational, therapeutic, and helpful in understanding autism better.

"...Their amazing story was absorbing, sincere and inspiring...." Read more

"...The genius of this book is in showing that there is a world of holistic help out there for those who seek it...." Read more

"...And what did this all mean about him? The book is endlessly self-reflective and filled with inessential information such as the pet name..." Read more

"...places searching for the healers for their son. This was an inspiring and very well written story...." Read more

21 customers mention "Writing style"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find it well-written and engaging, with a descriptive narrative that makes them feel like they are there. The author's honesty and straightforward approach make it an easy read for those with autism.

"...The author is an excellent writer...." Read more

"...was extremely touched by the intuition, compassion and descriptive ability of the author in describing this inspiring true life experience with his..." Read more

"...I was not disappointed. He is a brilliant writer who made me feel like I was there in that big land, under the huge skies, smelling horse sweat and..." Read more

"This book is incredibly inspiring. It is well written and a joy to read. I was able to picture what they were going through with Rowan...." Read more

17 customers mention "Autism awareness"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's autism awareness. They find it an important read for anyone touched by autism, as it is a true story of an autistic boy. The author writes lovingly about his autistic son, even through his frustrations. The book is about the highs and lows of having a child with an exceptionality.

"...did with their autistic child, it certainly gives the reader a different way of thinking about autism...." Read more

"...may not agree with the theological stance, it gives wonderful insight into the mind of an autist...." Read more

"This is the amazing true story of an autistic boy who became interested in the horse next door. Riding it with his dad, he improved in communication...." Read more

"...Education I was interested to read this father's unusual approach to dealing with Autism...." Read more

5 customers mention "Beauty"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's beauty and charm. They find it well-written with humor. The book looks new and is delivered on time.

"...that take you on a meaningful pilgrimage to a remote and beautiful land and to a place that has retained or regained it's cultural purity...." Read more

"...The horses also played a huge role in the boy's healing. The book was colorfully and beautifully written (with some humor)...." Read more

"...It's not an easy trip but it is one filled with beauty, magic,courage and hope. So much hope." Read more

"We take a journey that is uplifting, inspiring and breathtaking. We cannot believe the courage and determination of Rowan's parents." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2010
    I was thrilled beyond measure with this acccount of a staggering journey by two dedicated and enlightened parents to help their autistic son. Their amazing story was absorbing, sincere and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait each day until I had time to pore over a few more pages. Few parents have the courage and options to do what they did and I applaud them from the rooftops for blazing a trail and sparing no effort to take some risks for their child.

    As a mother who has parented seven children myself (not all my own)I truly appreciate that one must often seek alternative solutions to some of the challenges life presents us through our kids. I have also traveled the world (over 60 countries) and have had the benefit of learning so much from what many consider to be primitive cultures. I have been humbled by people of simpler / different "worlds" on four continents and owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many. I'm so thankful that there are others who choose to become leaders rather than followers while attempting to ease that enormous inner pain that accompanies having a child who is challenged in some way. We owe these people considerable respect for what their book can teach us.

    Also, as a horse lover (we share our home with four), I have seen the immense changes in people who are introduced to them and offered the opportunity of horse therapy.

    My first encounter with books on autism was Temple Grandin. As an animal lover I was delighted by her efforts despite that we're largely "raw" and vegan. She has overcome so many huge challenges to teach us all that there are indeed other ways to deal with our limitations. Her insights into animals were breathtaking leaps forward in her field and very helpful to the rest of us.

    Read this book with an open mind; it's unique and engaging. Never discount what you do not understand. Your heart will remind you on each page that despite the fascinating adventure and exotic nature of their efforts this was a brilliant and loving attempt to offer the ultimate opportunity for healing to their son. To those who prefer a more clinical approach that's fine but more is the pity. This trip was a spectacular eye opener to what's possible and it seems to have worked some miracles.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2011
    A friend sent me a link to the trailer of The Horse Boy, but I ended up reading the book before I saw the movie (which is available for instant streaming from Netflix and Amazon Prime). The movie is a nice complement to the book but the book is so much more complete and heart-touching. From the book I got a much greater sense of the challenge and anguish caring for Rowen created. The book also provided a greater contrast of the post-Shamanic Rowen. One got a sense from the movie that Rupert and Kristen were very unwilling to say directly that the Shamanic rituals were the cause of relief of the most distressing of the autistic displays. In the book they were evidently grateful. The Horse Boy was a great read--I couldn't put it down. It a heart-warming memoir. A gripping travelogue that take you on a meaningful pilgrimage to a remote and beautiful land and to a place that has retained or regained it's cultural purity. Although I give it 5 stars I do have one complaint; I would liked to have heard more from the mother of Rowen. This is the story of a father and son but I think another fascinating layer would be to hear more from Kristen. A sequel, please?
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2011
    Rossa Forbes is the author of Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change

    This is an earthshaking book. The author, Rupert Isaacson has done a real service to parents of "diagnosed" children of any age by showing how beliefs and leaps of faith can change outcomes. By the time you read my review, the story of a father taking his autistic son to Mongolia to ride horses and visit shamans has been well covered by other reviewers. The genius of this book is in showing that there is a world of holistic help out there for those who seek it. You don't have to travel to Mongolia; there are shamans in every country of the world who have kept up with ancient practices.

    For several years I have been occupied in writing my own memoir about my son, except in this case the diagnosis was "schizophrenia." Once I realized, as the author of this book did, that our family was on own our own in finding real help for schizophrenia, that's when it began to get interesting and rewarding, if you have an open mind and are willing to suspend disbelief.

    The huge contribution of The Horse Boy is in showing how relevant shamanic healing is and how quickly it can work compared to taking a conventional medical route. In fact, the conventional medicine route has failed schizophrenia, and it seems to have done the same for autism. Autism and schizophrenia, to my way of thinking, are not medical conditions, although they masquerade as medical conditions. Major Western religions and western "science" has convinced us to reject shaman practices as the naive beliefs systems of primitive peoples. My experience with shamanic practices with my own son have convinced me that Hermann Hesse was absolutely right, that science is in the stone age compared to ancient wisdom.

    Isaacson has meticulously documented the changes that his son experienced almost immediately following each shamanic ceremony. When my own son underwent an assemblage point shift, using quartz crystal wands and heated gemstone lamps, I saw a lasting change in him within five minutes of getting up off the table. When my husband, my son and I undertook a shamanic therapy based on Zulu practices called Family Constellation Therapy, we were told to just walk away from it, not discuss what we had observed, and the magic would happen. The magic happened for my son several months later. He emerged from his almost non-verbal shell into a social young man.

    The author did so many things right. He looked past the autism diagnosis and marvelled at the magic associated with the condition. He was uneasy with the day program his son attended, which he felt only reinforced his son's autistic tendencies. I felt the same way about the day program my twenty year old son attended. I wish more people would think about what these programs are reinforcing beyond patient behaviour. There is a vast mental health industry out there that needs constant feeding.

    It's better to believe in magic. Magic has a lot to offer these conditions that drugs and day programs cannot. One of my big criticisms about the "official" lack of progress in schizophrenia is that we have been led down the garden path when it comes to the role of the family background in producing these conditions. This is where the drug companies really score big. It's not parenting, it's faulty brain chemistry, they console us, all the while prescribing drugs (far too many) which are supposed to allow our relative to "function." Shamans doesn't believe in that sort of drug company nonsense. They go straight to the source, and yes, it's usually found in our complex family backgrounds. Believing in family curses is what shamanism is all about. The Old Testament of the Bible is awash in curses,but the modern church steers us to the cheerier aspects of our religion, embarrassed about the quaint way the ancients saw the world. As the Horse Boy attests to, a death in the family, especially one that is tragic and young, has a ripple effect down the generations. Karmic debts have a way of accumulating. Restless ancestors have a way of interfering in the present. The good news is that you can clear this. The bad news is that many people are frightened of the focus on the family and prefer to believe that their relative has a damaged brain.

    A fabulous book that deserves an even wider audience.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
    Great book. Love the story

Top reviews from other countries

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  • cotyledon
    5.0 out of 5 stars An entrancing adventure story
    Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2022
    Here is a real life adventure of parents willing to travel through unfamiliar lands and unfamiliar paths of the psyche to find healing for their son. The narrative conveys the awkward and the wondrous with great sincerity, and though it speaks of many things that usually are left in silence for others' privacy, I feel that everyone here would be more than ok with how this story is told. Thank you Mr. Isaacson!
  • Joy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reading this book healed me. Gave me hope.
    Reviewed in Japan on April 15, 2021
    I loved horses when I was in my teens. The story about Rowen reminded me how the horses healed me then. Reading the story about Rowan healed me.
  • Remeaise
    5.0 out of 5 stars quick delivery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2013
    I was reccomended this book by a lady i sat next to on my way back from my holidays . I have not finished the book but I am enjoying it . Thanks
  • Roxanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bewegend und unvergesslich
    Reviewed in Germany on March 7, 2010
    Seit meinem 4. Lebensjahr lese ich leidenschaftlich gerne. Schätzungsweise 1000 Bücher habe ich bisher gelesen - The Horse Boy - gehört zu den Büchern, welche ich niemals vergessen werde. Sehr bewegend, intelligent, liebevoll - das Buch inspiriert mich sogar, über eine Reise nach Sibirien nachzudenken. Es gibt Dinge zwischen Himmel und Erde, welche wir mit unserem kleinen Menschenverstand nicht so einfach begreifen können. Rowan, you are a very lucky boy - having parents like Rupert and Kristin Isaacson. Take care of yourself and God bless you!
  • Tommy steele
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book especially for parents dealing with autism.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2020
    Reading!