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I LOVE this book! This book basically combines everything I love and care most about in life into one thing, and the fact that it's nonfiction and everything in it is actually happening in real life only makes it better! This book is full of emotion and I could feel every emotion Debbie, Jorge, and their horses experienced. I felt their joy radiate off the pages and their sorrow with my own tears. It's also so funny because I recently bought the movie "Apple of my Eye" only to find out now that one of Debbie and Jorge's horses is in the movie! This book has some heavy emotions in it at times, but it is such an inspiration. I want everyone to read this book!

This book shows just how big some peoples' hearts areI The horses themselves are just as special. With the empathy these little ones feel for the people they are sent to console is nothing short of amazing. I thank NetGalley and Revell for providing this book to read before publishing.

I've always loved horses, which is why I requested to read this book. This book was very well written and was such an uplifting story.

I’ve followed Gentle Carousel for a while now on Facebook but I never really knew the backstory as to how the organization was created and where all they’ve travelled to over the years. Most of the stories will move you to tears. The difference that these little horses make in peoples lives is incredible. Though they’re tiny, the make a big impact by giving people strength and hope in their darkest moments. I’d recommend this book to horse lovers, animal lovers, or anyone needing a pick me up.

Honest review provided in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley.

Love this story of hope and helping. It’s a totally uplifting story with a super adorable main character.

Love this story about a mini horse that gave hope. As with all animal stories I suggest when you read this one that you have tissues handy.

This book is absolutely amazing! I was crying most of the read it was so incredibly inspiring. Such an amazing service these horses provide too so many hurting people that are of all ages and ailments.

The young and old, sick or grieving, even those suffering from traumatic experiences. I had no idea this amazing organization existed and the story of how they have grown and selflessly served others is definitely inspired.

The authors have done a fenominal job telling the story about these miniature therapy horses.

I'm so humbled by the dedication and commitment that Debbie and Jorge undertake to bring comfort to others with their horses. Every single story is amazing and incredibly touching, I was blown away by the amazing joyand love these horses have provided.

I am incredibly grateful for this book it has been a blessing to read and I pray for the continued growth and success of this program and I hope it continues to bring comfort to those who need it.

I am a horse person. Have been since I sat on a horse as a little girl. My mother recently found a photo of two- or three-year-old me on a pony. There is also a picture from Estes Park, Colorado of me grinning as my father led a little roan pony named Strawberry. You can probably guess what color she was: red—or chestnut, in horse-person terms. I have experienced firsthand the therapeutic nature of a horse. My mare, Honey, can calm me when nothing else can. When I found Mini Horse, Mighty Hope by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, I knew I had to read it.

“Read this book slowly,” I said. I wanted to absorb it one chapter at a time, relishing in the stories about Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. Let me start this by saying I utterly failed at that. Mini Horse, Mighty Hope made me so happy that I could not stop reading it. I aimed to read one chapter then would discover I had read for an hour. It is such a sweet book, all about the power of little ponies with big hearts. About the willingness and selflessness of volunteers. About laughter and healing. About the emotional and mental hardships faced not only by those affected by illness or disaster. Mini Horse, Mighty Hope also signs a light on the intense emotions precariously balanced on the shoulders of responders and counselors. Doctors and parents.

My review of Mini Horse, Mighty Hope by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea may be biased, as I am an equestrian. Horses bring me peace. Some of my best memories involve equines—and those memories have often come in very hard periods of my life. People have heard of therapy dogs, visiting hospitals. During high-stress situations at my office, the animal rescue across the street will sometimes bring puppies. Suddenly, everything improves with tiny paws and rough tongues. Horses do not have paws. They don’t lick. But they have manes and tails you can brush. Muzzles you can pet. Necks you can hug.

Mini Horse, Mighty Hope discusses challenging and heartbreaking events like school shootings, tornadoes, and hurricanes. But in each situation, peace exists. Joy exists. Hope exists, just as the book’s title suggests. All it takes is an animal—a selfless, simple being—to serve as a reminder. Any animal will probably do. But there is something about a horse, especially a miniature one! Horses scare a lot of people. Their size and physical power both intimidate. But minis…the response I hear to meeting one for the first time is “Awwww!” And tiny horses in costumes?! ADORABLE.

Non-horse people may not understand just how hard it is to do certain things with horses. While many are curious, they are also fearful animals. In a “flight or fight” scenario, they respond with flight. On her birthday, I tried to put a party hat with fringe on my horse’s head. Her reaction: “HECK NO.” Snorting, flinging her head back, moving backward. She’s calm in new places but still uncertain, constantly checking in with me for assurance. The fact that Gentle Carousel’s horses will wear full costumes? That they’ll walk inside buildings? That they’ll ride elevators? That they’ll stand quietly in front of big groups of people? That they’ll approach new people with no hesitation? Astounding.

I loved every minute I spent in this book. It made me think. It made me laugh and grin just as I did on Strawberry when I was a child. Mini Horse, Mighty Hope is about little horses—and their people—with a big message and big impact. The simply written book may not have the same effect on everyone as it had on me as a horse person…but my heart is so incredibly happy. Yours will be, too.