If you are at all interested in horses and especially rescue ones then you will like this book. As others have stated the writing can be a bit inconsistent from differing voices but I think that's what you have to bear in mind, they are differing voices. Covers courage and faith and determination and the value of horses themselves. Recommended.

This book was hard for me to read.

Each horse rescue story was written by a different person. So the stories seemed disjointed. I expected to be inspired by each story - but I was not. Some were good but most were just ok. There are probably better horse stories of rescue at the barn where I keep my horses. I really wanted to love this book.

A collection of short stories about horses and often, faith. The writing and story quality is all over the place. Some stories are really enjoyable. Some stories feel like getting stuck in conversation with that religious aunt that rambles on and on that family events.

In this collection of stories of rescue horses, you’ll discover the beauty of connection, the kindness of strangers, the luck of the draw and second chances.

Each horse found him or herself in need of rescue from a variety of situations – rounded-up wild mustangs, horses at the kill sales, racehorses, purebred horses, grade horses, young horses, handicapped horses, and old working horses past the age of earning their keep.

Their stories feature uplifting tales of second chances offered and are written by the rescuers. Not all the writing is consistent because it’s the rescuers, not necessarily professional writers, telling their stories, but the stories…ahh, they’re chronicles of courage, kindness, love and a second opportunity. And the editor has allowed each rescuer to keep her own voice and tell of her rescue her way. That is so much better than one homogenous “writer” voice because each horse’s and each rescuer’s experience is unique to them.

Each account is short and you can read the book in one sitting or savor a new chapter each day. This might be great to share with the horse-crazy youngster in your life, perhaps reading a story together daily.

This was such a cosy, heartwarming read. The stories were emotive, and really tugged at the heart strings. I'd certainly recommend this.

I was struck by the fact that each of the horse rescuers in this non-fiction book is a woman. Some live on ranches and some in suburban homes with a large yard and barn, but each of them managed to adopt at least one horse or donkey. Quite a few of the animals had been neglected, turned out or stabled and forgotten. This applied to pedigreed Arabians and the less exalted equally. When times turned bad, horses - racehorses in one story - were an unpayable expense.

Several of the horses were rescued from sales held after roundups of mustangs and burros. These horses sold for buttons and proved well chosen mounts once trained. Others were a purchase for a child, or a memory from childhood, and many of the women said they rescued a horse who also rescued them, perhaps after a tragedy or a divorce or the loss of a much loved mount. Expect some unexpected tears as you read.

A rescued zebra was a surprise. The writer tells us that some people, for unfathomable reasons, pay to shoot zebras on American ranches. The ranch sells the foal claiming its mother died. Zebras are not pets, and kick anything that might be a lion or jackal. A nice story was a rescued donkey working to guard a herd of sheep from dogs and coyotes. A minihorse or two make it into the pages, and the founders of Gentle Carousel, about which I read their book previously, grace the pages.

One point I noted as recurrent, is that when you have a horse, or rescue a horse, it's likely you'll adopt another horse in need. (Because you have land.) One lady had nine already, a lot of work and feeding, and just had to take in a horse she saw. Another writer had to start a nonprofit and raise funds as her habit grew so large. Each said these horses made great companions. Bless you, ladies, keep up the good work. I love and respect you all.

No photos were in my edition, but there might be some by the time it gets to publication.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

If you're looking for uplifting and touching stories, this is the book for you. Second-Chance Horses is a collection of short stories of horses in all situations who get a second chance by each author welcoming them into their stable and home. Each story is to be savored and enjoyed by all animal lovers as the power of love and patience with a challenged horse is conquered. Highly recommended for all ages and someone looking for an uplifting read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for this book.

Second-Chance Horses by Callie Smith Grant

Summary:
From miniature donkeys to enormous draft horses, from regal Arabian stallions to sassy Shetland ponies, horses and other equines bring us delight and comfort whenever we encounter them. Even more so, perhaps, when humans and horses are brought together through a rescue. Whether someone has started a rescue ranch on purpose or circumstances align to match up the right horse with the right person, stories of second chances warm our hearts and restore our hope.

This emotional and inspiring collection of true stories introduces you to a pony who helps a little girl get over her fear of riding, a donkey who discovers his purpose protecting vulnerable lambs, blind horses who teach their human about courage, and even a pony who somehow figures out how to drive a golf cart. By turns humorous and heartwarming, these delightful tales are the perfect companion for those times you long to slow down, take a load off, and enjoy the ride.

Review: 5-Star
This book really touched my heart. You see I rescued my first horse a PMU Foal in the Spring of 04 before he was even born and got him home as a weanling in Oct of 04. That same year I bought a mare and her 15-month-old colt whose name is Chance and is my soul-horse. I’ve then started being a QT(Quarantine) Hub for horses coming off the kill lots I currently have 3 mares from the kill lots that are mine, and I just recently gave a 4th away to a friend cause the mare took to her. I know how sometimes it seems they’ve rescued us not us rescuing them. Each of these stories touched and made me remember why I used to be a QT Hub sadly I had to give it up because I lost my husband and now live on a fixed income that doesn’t allow me the freedom I once had. If I had the funds, I’d gladly get back into it. I’ve seen so many wonderful horses come out of the kill lots,

Beautiful collection of stories about horses and humans saving each other in many different ways, showing the impact we have on each other. Perfect for the horse mad person!

This is a collection of very short stories by various people. The stories themselves are a bit hit or miss. Generally a hit, very sweet and emotional... yet also lacking something. Because the authors of those stries are just normal people and not writers, the writing is a bit inconsistent. But that is to be expected
In conclusion, I enjoeyd reading each story and they are a good time. Also because they are short, they can be read easily in small pockets of time. If you enjoy reading about horses, then this will be a nice time

I absolutely loved this book! It's a *Must Read* for anyone who loves horses. The stories are short, sweet heartwarming reads. This book would make a great gift! It deserves more than 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

These are wonderful stories about how humans and horses rescue each other. It is proof that everyone deserves a second chance, and that one good deed may grow and spread to others with rewards beyond imagination.

This will put joy in your heart and maybe bring a tear to your eye. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I was super excited to see this because my cousin has a story in here and I kept seeing her posting and talking about it on IG (HEY Dani!). I loved all the stories. They really highlight how amazing horses truly are. I love reading all the stories of the connections people have with horses. I love that this is good for a lot of age groups too, and whether you had/have horses or you have dreamed of owning horses, this is for you! Kinda like Chicken Soup for the Soul, these stories are short and sweet.

Second Chance Horses is a collection of horse stories that any horse lover would enjoy. Edited by Callie Smith Grant it is an easy-to-read anthology by various writers telling their stories of special horses and the interaction that they have had with them. While Most of these animals were rescued but during the reading of these stories you begin to understand how the rescuers were impacted in heart felt and inspiring ways too.

If you did not already have an appreciated for the intelligence and social nature of horses, you will certainly have one by the time you have read this book. Each entry is short, concise with all the emotional feels that you would expected in an animal book. Any one from middle grade would find this book a pleasure to read. The only thing that would have enhance the reading of it even more especially for younger readers would be photographs of some of the horses. Perhaps the hardback copy has photos but my digital copy did not.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

This is a feel good book for anyone who loves horses. Most of the stories were simple, personal essay's which might bring back memories for some, hopes for others. I am in the memory catagory. I thank NetGalley and Revel for the advance read and the look back.

This book is lovely, it is especially so because for over 40yrs my husband rescued many horses that no-one wanted and found loving h0mes for them. Most of them were off the harness racing track, but one special one was a stallion that was rogue. My husband is a Vietnam vet with PTSD., the relationship saved both their lives..
In these days of self indulgence, it is really lovely to read about people that care about other creatures, this book really had some wonderful moments and I enjoyed it very much.Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC .

Horses!! I absolutely love horses!! Second Chance Horses by Callie Smith Grant is ALL about horses and was a pure treat to read for this horse-loving-girl-at-heart. The author gathered a compilation of short stories from more than two dozen authors. Any woman who ever dreamed of owning a horse or maybe did own a horse, this book is for you. If you have a daughter who has those same dreams, this book is definitely for her. It would be a great gift to be treasured!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

While the collection is competently written, and the editing of the actual pieces is what would be expected from a feel good book.

However, the stories move from really simplistic and uninspiring: a nervous girl gains confidence in a riding class, a neglected horse finally finds a little freedom. However the issues I have with this book, are in the choices of stories to be told. While attempting to be uplifting there are issues here with horses as being disposable (bought for a teen with no plan for the horse when that child grows), really irresponsible "rescuing" where someone buys horses without a location to house them or a plan for how to feed or provide care among other really problematic themes in the horse world that are glorified here. The cherry on top is. a story about a blind therapy horse that is equal parts ableist and handi-porn. As someone who has spent the last three years attempting to rehabilitate two mares that were ruined by a lot of the human-centered thoughts of horses in the moment without appropriate plans for the lifetime care and expense this collection made me sad and angry. I will give it two stars because the writing and editing is not as bad as other horse writing I've attempted to read.

As a stereotypical horse girl, this was like Chicken Soup for the Soul for me! Absolutely heartwarming and like a comforting hug. So sweet to read all the different sweet stories about horses and their humans! Highly recommend for any horse lover!
A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this book. Like many girls, when I was young, I had horse fever. This collection of stories was nice. Some I like more than others. Some didn't quite seem to fit the subtitle, as they didn't really include a rescue of a horse from abuse. Or a horse rescuing a person from a broken heart. There were some mentions of "horse language" that those who aren't familiar with it might not totally understand. But overall, it was a nice collection.