Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Nice horsemanship. Nice writing, too.
Good work.
I like how you capsulized the previous chapters.
Being on chapter 33 in One Man's Calling would not be quite as easy.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Wayne Fowler,
Thank you for the kind comments about the horsemanship and the writing.
I will have to change the synopsis with the next chapter since I reached the character limit for that field, but it worked this time. :)
Thank you for stopping by.
Debi

Comment from Alexandra Trovato

Excellent

This is such a unique story, and that is why I enjoy reading. The interactions between Ava and the horses, particularly Horse #1, is so sensitive. As I read, I began to feel I could get goosebumps, too. It's how you describe the feeling of freedom, the sounds calling out to the world and even the extra sensitive hearing is I didn't realize horse were so sensitive, although I love all animals I haven't been close to horses, in that way, in my life. You share a lot and inform and enlighten, too. Thank you. Beyond excellent writing! Best wishes!

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 08-Aug-2023

Hi Alexandra Trovato,
Thank you for the very encouraging review. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so far. I appreciate you comments about the horse and how it made you feel.
Debi

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

What does "I gave him his head" mean? Gave him space to think about it?

I'm loving this so far! I didn't think I would, since I'm not a friend to horses, but I love the relationship between Ava and the horses. Knowing your history with them, it's like YOU are Ava and I'm reading about how you relate to these animals. I'm going to learn a lot about horses and horse behavior reading this, I'm sure. Maybe I won't be so afraid of them when I'm done with this.

A question you can probably answer: If a horse is in pain, say he is being whipped hard, what kind of sound would he make? It's for a scene in my Dolly series - I have him squealing. If you have a better adjective, I would appreciate it.

xo
Pam

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 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 08-Aug-2023

Hi Pam,
Great question. yes, you are right, it is giving the horse space to consider the situation. I guess I'm around horse people enough not to realize that "gave him his head" is a term other people might not understand. I'll put something in the notes.

It means ceding control to the horse, maybe not completely, like you say, giving them space, enough that they feel free to move as they wish. In this context, it is allowing the horse enough freedom to investigate by sniffing or even testing things with its hoof. It allows them a feeling of control in a tense situation so they don't panic.

Thank you for the encouraging comments about Ava and the horses.

Horses do squeal, groan, moan, grunt, and many of the sounds we make. If the horse is very upset it might make a sound called a roar or trumpet--which is a really loud whinny with all sorts of emotion in it. If I heard that, I would be running in the horse's direction to see what was up.

reply by the author on 08-Aug-2023

I would say "squeal" would be appropriate in the context you mention unless the animal is fighting back.