Comment from Spitfire

Exceptional

Another beautiful write that transports the reader into a horse's world. I love how you pick the names and what great photo to go with this chapter. If a horse hoof steps on your foot, would it break some bones?

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023

Hi Shari,
Thank you for the six stars. Also for the comments about being transported to the horse's world. Glad you like the names.
As far as a horse stepping on your foot--yes, it could break some bones especially if you are not wearing sturdy shoes or boots. It's probably why I don't own a pair of open-toed shoes and have never worn flip-flops. I've been lucky. I can't count the times I've had a horse step on my feet. Usually, it's not a big deal because I wear boots and a horse will jump away from something that feels unexpected like your foot instead of the ground so the contact is usually short. A couple of times, I've suffered a little swelling and a few bruises, but wearing boots is a great protection.
Have a great week.
Debi

Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

Great continuation to the story, Debi. I'm happy all 4 horses have now made it out of the ship and to freedom on the beach. Now for the goat.

You made these scenes of rescue very real and somewhat terrifying for all involved. Nice job of writing. - Jim

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023

Hi Jim,
I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Whew! Yes, those horses are finally out. I appreciate the kind comments about the writing.
Have a great week.
Debi

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Debi,, having had quite a few horses over the years, and also ritten and competed in Dressage, this obviously appealed to me. As you know, all the movements in dressage is what horses naturally do in nature. The art is to perfect them and at one point it's the horse teaching the rider. Those are the really talented ones. And the colt seems to have that quality. I will be looking forward to what's next. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023

Hi Ulla,
First, loved the interview with Helen. It was good to get to know you better.
I'm excited that you have done dressage. It is rare in my part of the country. Lots of rodeos in the Western US so finding dressage instruction and competition is difficult. I love it when I can find it though.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Have a wonderful week.
Debi

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I think anyone who watches the olympics knows what dressage and cross country is, our nation has performed fairly well over the years, as did Princess Anne representing England, this is beautifully written Debi, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023

Hi Roy,
In the Western US it is rare to find dressage and what we see of the Olympics usually cuts the horse performances. Mostly, we have rodeos in this area. I love watching dressage when I can find it. Yes, I admire Princess Anne's riding, too. She was very good.
Have a wonderful week.
Debi

reply by royowen on 26-Sep-2023

And the Queen,

reply by the author on 26-Sep-2023

Yes. She was a wonderful horsewoman.

reply by royowen on 26-Sep-2023

Yep, she was

Comment from Sally Law

Excellent

Oh my goodness! I just knew this one wasn't going to go as smoothly. I'm glad he's okay. The other horses are wonderful brothers. Now for the goat--!

Sending you my best today as always, and best wishes for the book.
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2023

Hi Sal,
Thank you for the best wishes and for the encouraging comments. Yes, still the goat to go.
Have a great weekend.
Debi

Comment from GWHARGIS

Exceptional

Love the names. The way each horse showed their individual personalities. This chapter I was holding my breath, hoping that neither Ava nor Hermes would get hurt. I even tucked my feet at the mention of the horse stepping on Ava. Love when a writer can make me become the protagonist. Great job. Gretchen

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2023

Hi Gretchen,
Sorry for the delay in responding. It's been a busy week.
Thank you so much for the beautiful six stars and the lovely comments to go with them. I love that you tucked your feet so they wouldn't get stepped on. I appreciate the encouragement.
Have a great weekend.
Debi

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

This is absolutely superb and, once again, I'm out of sixes before I get to you. Your horsemanship carries this original story so well and brings these horses out of the screen and into reality. You understand them and they in turn respond to you and this deep relationship is conveyed credibly and engagingly throughout your story. It becomes quite a journey of faith and love which is very unique and rather poignant. Well done and I'm so sorry I can't reward you properly. But don't forget the goat:) Debbie

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2023

Hi Debbie,
You are so kind. I appreciate the virtual six to brighten my day, as well as the kind comments about the writing. I appreciate the encouragement. Yes, we just the goat to go.
Have a great weekend.
Debi
Have a great weekend.

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

I think names mean a lot when it comes to animals and I read a post by Wendy (Wendy G.) when renaming a dog it had a magical affect on the animal. I loved the names of these horses and when it comes to training horses it sounds like you are a pro Debi and I enjoyed your lively post. Thrilling and entertaining and well written, a joy to read, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2023

Hi Dolly,
I agree that names mean a lot. I read Wendy's post, too. That was a great story.
Thank you for the kind comments about the writing and the names of the horses. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Debi

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Exceptional

The opening paragraph with all the images of sight and sound sets the stage for another great chapter.

I like that you took the time to find meaningful names for each horse instead of just assigning the first thing that came to mind. It shows you are not rushing this piece, but taking your time to thoroughly tell the story.

I wonder what the goat's name will be:-)

I really look forward to these chapter each week, Debi. The interaction between the horses is so sweet and, with you, I trust that this is factual horse-world behavior.

Thanks for another very good chapter.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2023

Hi Pam,
Sorry for the delay in responding. It's been a busy week.
Thank you so much for the six stars to brighten my day. I appreciate the specific analysis of the opening paragraph and how you like the names of the horses. I appreciate the encouraging comments.
Factual behavior, yes. I had one reviewer respond that Hermes in the elevator reminded him of one time he was on a small plane with a horse and even sedated, he was afraid the horse was going to kick the plane to pieces. Oh, they do have personalities of their own.
Have a great weekend.

Comment from JSD

Excellent

An excellent continuation of your story that was a tough one. And the names are perfect. A godlike quartet. Nice! Now surely the goat will be easy after that? Can't wait.

John x

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 28-Sep-2023

Hi John,
Thank you for your gracious comments. I'm glad you like the names. Yes, just the goat to go. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Have a great week.
Debi