What if you grew up on a horse farm and your single passion was to become a champion horseback rider? The problem is, you were born with a disability. Doctors tell your parents you’ll never walk, let alone ride. What will happen next? What does her dad do that changes her life? Will a failed racehorse and a handicapped girl become a winning team? This is the author’s true story of her journey. … Even if Deanie prevails, will she find exactly the right horse to help her win?
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This was an enjoyable book with a great message for anyone. Although it is written for children, I am well past childhood and enjoyed it a lot.
The author was born prematurely and when she was still unable to walk at the age of three, her parents were told that she had Cerebral Palsy and would never be able to walk. However, her Daddy (especially) was determined that Deanie would be able to walk and more. Her parents bought a horse farm named Sweetbrier and there her life truly began.
Deanie slowly learned to ride a horse and then eventually became a champion rider and jumper. Her determination and persistence are an inspiration to anyone reading this book.
This would be a great book to read or listen to as a family or a good book for young readers to read for themselves. The courage, patience, determination, persistence and positive attitudes shown by Deanie and her family have a great message for all of us.
The narrator was perfect for this book and added a lot to it. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the publisher and chose to review it.
I loved it
My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a beautiful, touching true story about a little girl that was diagnosed with the condition Cerebral Palsy and was told by her doctor that she would never be able to walk. Her father would not accept that diagnosis and instilled faith in his little girl, and he set out to teach her to ride horses and felt if she could do that, she would be okay. Her parents opened a riding school (Sweetbrier) so that her dad could keep his promise to her. Despite her diagnosis, the family sets out on quite a journey in life. I recommend this book for older-aged children for a couple of reasons because it is a touching story of determination and it teaches a lesson never to give up, and it also teaches that dreams can come true.
My Life at Sweetbrier, is author, Deanie Dunne’s recounting of life at her childhood home–a horse farm in Connecticut. Deanie was born with cerebral palsy. For most people, that would be enough to deter them from ever riding a horse. But not for Deanie. Thanks to her father’s “can do” philosophy, Deanie became a skilled rider, winning many riding competitions. It wasn’t without challenges, though. Deanie shares the adversities she had to overcome and offers encouragement for others to do the same.
Written in a conversational style, readers can feel that Deanie is talking directly to them. Sprinkled throughout the book are photographs of Deanie as a young child and as a teenager with her horses. Young readers, ages 8-12, especially those who love horses, will enjoy this book. The message of perseverance even in the face of obstacles is an important one for everyone to learn. An inspiring book, highly recommended.