Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett’s GETTING ALONG WITH RUSTY: Horses, Healing, and Therapeutic Riding (Mostly a Memoir) pairs an uplifting autobiography with an immersive deep dive into the world of therapeutic horse riding. Bartlett, who has experience as both a horsewoman and somatic therapist, begins her (almost) memoir with the first time she met the horse at the center of this story, Rusty: “I could barely see his face, dark against the background of his unlit stall […] My heart broke open then and there, despite my knowing nothing about how much this young horse’s psyche was already broken.” Despite the animal’s age, condition, and some logistical concerns (including a lack of experience with young horses), Bartlett purchased Rusty. It was a decision that would change the course of her and Rusty’s lives.

The first portion of Bartlett’s book offers readers a glimpse into the world of horses. A list of “firsts” (first lesson, first horse, etc.) soon gives way to therapeutic riding, eventually leading to Bartlett going into business for herself as The Horsey Therapist. As an experiential, kinesthetic learner, Bartlett related to the “animals without language” that she worked with. It was a nasty bout of burnout, however, that inspired Bartlett’s mission to develop an effective method of therapy for “difficult” horses showing subtle “signs of distress.” From there, Bartlett details her journey as a rider, trainer, therapist, and horse owner. The author’s relationship with Rusty in particular is hardly a smooth road, but ultimately yields tangible personal and emotional growth: “When I was young, it felt unsafe to depend on others. My personal healing allowed me to accept Rusty’s growing dependency.”

If nothing else, a memoir is a bold exercise in intimacy. After all, summoning the courage to share one’s personal journey with the world is no small feat. Still, translating a life-story into something that is universally appreciated can be challenging. In this regard, GETTING ALONG WITH RUSTY occasionally falls a bit short. Those who like or have a background with horses will appreciate the instructional beats of this narrative; but for everyone else, Bartlett’s relationship with Rusty will likely be what resonates the most.

Fortunately, all animal lovers will enjoy the warmth, grace, and compassion Bartlett shows her aging horse. Lines like “I discovered it was possible to welcome dependency” speak to the monumental growth Bartlett experiences throughout her time with Rusty. Additionally, some readers will likely take an interest in the therapy-focused components of the book. Access and awareness are universal, but Bartlett does an excellent job laying out and explaining the tremendous value and healing potential of therapeutic riding.

Despite its narrow focus, the book is still an excellent read, thanks in no small part to Bartlett’s unflinching honesty and conversational tone. As Bartlett explains early on, she had more in common with Rusty than she initially realized: “Our stories are different and the same. Life events interrupted normal developmental timelines for each of us.” The “interruptions” Bartlett refers to speak to the idea that life is forever a work-in-progress: a sentiment that just about everyone can relate to. And considering Bartlett’s intentions—”I hope this book benefits other horses who live and work with us humans”—GETTING ALONG WITH RUSTY is sure to be a success.

Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett’s GETTING ALONG WITH RUSTY: Horses, Healing, and Therapeutic Riding is both an inspirational memoir chronicling a journey of healing and an informative glimpse into the world of therapeutic riding.

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader