In a Land of Awe: Finding Reverence in the Search for Wild Horses

Both informative and engaging. Well researched, full of important facts and details, and beautifully written with the eye of a poet. Stunning photos as well. A great addition to the study of our American wild mustangs.

For anyone who has had the blessing of seeing wild horses in person, this book will take your heart right back to that moment. Chad really captures that undeniable AWE one is consumed with in the presence of these amazing and iconic horses. Well done!

Well written & taught me a lot about a new subject - two of the best characteristics a non-fiction book can have. Spiritual & thoughtful exploration of life - using mustangs as a helpful conduit. It’s a thought-provoking book with stories from the heart. Oh, and features some spectacular photos too! 🐴

With “In a Land of Awe: Finding Reverence in Search of Wild Horses” Chad Hanson challenges us to spend time in our wild places with our wild horses (and other wildlife) because we NEED this. Now more than ever. The author reminds us we are creatures narrative and our wild places (public lands) and wild horses are a huge part of our personal and national narratives, and we are far too close to losing all of this by writing wild horses and wild lands right out of the story as agribusiness and other special interests take over our wild places and round up our wild horses, and exterminate our wild predators. Have you ever felt awe looking at a wild vista? Have you had your breath taken away by the beauty of a wild animal? Have you heard the sound of hundreds of hoof beats galloping across our plains and deserts? Or sat and watched the intricate and beautiful interactions between members of a wild horse band? Chad Hanson reminds us of the importance of these kinds of experiences and the value it has for both our souls and our society at large. We need these things. Read this book.

I read this book in one sitting, captivated by Chad's story. It is one that is similar to mine and his words resonated with me in so many ways. To see and spend time with wild horses on the range is a true treasure and Chad does a fantastic job of explaining their importance to the land and to the lucky few who get to truly know them. When I got to the chapter After the Roundups, I had to put the book down for a few minutes and brace myself because I knew what the chapter would entail. Through tears I picked the book back up and read his experience of no longer being able to find the wild bands he once spent time with. This book is worth its weight in gold and I highly recommend it.

This book was everything I thought it would be and 1000% more. Part educational, part poetic and heart-jarring, this book provides a deeper understanding of the threat of extinction wild horses are facing as well as the nuance of industry and politics that influence what we hear about the issue and what we think we can do about it. Hanson explains the ‘other side’ of the issue directly but with empathy. I found this book difficult to put down; a balm for my overstimulated, scrolling mind…a read that will transport you to wide open spaces and simultaneously bring you back to yourself and the ground. There are statements and moments described in this memoir that gave me goosebumps, that feel like intuition, familiar in some way. Horses have a connection with humans that is hard to explain. And yet…this book isn’t just about horses, it’s about us. Thought provoking and insightful of how we got here, it is a call to contemplate things beyond our understanding and to protect their possibility. It’s nourishing and a wake up call. Highly, highly recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Chad Hanson takes you on a journey of lessons learned while spending time in Nature. Having spent time myself among the wild horses of the West, I can relate to the sense of awe they create. This excerpt struck a chord with me... "Standing on the prairie with the last remaining wild horses on the continent is riveting. The animals capture your attention. It takes all your senses to absorb the setting: splendor, peace, and motion. You strain your eyes. Your heart beats, notably, in your chest. You have to remind yourself to exhale." This book reminds us of the importance of disconnecting from our screens and busy lives and how spending time in the wilderness is needed for our mind and soul.

Eloquently written by Chad Hanson, this inspirational book is a must read for anyone interested in America's wild horses and the perils they face in today's society. Part poetry, part history and part study of the dynamics of wild horse behavior, Mr. Hanson's poignant words will transport readers to the world of wild horses, leaving them in awe of their innate wildness and tenacity. This book will have readers questioning the importance of wilderness/wildness in their busy lives and may just convince them to take that journey to visit the wild horses. That's how advocates are made. Well done!