Reviews from

Four Horse Island

Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "Horse Number One"
Marooned on an island with 4 horses and a goat

33 total reviews 
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was all the reader in: Preparations to get the animals out of the cargo hold were taking longer than I anticipated." Nice choice of onomatopoetic words. Those are always fun to locate. Nice work. Now I see I will go back to ch 1. I will eventually get caught up.

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023
    Hi Liz O'Neill,
    Thank you so much for going back to read previous chapters. I am so honored. I'm glad you enjoyed the onomatopoeia.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Debi
reply by Liz O'Neill on 02-Sep-2023
    You did a good job
Comment from Sanku
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

At one stretch I finished reading all the four previous chapters. Very interesting theme ;shick wrecked with 4 horses and a goat! I will definitely follow the progress

 Comment Written 16-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 19-Aug-2023
    Hi Sanku,
    First, my apologies for the delayed response, especially when you have honored me by going back to the beginning and catching up on the story--and awarding six stars. I am grateful that you would do that. It's been a crazy week so I am scrambling to catch up on responses. Thank you so much for stopping by to read and review.
    Debi
Comment from LJbutterfly
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

When I first read that Ava heard the sounds of a horse, I was surprised, and wondered why you didn't choose an easy animal like a dog, or a cat. Then I read Helen's (lyenochka) interview with you and discovered you are a horse whisperer. (smile) I can't wait to see what happens with the other horses. And then, there's that goat. Looking forward to the next episode.

 Comment Written 12-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 13-Aug-2023
    Hi LJbutterfly,
    Thank you for the six-star rating and the encouraging comments. I do like dogs and cats, but if I had to choose just one animal, it would be a horse. I'm so happy to hear you look forward to another chapter.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Debi
Comment from Faith Williams
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for the information in your notes, Debi. I know nothing about horses, so it was helpful to me. Another enjoyable read, I am wondering which of the horses might give Ava a bit of trouble. Or maybe the goat? I look forward to the next chapter.

 Comment Written 12-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 12-Aug-2023
    Hi Faith,
    I had a couple of people ask what giving a horse it's head meant. I grew up with the phrase and didn't realize it was so 'horsie'.
    Thank you for the kind comments and the questions the writing raises. I'm happy to hear you want to read more.
    Debi
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Debi,
This is a marvelous story of the rescue of the horses and the touch needed to accomplish the feat. Apollo is a wonderful name for him, and I think he approves as well. It's obvious, you have experience with horses; if not, than you're an even greater writer than I thought. :) The insight and small details
are all marvelous.
Well done.
looking forward to the next chapter,.
Best wishes.
Robert

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 12-Aug-2023
    Hi Robert,
    Thank you for the six stars and the kind comments about the writing. I grew up with horses. I also worked on a horse breeding farm during summers during college. It is so nice to say you look forward to the next chapter.
    Debi
Comment from nomi338
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There is much to digest here in this account. Of huge importance is the lesson, easy does it. A calm approach I think, always works best when dealing with an animal. Being forcefully rough with a large and powerful animal might be a huge mistake, especially if he decides to fight against the rough treatment.

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 12-Aug-2023
    Hi nomi338,
    Thank you for the six stars and for the comments about how to interact with animals. I appreciate the encouragement.
    Debi
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I could follow your story without chapters 1-3. Good story.
I do not not as a rule, care for young adult or horse stories.
But this was well done. I would put in more action, if I had to gripe about something. Enjoyed the story.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 10-Aug-2023
    Thank you.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Other than one ride on a horse who tried its best to run me against a four post fence, my experience is too shallow to say more than I find them beautiful, and have photographed a few at the TIEC in Tryon NC

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 11-Aug-2023
    Hi Tim Horonzy,
    I can relate to your experience. We used to have a pony that had several tricks to get the rider off. I agree they are beautiful animals and fun to photograph. Thanks for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate the encouragement.
    Debi
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Great artwork and story to go with it, Debi. It flowed well and you make it very believable. They always say, "write what you know," and you do a great job with the first horse to be led to the elevator. But here was also a lot of preparation and pep talks. I could picture each scene, especially with the first horse when you were describing its "rippled muscles." Ana is very patient with the horse, and makes sure he is comfortable with each step.

I was still leery about the elevator because I don't like them, but it has gotten better over the years. Luckily, everything went smoothly even though Ana also thought about being stuck in the elevator with a horse that won't like being in a tight space. I like the ending as she gives him a name, and he responds. Your love of horses is very evident in this. Very well done!!

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 12-Aug-2023
    Hi Pam,
    Thank you for the six stars. I appreciate the comments about the writing and the characters.
    I hear you about elevators. They are not my favorite contraption, but necessary sometimes.
    Thank you for the comments regarding horses.
    I appreciate your encouragement.
    Debi
reply by Pam (respa) on 12-Aug-2023
    You are very welcome, Debi, and I appreciate your reply.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I know very little about horses and I learned from you and your experience with them here as they need to be reassured in times of trouble. A fine post Debi, an endearing post, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 11-Aug-2023
    Hi Dolly,
    Thank you for the kind comments about the writing and your comments about horses. I appreciate the encouragement.
    Debi