The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, written and illustrated by Paul Goble and published in 1978, follows the story of a young Native American girl who wishes to run free with wild horses. A violent storm comes upon the village as the young girl is taking a nap beside the village horses. When she awakes, the horses are running frantic and scared. She is able to ride one horse out of the storm. Once the horses stop running, the girl finds herself in an unknown land. A wild spotted stallion greets her and welcomes her to roam free with him forever. After being found by members of her village, she is taken home but grows very sad and sick. The only healing is for her to be returned to her wild stallion friend. She is returned to the wild horses and lives the rest of her days

running free.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is a gorgeous fictional picture book that truly captures the magic and color of Native American culture. It is important for children to learn about and understand the history of the Native Americans and their contribution to American history. The illustrations by Goble are breathtaking. The colors are vivid and the shapes are reminiscent of the Native American's artistic style that is used to decorate animal skins used for shelter and clothing.

When searching for a book that represented multi-cultural literature, I could not help but be drawn to a story that related to my heritage. My Great Grandfather was full-blood Cherokee. The Native American culture has always fascinated me. I also attribute my personal love of dance to my cultural roots. The end of The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is beautiful and touching. Goble writes,

And the one year she did not return and was never seen again.

But when hunters next saw the wild horses there galloped beside

 the mighty stallion a beautiful mare...They said the girl had surely

become one of the wild horses at last.

Tears formed in my eyes as I read the last page and saw the illustration of two horses standing together, hugging necks. I think children love this book for its color, depiction of magical horses, and the young girl's life of freedom. Without being stereotypical or cliche', Goble portrays the Native American culture  in a whimsical and touching light. In society, I feel that Native Americans are represented in association with cowboys, typically shooting arrows and fighting settlers. This book does depict warriors riding horses as they hunt and gather buffalo. However, it is a softer representation that I feel is important for children to learn. They, too, can relate to the young girl as she lives in her community and has dreams.

Motivational activities:

*Dreams are so important for children. In The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, the young girl dreams of living and running free with wild horses. Have your child(ren) create a dream collage, where they depict their dreams and goals with text, art, magazine clippings, etc. 

*At the very back of The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, Goble lists two Native American poems: one is a Navaho song and the other is a dream of real-life Oglala Sioux Black Elk. Have your child(ren) choose one of these poems and use it to explain what they believe is the importance of horses in Native American culture. 

Reader response questions:

1. What turn of events causes the young girl and horses to journey to an unknown land?

2. Who does the young girl meet and befriend in the unknown land?

3. What happens to the young girl after she returns home to her family and village?

Further reading by Paul Goble:

*Custer's Last Battle

*The Gift of the Sacred Dog

*Buffalo Woman

*Beyond the Ridge

*I Sing for the Animals

*The Lost Children