Changing Horses: Summary Review

What if the key to healing your deepest wounds lay not in therapy or self-help books, but in the soulful gaze of a horse? In Changing Horses: One Woman's Journey Through Horse Racing, Horse Rescue, and Horse Reflection, Esta G. Bernstein invites readers into a transformative exploration of the human-equine bond, revealing how these majestic creatures can guide us toward profound self-discovery.

What is the Book About?

Changing Horses is a heartfelt memoir chronicling Esta G. Bernstein's lifelong connection with horses, from her early days as a horse-crazy child in Connecticut to her evolution into a dedicated equine advocate. The narrative delves into her personal experiences within the horse racing industry, her encounters with animal communicators, and her spiritual awakenings that led her to establish Saffyre Sanctuary, a haven for rescued horses. Through vivid storytelling, Bernstein shares how her interactions with horses not only shaped her life's purpose but also offered insights into the interconnectedness of all beings.

Beyond a personal journey, the book serves as an enlightening guide into the spiritual and emotional depths of equine companionship. Bernstein explores themes of transformation, healing, and the metaphysical connections between humans and horses. She introduces readers to concepts like "Equalia Actualization," emphasizing how understanding and aligning with the wisdom of horses can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of harmony with the universe.

Book Details

Print length: 240 pages
Language: English
Publication date: February 2, 2020
Genre: Memoir / Self-Help

Book Author

Core Theme

At its core, Changing Horses explores the profound, reciprocal relationship between humans and horses. Bernstein posits that horses are not merely animals but sentient beings capable of deep emotional and spiritual connections. Through her personal anecdotes and experiences, she illustrates how horses can mirror our inner selves, offering lessons in trust, empathy, and self-awareness. The book emphasizes the idea that by attuning to the wisdom of horses, individuals can embark on a journey of healing and personal growth.

Additionally, the memoir delves into the concept of spiritual awakening facilitated by equine interactions. Bernstein introduces readers to the notion of "Equalia Actualization," a philosophy that encourages embracing the teachings of horses to achieve a harmonious existence. She discusses how understanding the body, mind, and soul of horses can lead to a deeper comprehension of oneself and the universe, advocating for a life led by compassion, intuition, and interconnectedness.

Main Lessons

A few impactful summary lessons from Changing Horses:

1. The bond between human and horse heals deeply

Throughout *Changing Horses*, the author beautifully showcases how the profound relationship between horses and humans has the potential to transform emotional pain into spiritual resilience. Esta Bernstein invites readers into a world where horses are more than animals; they are soulful mirrors reflecting our inner selves. By quieting the mind and becoming more attuned to subtle energies, she demonstrates how healing begins with genuine presence and receptivity. Her experiences underline that horses instinctively respond to human emotion, and through this interspecies connection, individuals can unlock personal growth and healing that traditional therapy often struggles to reach.

2. Spirituality often emerges from life’s darkest valleys

The book doesn't shy away from discussing mental health struggles, including the author’s moments of despair and suicidal ideation. Rather than masking these challenges, Bernstein uses them as stepping stones to illustrate how deep spiritual awakening can emerge from our most painful life experiences. Her journey through emotional turmoil is presented with raw honesty, revealing that the process of self-discovery is rarely clean or linear. Instead, it is often born from chaos, self-confrontation, and surrender. Her resilience lies in her willingness to evolve, to "change horses" midstream when the ride of life calls for new direction.

3. Living in alignment means choosing soul over ego

One of the book’s recurring insights is the idea of making “source-based” choices as opposed to “web-based” or ego-driven ones. This framework encourages readers to question the origin of their decisions—whether they're coming from inner alignment and truth or from societal programming, fear, and superficiality. Bernstein’s shift from a conventional lifestyle to one immersed in service to horses and spiritual practice illustrates the liberation that comes with choosing authenticity. It’s a daily invitation to filter life’s noise and stay grounded in what genuinely resonates with the soul.

4. Animal consciousness is more profound than we think

A standout element in Bernstein’s reflections is her belief in the sentience and wisdom of animals, particularly horses. The book pushes the reader to consider that animals are not just responsive beings, but also carriers of consciousness that can communicate, sense, and offer wisdom—if we’re willing to listen. This perspective is not framed as metaphorical but as a real, lived experience where animal intuition and spiritual truths converge. Bernstein challenges the modern separation between humans and animals, suggesting a more harmonious worldview rooted in mutual respect and shared awareness.

5. Vulnerability creates the gateway to authenticity

Esta’s openness is disarming—she shares her life’s most personal moments without gloss, allowing the reader to witness both her spiritual highs and mental breakdowns. This vulnerability becomes her superpower. Through it, readers come to understand that strength doesn’t reside in perfection or certainty but in the courage to be fully seen. Her storytelling style feels less like a memoir and more like an intimate dialogue, encouraging others to drop the mask and stand boldly in their truth, no matter how messy or misunderstood it might be.

6. Horses teach us how to live in the present

Unlike humans, horses live completely in the now. They don't dwell on the past or worry about the future, and this presence becomes a sacred lesson for those who interact with them. Bernstein emphasizes how tuning into this energy helped her find clarity, peace, and purpose. Being around horses compelled her to slow down, to silence mental chatter, and to embrace the beauty of the moment. The more she immersed herself in their presence, the more she learned how to regulate her emotions and realign with a rhythm of life that honored stillness over chaos.

7. Healing is a reciprocal journey with animals

In *Changing Horses*, the healing is never one-sided. As Bernstein shares stories of rescuing horses—like the unforgettable journey of Hollie—she illustrates how the care she gave to animals was mirrored back to her in spiritual and emotional nourishment. It's not just about saving a creature in need; it's about being transformed in the process. The relationships she forms with these animals are deeply symbiotic, where compassion, trust, and mutual respect allow both human and horse to rise into their highest potential.

8. Purpose can be found in following your obsession

Bernstein’s obsession with horses began in childhood, long before she knew it would become her life’s mission. Instead of dismissing her passion as impractical, she leaned into it—even when it seemed eccentric or isolating. Her story reinforces that sometimes our deepest compulsions are breadcrumbs leading us to purpose. She didn’t rationalize or tame her curiosity; she followed it relentlessly, allowing it to mold her into a guardian for animal souls and a voice for spiritual transformation.

9. Radical self-love requires difficult choices

As Bernstein moved deeper into her calling, she made bold lifestyle changes—giving up meat, reevaluating relationships, and shifting careers. These weren't superficial decisions but expressions of radical self-love and alignment. By choosing what felt true over what was easy or expected, she honored her soul’s needs and the energy of the beings around her. Her journey reminds readers that self-love often demands sacrifice, discipline, and walking away from norms that no longer serve growth.

10. Every soul path is unique and must be honored

At its core, *Changing Horses* is a declaration that there is no one way to live a meaningful life. Bernstein’s spiritual views, while unconventional and even controversial to some, are rooted in lived truth and heartfelt conviction. She invites the reader not to copy her path, but to awaken their own—to listen deeply, trust their instincts, and embrace the call that speaks loudest to their heart. Whether that path involves horses, healing, or something entirely different, the lesson is to walk it boldly, unapologetically, and with full-hearted devotion.

Key Takeaways

Key summary takeaways from the book:

• Horses possess the ability to reflect human emotions, serving as mirrors to our inner selves.
• Building trust with horses can lead to profound personal insights and emotional healing.
• Spiritual growth can be achieved by embracing the lessons and wisdom offered by equine companions.
• Holistic approaches to horse care can enhance the well-being of both horses and their human counterparts.
• Establishing sanctuaries and advocating for animal welfare can lead to broader societal transformations.

Book Strengths

Changing Horses stands out for its authentic and heartfelt narrative that seamlessly blends personal memoir with spiritual exploration. Bernstein's candid storytelling offers readers an intimate glimpse into her transformative journey, making complex metaphysical concepts accessible and relatable. The book's strength lies in its ability to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and consider the profound impact animals can have on human growth and healing.

Who This Book Is For

This book is perfect for readers who are passionate about animals, particularly horses, and are interested in exploring the spiritual and emotional bonds between humans and animals. It's also ideal for individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves through the lens of animal companionship and intuitive connection.

Why Should You Read This Book?

Reading Changing Horses offers an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery guided by the wisdom of horses. Bernstein's experiences and insights provide a unique perspective on healing, empathy, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Whether you're an animal lover, someone seeking personal transformation, or simply curious about the spiritual dimensions of human-animal relationships, this book offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Concluding Thoughts.

Changing Horses is more than a memoir; it's a testament to the transformative power of compassion, intuition, and the deep bonds we can form with animals. Bernstein's journey illustrates how listening to and learning from our equine companions can lead to profound personal growth and a more harmonious existence.

For anyone seeking to understand themselves better, heal from past wounds, or explore the spiritual connections between humans and animals, this book serves as a guiding light. It's a compelling reminder that sometimes, the most profound teachers come with hooves and a gentle nudge.

→  Get the book on Amazon or discover more via the author's website.

* The publisher and editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, lessons, takeaways, or summary notes.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.