By Dan Roark
The story of Kumakawa is written by his former and current owners, Ross Hartshorn and Helen McCarthy. It’s written from the point of view of the horse, which makes it interesting. Throughout the book there are things told in the book that a horse could not possibly know – even if he is told it by a border collie. But it makes the book a captivating read.
It begins with Kumakawa’s lineage. His grandfather was Nijinsky, who was named after the acclaimed Russian ballet dancer, Vaslav Nijinsky. As a three year old in 1970, he became the first triple crown winner since 1935, then continued winning to be confirmed one of the greatest flat horses of the century. Kumakawa was named after Tetsuya Kumakawa, an illustrious Japanese ballet dancer who was 26 years old at the time. To complete the theme of the lineage names, Nijinsky was sired by the incredible stallion, Northern Dancer. Kumakawa’s father was Dancing Spree.
While the authors do drag things out more than necessary – and you’ll see “to make a long story short” a number of times – it is still a very readable book. For one thing, it’s about horses. Kumakawa and his owners are located in Wales, so the British terms sometimes require a little research. Speaking for myself, that’s not a bad thing, it’s a learning experience. I find horses fascinating – I’m writing about them after all.
Terms such as horsebox, rather than horse trailer. “Come a cropper,” which means falling from a horse heavily. “Hacking” is riding a horse for fun or exercise. “On the naughty step,” which is basically in time out. Acclimatised rather than acclimated.
While it appears Kumakawa, in the book, knows more about the human things going on around him, the authors didn’t have much choice, other than interjecting themselves into the story – which would be unsettling and eventually annoying. It does, however, put the life of Kumakawa in historical perspective.
Over all, it’s a fun read. It’s not an “in one sitting” type of read. Some of the longer years when more things go awry can take a couple of sittings themselves. But, again, it’s about horses – with insights about horses galore. Then there’s the animal interactions. Kumakawa’s relationship to his border collie pals – Leah first, and then Daisy.
The interactions with Daisy are written and illustrated in three additional children’s books with more to come. The overall title of the books is The Adventures of Kumakawa, The Horse That Will Try Anything. The current three are Today It’s Karate, Today It’s Ballet, and Today He’s Australian.
Each book involves Kumakawa, Daisy, and a couple of friends. The overarching purpose of the books is to give children the confidence that they can do anything they put their mind to.
Which is perfect for those younger therapeutic riders and any child with societal issues.
Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.
Peace be with you.
Chasing After Wind 