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Wow. I just finished watching "The Horse Boy" and want to tell you about it. The first time I heard of this amazing true story, I was at my friend's house. They were watching it on Netflix. I only saw about 20 minutes of it, but was already weeping and feeling overwhelmed with emotion. I am really good at crying silently, but she noticed and apologized for my sadness. On the contrary, I was incredibly drawn in and vowed to watch it on my own. (I am not a big fan of crying around others.) She lent me her copy of the book and sent me on my way.
I read the book last week while on vacation. It is about Rowan, an autistic boy born to an English dad and Californian mom. They live in Texas. Rowan's autism had completely taken over his family's life. His tantrums could be triggered by anything at all and could last up to 4 hours. He would be inconsolable; flailing around and thumping his head on the ground or wall or hitting out at his parents.
Rowan was unable to hold a conversation, play with a friend or use the toilet for pooping.
Rupert, the dad, is an avid horseman. He had kept Rowan away from horses, fearing that the boy would make a sudden move and spook one, possibly causing disaster. One day while out walking, Rowan got away from his dad and ran straight for Betsy, a cantankerous horse that lived on the property next door. Rupert ran after him, fearing the worst. He was amazed, however, when Betsy's eyes softened and her body language showed submission to this small boy, wriggling around on the ground right in front of her. Rupert got permission from Betsy's owner to ride her. Rowan continued to show an amazing link with the animal. He would become calmer while in the saddle and actually speak in a coherent sentence.
Rupert had been an advocate for some African tribes in the past and had noticed that when Rowan had been around some of their Shaman's, he seemed to be more "normal". This got him to thinking that perhaps if he could tie Rowan's love and connection with horses with a Shamanic experience, perhaps Rowan could be healed. After doing some research, his heart set on taking Rowan to Mongolia, the birthplace of horse riding and the only country where Shamanism is the national religion.
It took a couple of years for Rupert to convince his wife, Kristin, to consider the idea. Going to a country on the other side of the world with a child who was difficult just to take to the local market seemed insane to her. Also, she disliked horseback riding! In the meantime, Rupert saved money and came into contact with an independent film maker who was interested in going on the journey and making a documentary.
It all fell into place. They flew to Mongolia and their adventures began. They had contacted a guide who had put out the word on the family and their quest. A gathering of nine powerful Shaman's came together on behalf of Rowan. They all did their own rituals for the boy, going into a trances and contacting the spirits, asking for guidance and healing. They (on separate occasions) told Kristin that there was a spirit of one her ancestors that was pulling Rowan away and possibly trying to harm him. Kristin's grandmother had suffered from manic-depression after the loss of her son. The Shaman's asked the ancestor to let Rowan go. They also told her that a "dark spirit" had entered Kristin as she swam in a large body of water while pregnant. She was told to bathe herself with a ritualistic mixture of milk and vodka.
Kristin shared with the camera that she had a hard time embracing the idea of spirits and the possible healing of her son by Shamanic ritual. She is Buddhist, however, and believed that her intent for the betterment of her son carried her through on this wild ride.
The family traveled by horseback and a van for many days. They bathed in sacred rivers. Finally, they reached an area where the van could no longer go. They rode by horseback for two more days until they reached the Reindeer People. Their Shaman, Ghoste, was the most powerful in the area. He also performed a ritual for the boy. The next day, when he came to say goodbye, he told Rowan's parents that his tantrums will soon subside. He said that over the next 3 years, Rowan's autistic tendencies would become more under subdued. Also, he said that Kristin's greatest wish, that Rowan could use a potty to poop in, will begin that very day. Both she and Rupert steeled their hearts against such miraculous news, but they were hopeful. Later that day, for the first time in his life, Rowan attempts to master his bowel movement by squatting. A few days later, when they reach a public toilet, he uses it. The whole party celebrates!
Rupert's greatest wish for his son was that Rowan will be able to ride a horse by himself. Within two weeks of returning to Texas, he can.
On the trip, another amazing breakthrough for Rowan was his immediate connection with Tomo, the young son of their guide. For the first time in his life, he plays and communicates with another child. This ability grows after he returns home. One very touching scene is a birthday party where Rowan has friends over to celebrate. This has never been possible before.
If this story has touched your heart, I recommend you read the book and watch the movie. The book goes into greater detail of the journey. So many challenges were faced by the family and so many other miracles take place. The movie itself is beautiful. Again I wept. Jake called me a "drama queen" for crying, but that is not my definition. I was very touched by the story of love and devotion and faith in the unknown, as well as the kindness of people who live half a world away for a little boy who didn't know how to connect with the people who loved him. In the film there are snippets of interviews of various people regarding autism. I did not know that America is one of the few countries that keep mentally "different" people separated from the general population. In many other countries, autistic (and other "different" people are revered as holy.) My eyes and heart were opened by this amazing story. To find out more, click on the links I have enclosed.
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