Take the Horse and Run The Incredible True Story of a Horse Fleeing for His Life--and the Girl Who Would Stop at Nothing to Save Him by Haylee Graham

 

When her parents’ devastating divorce uprooted her life, Haylee Graham plunged into a downward spiral. Heartbroken and afraid, the young girl turned to her beloved horse, Cartier, as a lifeline. The only place she felt safe was hiding with him in his stall; the only time she felt like herself was when the two jumped fences together.

So when a corrupt lawyer threatened to seize ownership of Cartier and sell him to a slaughterhouse to repay their debts, Haylee knew she would do anything to save him. Her mom said 'Take the horse and run!”—and she did. Their late-night escape set off a relentless pursuit with a shady private investigator terrorizing Haylee and Cartier every step of the way as they tried to outrun the forces that threatened to tear them apart.

Amazon 

 

 About The Author

 

Haylee Graham has been a professional writer for over a decade, earning recognition at the International Christian Film Festival, Indie X Film Fest, CARE Awards, and the 168 Film Festival. She is the author of four Young Adult fiction novels, a member of SCBWI, and has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and GoodNews Northwest Newspaper. Her work and story have been featured by The Los Angeles Tribune, KTLA 5, Voyage LA (“Most Inspiring Stories in Los Angeles”), Creativ Mag, Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, Warriors Rising Podcast, and Connection Pointe City Church in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Her short film Out of the Quiet earned more than 28 awards and nominations at film festivals nationwide, while her most recent project, Planted, won the top prize at the prestigious 168 Film Festival, including awards for “Best Screenplay,” “Best Speed Film,” and “Best of the Festival.”

Haylee has signed with Tyndale Publishing for her memoir Take the Horse and Run, releasing April 7, 2026. She is also the daughter of actor Gary Graham and award-winning actress Susan Lavelle.

 

My Review

A very emotional read. From her journey of living with adults that scream and fight, to broken homes, and then basically living on the street.
A young girl given a beautiful show jumping, and she falls in love with this beautiful animal! Her life is often in turmoil, but Cartier knows her and all her problems and secrets.
This is a faith based read, but life is at times very hard here, for both Haylee and her horse.
Sadly, this is a true story, and the meanness of some of the people that touch their lives, is terrible.
I have never owed a horse, but dogs, yes, and you see the abuse, and hurting that goes on.
I loved the life span of a horse, and how this story ends. I also like how the story goes to a full conclusion.
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.