SARAH V. BARNES
Book Two

A CLAN CHIEF’S DAUGHTER:

She Who Rides Horses (Book Two)

Set 6,000 years ago on the Eurasian steppe, A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses (Book Two) continues the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse.

In book one, Naya and a magnificent chestnut red filly, brought together through a mystical encounter, begin a relationship destined to change the future of humans and horses alike. In book two, Naya must contend with the consequences of the forces she and the filly have unwittingly set in motion. Daughter of a clan chief, Naya returns to her people after a winter spent in the company of the wild horses, only to discover that danger threatens. Enemies of Naya’s father seek to exploit the horses Naya has tamed in order to undermine his leadership. Plagued by nightmares of what could happen to the filly and her herd at the hands of men seeking power and control, Naya must decide whether protecting the horses and remaining loyal to her father require the sacrifice of her heart’s desire. 

Based on extensive interdisciplinary research, She Who Rides Horses imagines an encounter between a girl and a horse that is both timeless and grounded in fact. A story filled with adventure, peril, love and betrayal, the saga of Naya and the red filly, begun in book one and continued in book two, portrays fundamental shifts that occurred when humans went from living as herders and hunter/gatherers to becoming mounted nomads, capable of spreading their language, lifestyle and beliefs across a huge swath of Eurasia and beyond. The domestication of the horse altered the course of history, contributing to the rise of patriarchy and accelerating the diffusion of new assumptions about the relationship between humans and the natural world that we are still contending with today. This is how it may have all begun…

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ENDORSEMENTS

“Sarah's exceptional story telling weaves a rich tapestry of historical fact and mystical fantasy inviting readers on a mesmerizing journey of growth and self-discovery.  As Naya navigates the complexities of adulthood, her story becomes a potent reminder of the importance of embracing our unique gifts and listening to our hearts.  This saga is a testament to the enduring power of ancient wisdom and our deep connection to the natural world. With its thought provoking exploration of the classical hero's journey this tale has the potential to inspire deep introspection and positive change.” Terry Kuebler, trainer & certified life coach

“This mesmerizing sequel blends meticulous research with mystical insight, deepening our bond with the characters on a soul level… bringing the past vividly to life… creating a world that echoes within us... leaving us wanting more. We don’t just read the story – we are a part of it. Denise Elizabeth Byron, visionary guide, author of Women Living Consciously

“This is inspired storytelling on an epic scale... In learning to see with the eyes of her heart, Naya reminds us that we are responsible forever for what we have tamed.” Linda Kohanov, author of The Tao of Equus and Riding Between the Worlds

“Before now, I have only sensed the story of the first riders from the horses themselves. Sarah Barnes brings this potent story into our world in a human voice – a story carrying Horse Wisdom about how to live in kinship and right relationship with all being, bringing vital medicine for these perilous times.” Catriona Macdonald, Originator and Co-creator, Imaginal Horse Circles.

“In an era of rising authoritarianism and backlash against the feminine, A Clan Chief’s Daughter is both timely and timeless. Sarah Barnes weaves a mythic, urgent tale of spiritual sovereignty, ancestral wisdom, and wild feminine power – offering a luminous antidote to our culture’s engineered compliance and crisis of soul.” Kelly Wendorf, author of Flying Lead Change: 56 million years of Wisdom for Leading and Living.