From Muck to Magnificence: How Cleaning Horse Stalls Can Lead to An Astonishing Life
Mindy Tatz Chernoff estimates that she has probably cleaned thousands of horse stalls in her time, meticulously mucking them out and laying down new hay. Lucky to grow up with her beloved horses Buck and Rocky, Chernoff recalls a childhood in which she kept her barn cleaner than her room, recognizing early on that horses are nothing less than 1,250-lb. master teachers whose lessons are available to anyone who spends time with them.
Chernoff shares those lessons in her new book, From Muck to Magnificence: How Cleaning Horse Stalls Can Lead to An Astonishing Life (Godfrey Publishing). The founder of a horse farm near Philadelphia, Chernoff sprinkles wisdom through chapters with such titles as Pick, Lift, Sift, Remove and Let Go. She says, “Spending time with horses helps us slow down, notice, feel and heal. In fact, every life lesson can be learned in a barn—everything from overcoming fear, resistance and discomfort to learning to find love and acceptance.”
Mindy Chernoff (PRNewsfoto/Mindy Chernoff)
As explained in her book, Chernoff is an expert in:
- Improving relationships through interacting with horses.
- Deepening personal connection through following a horse’s wisdom.
- Developing tools for staying present, particularly in relation to discomfort and difficulty in your life.
- Experiencing more gratitude, trust and awe.
Praise for From Muck to Magnificence
“Mindy Tatz Chernoff tells a story of how her relationship with these wise and magnificent animals changed her life. And how, in turn, she and her horses devote their lives to helping others. She’s not afraid of her own vulnerability, nor is she afraid of being playful (note the book title.) Chernoff tells the story of her life and perhaps all of our lives.” — Dr. Dan Gottlieb, psychologist, author and host of NPR’s Voices in The Family
About the author
As a resident of suburban Chicago, Mindy Tatz Chernoff began training horses at age 16, winning many awards at horse shows. She moved to Philadelphia after college, and helped scores of children learn about horses through her guidance. She is the founder of the Newtown Square horse farm The Resonant Horse, where she conducts workshops, retreats, one-on-one sessions and horse circles. She is also a staff member at Building Bridges, a Media-based therapeutic center. Chernoff holds dual master’s degrees in holistic spirituality and spiritual direction. From Muck to Magnificence is her first book.
