Red haired woman loving face of big bay horse with a cover photo of The Breath of Horse Crazy book

Shirley Cook

I’ve known Shirley since 2010. She’s one of the most loving, hospitable, and generous people I know. She loves the Lord, her family, her friends, and horses! Shirley’s story is like many, one of dreams delayed. If you’re slightly past the youthful stage and still aren’t living your horse dream, there’s still hope. Shirley offers more evidence in the chapter, Heart’s Desire, in The Breath of Horse Crazy.

Little horse-crazy girls are irresistibly drawn to any horse within petting distance. Shirley didn’t have horses of her own most of her life, but will never forget Laddie, the first one who made her dream live as a little girl in the 1960s.

The Ministry And Menagerie

Along with five horses, chickens, peacocks and rabbits, Shirley Cook and her husband, Don, reside on eight acres in Fort Worth, Texas. Shirley had a vision for women’s ministry using her horses in 2009. The Hearts Desire Ministry for Women Who Love Horses has been her focus and a priority in her life these past years.

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Photographer And Horse Nut

Born in Brownwood, Texas, Shirley moved with her family to the Dallas-Fort Worth area when she was five years old. Shirley also spends time at her farm in Zephyr, Texas. Besides dreaming about horses, sports and photography have long been key parts of her life.

I’ll testify to the photography part! Whenever I visited her ministry, Shirley blessed me with scads of marvelous printed photos as well as CDs of the event. Her eye is as keen as her heart is wide. Here’s one of my favorites, when the obstacle course stumped the folks and the gray mare tattled.

horse trainer Lynn Baber showing folks how to successfully complete a horse obstacle course
Shirley always catches my odd expressions.

Shirley’s Family

Shirley met her husband while attending college at the University of Texas at Arlington.  Shirley and Don married in 1971. They have three married children and six grandchildren with whom they love to spend time.

Shirley, Don, and some of the grandchildren

Women’s ministry and Bible study are very important to Shirley.  Sharing God’s love while sharing her horses with women is what God has leads her to do – for now.

Shirley’s dream of horses is like many, she made the most of every opportunity to be near, touch, or ride one as a girl, but had to wait decades for one of her own. If you haven’t read her chapter, Heart’s Desire, here’s an opportunity.

The End of the Rainbow for Horse-Crazy Ladies

For everyone with the love of horses in their DNA.

Why do women love horses? Husband, fathers, and sons try to understand us but often give up, accepting that the woman in his life was born that way and it’s better to accept than resist. If you’re in the sisterhood of horsewomen, I invite you to share the dream.

The Breath of Horse Crazy

Read About the 8 Other Ladies Who Share Their Dreams in the Book