Jody Jaffe’s Commander Speaks is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the equestrian world—through the voice of a horse. As someone who has spent a lifetime listening to horses who can’t articulate their thoughts as coherently as Jaffe’s equine protagonist, I was completely enchanted by Commander (or, as he prefers, Dante), the opinionated Hanoverian gelding at the center of this story. His sharp wit, keen observations, and no-nonsense attitude made me wish that horse communicators were real so I could have a conversation with my own horse.
Beyond the engaging and often humorous narrative voice of Dante, what I truly appreciated about this novel was its unflinching look at the darker side of the equestrian industry. Jaffe doesn’t shy away from exposing the unethical practices that exist in high-level competition—from horse doping to the exploitation of young riders by powerful trainers. The book weaves an engaging mystery that keeps the reader invested, not just in solving the crime but in seeing justice served for those who are often voiceless in the world of elite show jumping.
The novel balances its serious themes with humor, heart, and a well-developed cast of human and equine characters. Izzie, the animal communicator, is a fantastic protagonist—smart, skeptical, and refreshingly grounded in a world that often blurs the lines between superstition and science. The dynamic between her and Dante provides some of the book’s best moments, as their conversations shift between sarcasm, deep insights, and surprising revelations.
What makes Commander Speaks even more meaningful is the author’s generosity. Jaffe is donating the proceeds from the book to Type 1 Diabetes research—a cause close to her heart. As she explains, “Type 1 is a nasty autoimmune disease that wreaks havoc on families, most especially the person who has to inject insulin and deal with extremely painful and possibly fatal low-sugar episodes. My hope is to see the day my son leads an insulin-free life. This is my small way of helping that happen.” If Type 1 Diabetes has touched your life, this book is not only an excellent read but also a way to contribute to an important cause.
For anyone who loves horses, Commander Speaks is an absolute must-read. It’s a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and—if you’re anything like me—make you wish you could book an appointment with a horse communicator immediately.
You can buy Commander Speaks on Amazon.
So happy to see your post this morning. I’ve missed seeing your thoughts in my inbox. Not sure how I “unsubscribed” but I’ve now resumed my subscription. As a retired rider, but a dedicated horsekeeper, I’ve always enjoyed your articles. I’ve appreciated your trials and triumphs with your horses and cheered you on with every new accomplishment. This book definitely sounds interesting and your recommendation makes me want to read it soon. Thank you!
Went looking for Equine Ink just last night to see if I missed any of your posts and here you are today. Will read this book based on your recommendation.
I know I’ve been radio silent for too long. I just finished a draft of a novel and have been reviewing it with an editor and it took up all my writing time. I’m hoping to get back to the blog now.
Book Review: Once you wrap your mind around the fact that this horse communicates telepathically, this is a fun and easy read. The fact that he is a German horse with German sensibilites re human behaviors, especially reproduction, makes it even more so. The author does talk about the dark side of the equestrian industry and the ruined lives of young women by predator trainers, as well as the effects of horse drugging. The humans all get sorted out at the very end.
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