She Flies Without Wings by Mary D. Midkiff, Delacorte Press, $23.95 hardcover. Available in book stores and tack shops or directly from Delacorte Press by calling (212)782-9039.

Lyrical - Poetic - Powerful. I hesitate to say more about this lovely book, because I do not want to spoil the sheer dream-like quality of the prose.

Mary Midkiff (also the author of the wonderful Fitness, Performance, and the Female Equestrian) has written a book that is destined to become a classic. She Flies Without Wings - How Horses Touch a Woman's Soul - is a stirring volume about the profound and intense relationship between women and horses.

Midkiff is a splendid writer and has produced a truly breakthrough book. Run out and buy a copy for yourself, and pick up an extra for your favorite girlfriend. Better yet, start a women's equestrian book club and make this volume your first topic.