In Running Free By Ami Cullen, A Woman Helps Rescue Hundreds Of Horses, And Finds Her Soul

On The Table Read Magazine “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, in Running Free by Ami Cullen, Emme becomes the Equestrian Director at a dude ranch, where she discovers a deeper sense of purpose, leadership, and freedom while saving horses from a devastating wildfire.

Running Free

Celebrated for over a century for its rustic elegance, legendary service, and exceptional horsemanship, The C Lazy U guest ranch in Granby, Colorado, faced a devastating blow in October 2020. The East Troublesome Fire, one of the most destructive in Colorado’s history, tore through the ranch’s idyllic landscape. Amidst the chaos, Ami Cullen, a former East Coast lawyer who had traded her business attire for cowboy boots and jeans years prior, stepped up as the ranch’s Director of Equestrian Operations. She led the heroic effort to guide hundreds of horses to safety from the encroaching inferno.

Cullen’s new book, Running Free, initially began as a memoir, a poignant recollection of the fire, its impact, and the remarkable individuals involved. However, it soon evolved into a fictionalized narrative, granting Cullen the creative freedom to weave a complete and compelling story.

Running Free follows Emme, a passionate horsewoman grappling with the suffocating pressures of the elite equestrian world. Despite her deep love for horses, Emme feels perpetually out of place, her genuine passion overshadowed by the demands of wealth and social climbing. She navigates this world, reluctantly pursuing a career in law, marrying into a privileged but unfulfilling life, all while yearning for authenticity.

But Emme’s carefully constructed façade begins to crumble. She realizes this gilded cage is not the life she truly desires. Seeking a radical change, she embarks on an unexpected journey, accepting a position as head wrangler at a remote dude ranch. There, she becomes responsible for the care and safety of 200 horses, a daunting challenge that pushes her beyond her limits.

When a devastating wildfire threatens the ranch, Emme finds herself at the forefront of a desperate rescue mission. She must summon her courage, her leadership skills, and her deep connection with the horses to guide them to safety. While friends and family dismiss her new life as an escape, Emme discovers a profound sense of freedom and purpose. She learns that sometimes, leaving everything behind is the only way to embrace the life you truly yearn for.

I felt this story had to be told. It is an incredible story of how people came together to save some 200 horses from one of the worst fires in the history of Colorado — and also a story of personal challenge and transformation.

Have the courage to follow your heart and allow the journey to happen. When the predictability of life takes over and you find yourself questioning your purpose and your happiness, take a trip, go on an adventure. You never know where it may lead you.

-Ami Cullen

Ami Cullen

Ami Cullen’s passion for horses ignited in her childhood home of Chester County, Pennsylvania. She honed her equestrian skills, competing nationally in the demanding world of hunter/jumper competitions. After graduating from Catholic University School of Law in Washington, D.C., Cullen embarked on a successful career in medical malpractice defense law in Bethesda, Maryland. Yet, a transformative vacation at the C Lazy U Ranch revealed a deeper calling – a yearning for ranch life and the profound connection with horses.

Today, Cullen serves as the Director of Equestrian Operations at the C Lazy U Ranch, overseeing all aspects of the esteemed Equine Program. A certified Horsemanship Association Instructor in both English and Western disciplines, she finds immense joy in sharing her love for horses with others. Cullen’s expertise extends to guiding both novice and experienced riders, fostering a deep appreciation for horsemanship within the ranch community.

Cullen now resides in Granby, Colorado, with her husband, Mike, their beloved cat, River, and their energetic canine companions, Esther, a Blue Heeler, and Arlo, a Jack Russell Terrier. Her remarkable journey – from the bustling legal world to the serene embrace of ranch life – serves as an inspiring testament to the power of following one’s heart and discovering fulfillment in unexpected places.

Find more from Ami Cullen now:

https://runningfreehorses.com/

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3VNsik3

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4fm9pM4

Instagram: @amimcullen

Facebook: Ami Cullen