The Horse Encyclopedia
Few animals have left such a deep hoofprint on human civilisation as the horse, and this richly illustrated volume does full justice to that extraordinary relationship. From compact, sturdy ponies to the thunderous power of draught breeds, Elwyn Hartley Edwards covers an impressive spread of more than 150 breeds and types, including every variety officially recognised by national horse societies. It's a lot of ground to cover, yet the book handles it with admirable clarity. Each breed gets a focused profile, touching on origins, physical characteristics, and its place in history. You'll read about the Shire horse, whose forebears carried armoured knights into medieval combat, and the impossibly nimble Lipizzaner, capable of the capriole, a spectacular leap with all four hooves leaving the ground simultaneously. Thoroughbreds bred purely for speed sit alongside working breeds that once ploughed fields and hauled heavy loads. The book also pays tribute to legendary individual horses, Secretariat among them, still widely considered the finest racehorse the sport has ever seen. These personal portraits give the encyclopaedia a warmer, more human dimension than the format might suggest. Practical guidance on feeding, grooming, and general healthcare rounds things out nicely, making this as useful as it is enjoyable to browse. First domesticated roughly six thousand years ago, horses shaped transport, agriculture, and warfare alike. This volume captures that long, fascinating partnership with genuine affection and solid expertise. A worthy gift for riders and enthusiasts of all ages.
- Author: Elwyn Hartley Edwards
- Publisher: DK
- Genre: Pet Care & Training
- ISBN: 978-0241632666
- Pages: 360 pages