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Synopsis
Discusses the history of horses and their domestication by humans, as well as their physical characteristics and behavior.
Children's Literature
Horses have served a wide variety of purposes in human history. Imagine a Mongol warrior riding across the Russian steppe astride a sturdy pony. In the Middle Ages, knights encased in hundreds of pounds of armor bestrode mighty chargers covered in iron plate. Native American riders of the Great Plains rode wild mustangs and became some of the greatest light cavalry of all history. In a calmer venue, draft horses of great stature have pulled produce, coal and any number of other products across the roads of untold nations. Horses have pulled plows and broken the black earth of America's Midwest, the Ukraine and the Canadian plains. All in all, mankind has held a special relationship with horses. No other animal has provided such a vital source of transportation, strength and domestic power. Horses, their physiology, social relationships, communication patterns, uses and breeds are the subjects addressed in this volume of the "Animal Ways" series. Striking colored photographs make this a sumptuous book. The text is well written and comprehensive, providing a wide range of horse information, including the future of horses. In an age when there is less and less dependence upon horses for physical labor, they are becoming more of a "pet" utilized for entertainment purposes. Only time will tell what future roles for horses emerge. Horse lovers will find this endearing book well worth reading. 2001, Benchmark Books. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck