Encyclopedia of the Horse

So begins The Encyclopedia of the Horse, an extraordinary volume devoted to humankind's most essential animal partner. Expertly folding together the evolution of the horse with every major breed and its contribution to civilization, author Elwyn Hartley, editor of Riding magazine for over 18 years and author of 30 books on horses, divides his subject into 10 historically chronological chapters, covering "in words and pictures, the development over 60 million years of the small jungle animal into the various and sophisticated breeds of the 20th century." Beginning with Eohippus, or the Dawn horse, from the Eocene period, Hartley takes the reader on a fascinating journey, stopping along the way to discuss hundreds of notable breeds, including Friesians, Arabians, Andalusians, Thoroughbreds, Shetland and Highland ponies, Mustangs, and Clydesdales. Also interspersed throughout are notable horse-and-rider partnerships, such as El Cid and Babieca, as well as over 1,000 full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps, making this ode to Equus as beautiful as it is fascinating.

Book Description
The Encyclopedia of the Horse takes the reader through a fascinating journey: the development and domestication of this majestic creature. The horse's evolution, from early pre-Equus to the Thoroughbred, is covered in striking full-color photographs, produced by experts who traveled the world in search of the perfect specimen to illustrate each breed. The captivating text is rich with historical insight and anecdotes, supplemented by exquisite illustrations from museums and scholarly sources. No other single volume brings together the wealth of information to be found here, covering every aspect of the equestrian world--from the horses ridden by the Mongol conquerors to the grace of dressage to the beloved Clydesdales featured in parades.

This beautiful full-size folio volume boasts over 1,000 full-color illustrations and a concise well-crafted text. The evolution of the horse, including every major breed of horse and pony, is presented as well as their contributions to civilization. The animals are shown in the wild, at work, in battle, in sport, and entertainment.

Beginning with a reproduction of a painting by George Stubbs, the illustrations throughout are arrestingly eye-catching. This volume is a great deal more than a collection of facts and photos. Sharon Ralls Lemon puts it well in her foreword: "A rich tapestry of the entire equine world....truly an achievement to be cherished as much for its beauty as for its knowledge."

- Gail Cooke


Great photography   March 7, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I've owned a copy for years and never get tired of pouring over it. It's the excellent photography and layout of the book that I love. You really get a sense of the look of an individual breed and there's some history all woven through. So I sent a copy to my niece for her birthday and she is raptly glued to the pages. She's trying to decide what kind of horse to buy when she moves to Montana. Highly recommended!


An absolutely beautiful effort   March 4, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I can't imagine a more beautifully presented or informative book for anyone interested in horses. This large (10" X 12", 400 page) volume, is replete with full color illustrations tracing the evolution of the horse from Eohippus and Mesohippus to the present, and every major breed of horse and pony to date, as well as their vital contributions to human society down through the centuries.

More than 150 breeds of horses are pictured in full-color photographs or illustrations, depicting their characteristics, myriad uses, origins and facts and anecdotes about them.

The Encyclopedia of the Horse has chapters on their history, early domestication, classical riding, the great stud farms, international sporting events and breeding trends, and how horses changed the course of history throughout the world.

This truly beautiful book is one for your coffee table; guaranteed to impress visitors and stimulate conversation. It is one of the most exquisite volumes in my library.

Joseph H Pierre