For centuries the horse has been vital; it was not only our sole form of transportation, but also a working animal on farms, in mines, and on the battlefield. Nowadays, the horse is largely used for leisure, and riding is now included in the top five most popular sports, with stables and riding schools proliferating. Selective breeding has made the modern horse a supreme athlete, capable of incredible stamina and agility, and more and more people have become interested in competing at a high level in all equestrian disciplines. The horse breeds of the world have developed over hundreds of years. Horses have been bred to display certain characteristics, both physically and mentally. From the tiny Shetland pony to the Thoroughbred, there is now so much a horse can be used for, whether it be a pony used as a child’s pet or a racehorse capable of an extremely fast gallop. Few people would deny the beauty, grace, and magnificence of the horse. Those who are lucky enough to have horses in their lives will be enchanted by their gratitude, willingness, loyalty, and friendship. It is widely understood too, that a bad or ungenerous horse is always the result of lack of human empathy or knowledge. For this reason it is vital for all horse owners to treat horses with care, respect, and understanding. This book is a treasury of the most important horse breeds of the world. It is illustrated with superb, carefully researched photographs, to provide the reader with a wonderful insight into the world of horses.
