Horse Breeds of the World Book

Presents information on the evolution and domestication of horses and surveys the world's various breeds.

Jane Van Wiemokly - VOYA

This is a multi-book review of two volumes in "The Horse Library" series. This series of eight books covers the horse using a similar format through five or six chapters. In Horse Breeds of the World, Kelley explains the physical evolution of the horse and proceeds to discuss many world breeds from the American Miniature at up to thirty-four inches tall to the Shire at seventeen to eighteen hands, some reaching nineteen. One hand equals four inches, and height is measured at the horse's withers, the highest point of the back. The smallest horse ever was a Miniature foaled in 1895, which grew to only fourteen and a half inches, a bit more than three hands. The inclusion of some photographs helps to put the breed description with a visual; however, a photograph for each breed discussed would have been even better. The Horse in War covers the origins of the cavalry horse from ancient Egypt to the death of the last U.S. cavalry horse in 1968. The invention of the saddle around 700 B.C. and the stirrup around the fifth century made for improved balance and speed, allowing the rider to concentrate on his weapons and fighting. Many other interesting factual tidbits can be gleaned here. The audience for this series, which also includes Horse Care and Health, Dressage, and Thoroughbred Racing, will be any horse-mad young reader. Because of their content brevity and juvenile look, they might be considered children's books, but they could be effective for the reluctant reader interested in horses. Glossary. Index. Photos. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2002, ChelseaHouse, 64p. PLB