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Scientists in the Field
Wild Horse Scientists
Meet scientists Dr. Ron Keiper and Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, who have devoted their professional careers to unraveling the mysteries of wild horses’ DNA and developing a way to vaccinate the Assateague Island, VA herds with the birth control hormone PZP. Follow Dr. Kirkpatrick as he braves extreme island weather, clouds of biting parasites, and endures thousands of watchful hours, as he fights to maintain the precarious balance of Assateague’s ecosystem. The result of his hard work and unwavering dedication is the first comprehensive research on an American wild horse population’s mating habits and life span. Learn how Dr. Kirkpatrick’s meticulous handwritten notes chart not only the life cycle of his equine subjects, like Voodoo, Comma and Niacin, but how they are also contracts of deep mutual respect, affection and the tenuous bond between people and horses. Descriptive prose meets solid science as author Kay Frydenborg sheds light on a largely ignored field of study in the world of equine animal science. Revealing, never-before-seen photography offers a rare glimpse into the wild herds of Assateague, as well as the fierce but delicate beauty of their island home.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2012
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June 9, 2021
To tell the truth, my very much positive personal reaction to author Ky Frydenborg’s statement in her 2012 Wild Horse Scientists that the wild (feral) domestic horses of the United States (and of course also elsewhere in North America) should likely NOT really be considered an invasive species because horses first evolved in North America, spread from North America to Asia, Europe etc. via the land-bridge that used to, that periodically linked Asia to North America and then might well have been hunted to extinction in North America by the first humans to inhabit, to settle there should probably also be taken with a major grain of proverbial salt.
Because for one, I rather know and realise that as a major horse enthusiast, I do have huge issues even considering and accepting the possibility that horses, that one of my favourite animals could be seen and approached as an ecological nightmare, could be deemed an invasive species in the so-called New World (in the USA, Canada and Mexico). And for two, the above mentioned author claim that since horses had their beginnings in North America, because they first appeared and evolved from hyracotherium to the modern horse in North America (and probably became extinct there due to over hunting by us, by humans) that today’s wild horses in the American Rockies, on Assateaque Island etc. (even though they seemingly are all descendants of domestic horses imported by in particular Spanish settlers) should thus not be considered invasive, but rather as a native species of the past which has basically returned to its former home, well, albeit that Frydenburg’s assertion of this in Wild Horse Scientists is something which is very much personally appealing, it is also true that this has in fact not really been universally accepted, that there are actually still a rather goodly number of equine scientists who do (from a historical perspective) very much approach the wild feral horses of North America as being non native (now) and thus of course invasive and non endemic.
Furthermore, even if one were to in fact approach North American wild equines as being a non invasive, a native species, Kay Frydenborg’s text in Wild Horse Scientists also clearly shows that due to the fact that horses tend to be pretty fecund (fertile) and that a fully grown North American mustang or Assateaque horse now has only very few natural predators, it is also and unfortunately true that the feral horses of North America do tend to be very rough on their environment, are often overly populating their natural ranges and last but not least, wild horses (and especially Western USA mustangs) often do cause major damage and problems for ranchers and their livestock.
And most definitely, for wildlife control authorities/experts and as Frydenborg’s presented text describes in Wild Horse Scientists to now use a specially developed equine birth control vaccine (which is darted into mares) to try to lower wild horse populations, to keep horses from reproducing exponentially, in my humble opinion (and as a horse lover), this is of course much more humane and acceptable than shooting horses, than rounding up horses to transport them to slaughterhouses and yes even than capturing certain “desired” young horses and then gentling them, selling them for riding. But indeed, I do wonder if Kay Frydenborg’s claim that there is no more mass slaughtering of horses (both wild and not wild) in the United States is actually the whole and entire truth, as sadly, if horses are no longer allowed to be slaughtered locally, they often are still allowed to be transported and usually in infuriatingly horrible conditions via both road and air traffic to countries, to areas where the en masse slaughtering of horses and the consumption of horse meat is considered both acceptable and a cultural food tradition (and this is for example and painfully the state of affairs in Canada and I am of course rather curious whether it is the same south of the border, but no, Kay Frydenborg does not ever in Wild Horse Scientists textually tackle this scenario, which I do rather tend to find a bit of an oversight).
But first and foremost and with regard to the combination, the marriage of the author’s, of Kay Frydenborg’s text and the accompanying photographs (which truly are a visual treat and an aesthetic personal delight), Wild Horse Scientists provides not only a throughly detailed but also and equally a never too verbally taxing introduction to horses (and ponies) in general, with much information and educationally, engagingly presented equine specific facts and figures, and also and very much happily a very solid bibliography that lists both books and online sources (for older children from about the age of nine onwards, but of course Wild Horse Scientists is also something for interested teenagers and adults to consider for perusal). And of course and in my opinion, with Wild Horse Scientists Kay Frydenborg has also given to me (to us) a very much cheering and massively uplifting reading experience, for yes, I have most definitely found it very much an absolute and total reading joy to encounter in Wild Horse Scientists how wild equines in the United States are being increasingly controlled through birth control measures instead of killing, instead of slaughtering.
Because for one, I rather know and realise that as a major horse enthusiast, I do have huge issues even considering and accepting the possibility that horses, that one of my favourite animals could be seen and approached as an ecological nightmare, could be deemed an invasive species in the so-called New World (in the USA, Canada and Mexico). And for two, the above mentioned author claim that since horses had their beginnings in North America, because they first appeared and evolved from hyracotherium to the modern horse in North America (and probably became extinct there due to over hunting by us, by humans) that today’s wild horses in the American Rockies, on Assateaque Island etc. (even though they seemingly are all descendants of domestic horses imported by in particular Spanish settlers) should thus not be considered invasive, but rather as a native species of the past which has basically returned to its former home, well, albeit that Frydenburg’s assertion of this in Wild Horse Scientists is something which is very much personally appealing, it is also true that this has in fact not really been universally accepted, that there are actually still a rather goodly number of equine scientists who do (from a historical perspective) very much approach the wild feral horses of North America as being non native (now) and thus of course invasive and non endemic.
Furthermore, even if one were to in fact approach North American wild equines as being a non invasive, a native species, Kay Frydenborg’s text in Wild Horse Scientists also clearly shows that due to the fact that horses tend to be pretty fecund (fertile) and that a fully grown North American mustang or Assateaque horse now has only very few natural predators, it is also and unfortunately true that the feral horses of North America do tend to be very rough on their environment, are often overly populating their natural ranges and last but not least, wild horses (and especially Western USA mustangs) often do cause major damage and problems for ranchers and their livestock.
And most definitely, for wildlife control authorities/experts and as Frydenborg’s presented text describes in Wild Horse Scientists to now use a specially developed equine birth control vaccine (which is darted into mares) to try to lower wild horse populations, to keep horses from reproducing exponentially, in my humble opinion (and as a horse lover), this is of course much more humane and acceptable than shooting horses, than rounding up horses to transport them to slaughterhouses and yes even than capturing certain “desired” young horses and then gentling them, selling them for riding. But indeed, I do wonder if Kay Frydenborg’s claim that there is no more mass slaughtering of horses (both wild and not wild) in the United States is actually the whole and entire truth, as sadly, if horses are no longer allowed to be slaughtered locally, they often are still allowed to be transported and usually in infuriatingly horrible conditions via both road and air traffic to countries, to areas where the en masse slaughtering of horses and the consumption of horse meat is considered both acceptable and a cultural food tradition (and this is for example and painfully the state of affairs in Canada and I am of course rather curious whether it is the same south of the border, but no, Kay Frydenborg does not ever in Wild Horse Scientists textually tackle this scenario, which I do rather tend to find a bit of an oversight).
But first and foremost and with regard to the combination, the marriage of the author’s, of Kay Frydenborg’s text and the accompanying photographs (which truly are a visual treat and an aesthetic personal delight), Wild Horse Scientists provides not only a throughly detailed but also and equally a never too verbally taxing introduction to horses (and ponies) in general, with much information and educationally, engagingly presented equine specific facts and figures, and also and very much happily a very solid bibliography that lists both books and online sources (for older children from about the age of nine onwards, but of course Wild Horse Scientists is also something for interested teenagers and adults to consider for perusal). And of course and in my opinion, with Wild Horse Scientists Kay Frydenborg has also given to me (to us) a very much cheering and massively uplifting reading experience, for yes, I have most definitely found it very much an absolute and total reading joy to encounter in Wild Horse Scientists how wild equines in the United States are being increasingly controlled through birth control measures instead of killing, instead of slaughtering.
March 18, 2013
Young horse lovers will no doubt be attracted to this beautiful book--and will learn a great deal of facts and humane values in the process.
The bulk of the text deals with the Assateague Island wild horses and their non-lethal management with he contraceptive PZP. Unlike their Chincoteague Island brethren, these ponies are not subjected to stressful "roundups" and sale. The Assateague horses lead lives relatively free of interference, save for the annual PZP darting. They are also living much longer lives, researchers have found, since the mares are freed from the stress of bearing multiple foals throughout their lives.
There are a few mistakes in the text. The book states that horse slaughter was banned in America with the "Wild Horse Annie Act" of 1971. In reality, horse slaughter was not stopped within US borders until 2007, however, the same number of horses continued to be killed--American horses were simply shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses. Horse slaughter may again rear its head again in the US--in 2012, the President signed into a law a bill that would re-authorize the horse slaughter plants.
The book also repeats the anti-wild horse party line that free-living horses are out of control in the American West and are destroying their own habitat. Certainly the estimated 25,000 wild horses aren't causing as much damage as the estimated six million cattle and sheep who are grazed by ranchers on public lands.
However, the author makes clear that slaughterhouses are not a good end for horses and we need to work for more humane solutions.
Perhaps most encouraging is that this book is all about the horses and what's best for THEM, rather than just what's best for tourists or horse buyers. Through in-depth explanation of the science of PZP, we are shown that the "shotgun solution" to conflicts with wildlife is not always the best or only solution, despite what various interests tell us.
Perhaps a youngster reading this book will grow up to find other nonlethal ways of living with wildlife.
The bulk of the text deals with the Assateague Island wild horses and their non-lethal management with he contraceptive PZP. Unlike their Chincoteague Island brethren, these ponies are not subjected to stressful "roundups" and sale. The Assateague horses lead lives relatively free of interference, save for the annual PZP darting. They are also living much longer lives, researchers have found, since the mares are freed from the stress of bearing multiple foals throughout their lives.
There are a few mistakes in the text. The book states that horse slaughter was banned in America with the "Wild Horse Annie Act" of 1971. In reality, horse slaughter was not stopped within US borders until 2007, however, the same number of horses continued to be killed--American horses were simply shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses. Horse slaughter may again rear its head again in the US--in 2012, the President signed into a law a bill that would re-authorize the horse slaughter plants.
The book also repeats the anti-wild horse party line that free-living horses are out of control in the American West and are destroying their own habitat. Certainly the estimated 25,000 wild horses aren't causing as much damage as the estimated six million cattle and sheep who are grazed by ranchers on public lands.
However, the author makes clear that slaughterhouses are not a good end for horses and we need to work for more humane solutions.
Perhaps most encouraging is that this book is all about the horses and what's best for THEM, rather than just what's best for tourists or horse buyers. Through in-depth explanation of the science of PZP, we are shown that the "shotgun solution" to conflicts with wildlife is not always the best or only solution, despite what various interests tell us.
Perhaps a youngster reading this book will grow up to find other nonlethal ways of living with wildlife.
December 6, 2013
#nerdlution day 5. Excellent addition to the Scientists in the Field series. This is a nice blend of traditional nonfiction and literary/narrative nonfiction. It begins with an interesting contrast of the national park worker who has her own horses snug in the barn yet keeps watch over the wild horses on the parklands. Several scientists and their contributions to wild horse conservation are profiled: birth control vaccine from a dart gun and science of mammal embryo transplantation that eventually came to help human fertility clinics. I took so many notes for this review, I learned so many new things! However I was a bit grossed out by the photo of pig ovaries being processed for the horse contraceptive. Growing up I was never horse crazy, but this book will surely appeal to those of all ages who are.
April 9, 2013
Gorgeous photos of wild horses, mostly those of Assateague and Chincoteague islands; but also some from the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. Interesting stories and facts about the horses and the men and women who study them.
November 26, 2012
Summary:
Dr. Keiper and Dr. Kirkpatrick work together to develop a birth control vaccine for the fragile population of wild horses that inhabit Assateague Island. The book tells how they began their quest to help control the wild horse population, why they need to do so, and how they arrived eventually at Assateague Island. The birth control vaccine is administered and used to help control the population and maintain balance in the fragile ecosystem that is Assateague Island.
Genre: Junior Informational
Critique:
(a) The most valuable aspect of this book is most definitely the photos of the splendid creatures that are the wild horses of Assateague Island in their natural environment. Without these wonderful photos, a clear understanding of the purpose and passion of these scientists may not have been realized.
(b) The photographs are the strongest element of this book, showing not only the horses but also quite a few of the scientists in the environment as well, doing their work. The photo on page 11 of a wild horse wading through the marsh is search of food is beautiful and shows the true beauty of the animal and the environment. The reading is at times dry and somewhat boring, but I think that is to be expected when discussing information and not a fictional story that can be whimsical. The information provided in the text is informative and interesting at times, especially considering the local context of much of the provided information.
(c) Page 17 of the book shows a picture of a cave drawing and a horse that is brownish gray in color. The page tells of how color was introduced into domesticated horses, and how they were previously all the same color scheme shown in the drawing. The page states “A 2008 study published in the journal Science, based on analyses of DNA differences among horse fossils, revealed that the great range of coat color variations in modern horses began soon after wild horses were first domesticated.” This information is valuable, but dry and doesn’t necessarily bear any weight to the science presented in the book.
Curriculum Connection:
This book would be a wonderful tool to use in introducing any unit on biological science, local civics and history, or an information literary unit. It could also be beneficial in a multidisciplinary unit that involved all three of these subjects in unison.
Dr. Keiper and Dr. Kirkpatrick work together to develop a birth control vaccine for the fragile population of wild horses that inhabit Assateague Island. The book tells how they began their quest to help control the wild horse population, why they need to do so, and how they arrived eventually at Assateague Island. The birth control vaccine is administered and used to help control the population and maintain balance in the fragile ecosystem that is Assateague Island.
Genre: Junior Informational
Critique:
(a) The most valuable aspect of this book is most definitely the photos of the splendid creatures that are the wild horses of Assateague Island in their natural environment. Without these wonderful photos, a clear understanding of the purpose and passion of these scientists may not have been realized.
(b) The photographs are the strongest element of this book, showing not only the horses but also quite a few of the scientists in the environment as well, doing their work. The photo on page 11 of a wild horse wading through the marsh is search of food is beautiful and shows the true beauty of the animal and the environment. The reading is at times dry and somewhat boring, but I think that is to be expected when discussing information and not a fictional story that can be whimsical. The information provided in the text is informative and interesting at times, especially considering the local context of much of the provided information.
(c) Page 17 of the book shows a picture of a cave drawing and a horse that is brownish gray in color. The page tells of how color was introduced into domesticated horses, and how they were previously all the same color scheme shown in the drawing. The page states “A 2008 study published in the journal Science, based on analyses of DNA differences among horse fossils, revealed that the great range of coat color variations in modern horses began soon after wild horses were first domesticated.” This information is valuable, but dry and doesn’t necessarily bear any weight to the science presented in the book.
Curriculum Connection:
This book would be a wonderful tool to use in introducing any unit on biological science, local civics and history, or an information literary unit. It could also be beneficial in a multidisciplinary unit that involved all three of these subjects in unison.
July 27, 2013
This was another top notch title in a top notch series. My only quibble might be perhaps a couple too many photos of dead horses. On the other hand, that produces the "Ooooh GROSS" enthusiastic reaction from kids so I suspect this is a problem in my mind only. It talks about the two areas best known in our country for wild horses: Assateague Island and Pryor Mountain. Anyone who likes horses at all will look at the first name and think MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE! Well, they are right and the author didn't even try to not mention the story. The island is divided into two sections by state boundary line and are treated differently. The non Misty part has treated the horses as wild creatures and wanted scientists to come up with solutions for the over population of horses without approaching them. This led to some rather suspenseful paragraphs where you read about people hunting the horses. It turns out they do have guns, but guns that have been altered to shoot birth control darts into the mares. In case you are thinking aww, they aren't allowed any cute foals????, yes they do allow this. The last year mentioned produced 3 foals, 1 male and 2 females. This way the mares lead healthier, stronger and longer lives which ironically meant that the scientists couldn't meet the demand to lower animal population sufficiently quickly. The authorities looked at what they were doing, recognized that this will lower the population steadily and took away the mandate to get to x horses by y date. The other part of the island was not covered much except to refer to Misty and state that the annual pony roundup still happens there. The Pryor Mountain area got much less attention, since it is more remote and not as cute. However, that is where the impetus for birth control for the horses came from, and where, in many ways, it'll have the most impact. There is a real problem with over population of the horses and now that people have seen the vids of frantic horses racing away from scary helicopters, they are looking more seriously at the idea of birth control methods for population control. There is also lots of fascinating horse history covered, in a lively text. The text and photos work together pretty much seamlessly to produce a fascinating gorgeous book. Hand this to any kid who has just read Misty and fallen in love with her!
August 1, 2013
“Scientists in the Field,” an exceptional nonfiction series, has another outstanding addition to offer: “Wild Horse Scientists.” “Misty of Chincoteague” fans will immediately be drawn to the engaging nonfiction book. Author Kay Frydenborg provides an interesting contrast to the fictional tale by offering a rare window onto the wild herds of Assateague Island, as well a nod to the Pryor Mountain wild horse herds of Montana. Frydenborg tracks doctors Ron Keiper and Jay Kirkpatrick’s diligent search for a method to control the population of wild horse herds through contraceptive hormones, while continuing to balance of the Island’s delicate ecosystem.
The book delves into wild horse as well as general horse information and history and related horse topics. But the focus is on the scientists who study wild horses and their dedicated studies to help the animals control overpopulation through contraception. Due to the well-written commentary and amazing photography, readers will find themselves fascinated with a topic that receives little middle school exposure. Frydenberg’s discussion of birth control is covered in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on preventing conception and not on copulation.
In the end though, it is the polished layout and dynamic selection of outstanding, color-saturated photographs (many attributed to Mike Francis, Amy Jacobs, and Allison Turner) that will have readers returning to the book over and over again. Scientists and the horses are represented in a balanced way, without flinching from difficult realities (for example, photographs of dead horses are included). The breath-taking photographs capture the spirit of the wild horses; from these pictures, the prompt for Keiper and Kirkpatrick’s passion for both the animals and their scientific pursuits is abundantly clear.
A glossary, index, and resource list, are accompanied by a list of places to view wild horses and agencies, round out the slim volume. Cross-curricular applications for “Wild Horse Scientists,” include biology, history, and literature. This book is highly recommended for inclusion in all middle school and public library collections.
The book delves into wild horse as well as general horse information and history and related horse topics. But the focus is on the scientists who study wild horses and their dedicated studies to help the animals control overpopulation through contraception. Due to the well-written commentary and amazing photography, readers will find themselves fascinated with a topic that receives little middle school exposure. Frydenberg’s discussion of birth control is covered in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on preventing conception and not on copulation.
In the end though, it is the polished layout and dynamic selection of outstanding, color-saturated photographs (many attributed to Mike Francis, Amy Jacobs, and Allison Turner) that will have readers returning to the book over and over again. Scientists and the horses are represented in a balanced way, without flinching from difficult realities (for example, photographs of dead horses are included). The breath-taking photographs capture the spirit of the wild horses; from these pictures, the prompt for Keiper and Kirkpatrick’s passion for both the animals and their scientific pursuits is abundantly clear.
A glossary, index, and resource list, are accompanied by a list of places to view wild horses and agencies, round out the slim volume. Cross-curricular applications for “Wild Horse Scientists,” include biology, history, and literature. This book is highly recommended for inclusion in all middle school and public library collections.
February 21, 2013
Wild Horse Scientists by Kay Frydenborg, chonicles the efforts of scientists Dr. Ron Keiper and Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, who have studied wild horse DNA and developed a way to vacinate the the Assateague Island, Virginia herds with the birth control hormone PZP to control the wild horse population.
The excellent photography, much of it by Mike Francis, Amy Jacobs and Allison Turner, clearly shows wild horse herds in Virginia and Montana, the scientific steps taken, and a variety of wild horse behavior. Clear charts, maps, and graphs illustrate additional facts, such as the horse color chart. Among the outstanding images are beach grass, cord grass, cave drawings, cattle egret, flehman, bayberry leaves, phragmites, PZP darts, PZP vacine, parking lot, 2010 foals, and grooming.
Part of the excellent Scientists in the Field series, this look at equine science is excellent. Focusing mainly on the Assateague herd, with additional information on the Pryor Range herds in Montana, this well researched, accessible survey is made especially appealing by the excellent photographs of wild horses. The text highlights the work of scientists and National Park rangers in helping keep the wild horse population in balance. Frydenborg's text tells how the contact of the scientists and Park personnel with the horses result in mutual respect, affection, and a tenuous bond between people and wild horses.
An index, glossary, resource lsit including websites, places to view wild horses, and If You Want to Help section are included. Wild Horse Scientists could be used in introducing units on biological science, history, or an information literary unit. This is highly recommended for school and public library collections. 4.5 star rating.
For ages 10 and up, wild horses, scientists, photographs, science, ecosystems, children's nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, and fans of Kay Frydenborg and Scientists in the Field series.
The excellent photography, much of it by Mike Francis, Amy Jacobs and Allison Turner, clearly shows wild horse herds in Virginia and Montana, the scientific steps taken, and a variety of wild horse behavior. Clear charts, maps, and graphs illustrate additional facts, such as the horse color chart. Among the outstanding images are beach grass, cord grass, cave drawings, cattle egret, flehman, bayberry leaves, phragmites, PZP darts, PZP vacine, parking lot, 2010 foals, and grooming.
Part of the excellent Scientists in the Field series, this look at equine science is excellent. Focusing mainly on the Assateague herd, with additional information on the Pryor Range herds in Montana, this well researched, accessible survey is made especially appealing by the excellent photographs of wild horses. The text highlights the work of scientists and National Park rangers in helping keep the wild horse population in balance. Frydenborg's text tells how the contact of the scientists and Park personnel with the horses result in mutual respect, affection, and a tenuous bond between people and wild horses.
An index, glossary, resource lsit including websites, places to view wild horses, and If You Want to Help section are included. Wild Horse Scientists could be used in introducing units on biological science, history, or an information literary unit. This is highly recommended for school and public library collections. 4.5 star rating.
For ages 10 and up, wild horses, scientists, photographs, science, ecosystems, children's nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, and fans of Kay Frydenborg and Scientists in the Field series.
February 22, 2013
While this book does cover a lot about the wild horses/ponies of Assateague Island and the scientists studying and helping them, it also delves into wild horses at Pryor Mountain in the west, general horse history and information, and topics related to horses and the scientists who study them. The book is illustrated with many photos in full color, many full-page spreads, and information not directly related to the scientists on Assateague is presented in different formats or sidebars to distinguish it from the main topic.
Wild horse contraception would not seem an obvious topic for a middle school nonfiction book, and that might keep it out of more conservative libraries, unfortunately. The author covers the topic appropriately for the age level, with a focus on preventing pregnancy and not how the horses get pregnant (or whether they can continue enjoying that activity after they've gotten their shot-out-of-a-rifle dose of lifetime contraceptive). The pictures are glorious--perfect for horse fans of all types, and will make them want to jump in a plane to go to Assateague immediately. Although the pictures of the dead horses might give them pause! All in all, this is a very balanced and intriguing coverage of the topic, and a must for everyone who loves horses or read 'Misty of Chincoteague' and wants the trufax.
Wild horse contraception would not seem an obvious topic for a middle school nonfiction book, and that might keep it out of more conservative libraries, unfortunately. The author covers the topic appropriately for the age level, with a focus on preventing pregnancy and not how the horses get pregnant (or whether they can continue enjoying that activity after they've gotten their shot-out-of-a-rifle dose of lifetime contraceptive). The pictures are glorious--perfect for horse fans of all types, and will make them want to jump in a plane to go to Assateague immediately. Although the pictures of the dead horses might give them pause! All in all, this is a very balanced and intriguing coverage of the topic, and a must for everyone who loves horses or read 'Misty of Chincoteague' and wants the trufax.
January 3, 2016
This is another great book in the Scientists in the Field series. It highlights the scientists who, since 1971, have been working on maintaining wild horse populations on Assateague Island in Maryland as well as on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range in Montana without having to round up the horses. They have done this by developing a contraceptive that is administered by dart gun. This book gives a brief history of wild horses in the US, as well as the scientific work that has been done to document the lives of the horses on Assateague .
Although I have listed this book as being "middle grade," it is for the upper ranges of that designation. I love these books because they are fascinating and well written, but I get frustrated each time because the reading level and concepts are beyond an independent read by my fifth grade students. I would love to have a series of books like this one that would be appropriate for upper elementary!
Although I have listed this book as being "middle grade," it is for the upper ranges of that designation. I love these books because they are fascinating and well written, but I get frustrated each time because the reading level and concepts are beyond an independent read by my fifth grade students. I would love to have a series of books like this one that would be appropriate for upper elementary!
December 5, 2013
The Wild Horse Scientist is a nonfiction book with details about the wild horse refuge on Assateague Island on the Virginia/ Maryland border. Scientist cataloged the birth and deaths of wild horses while developing a birth control method to extend the life of the horses on the island. If a horse gives birth each year, the life expectancy is 7 to 8 years. When injected with PZP, a birth control substance, the scientists were able to allow the horses to have one foul and extend the life of the horses to 20 years. This non-fiction book is a great example for comparing non-fiction and fiction stories. This would be a great book to read with students over a period of weeks. It has a lot of detail and would be overwhelming for young children. The photographs are remarkable and chronically the journey of the scientists working with the horses on Assateague Island. I liked the book and thought the photographs added a great deal to the story.
December 10, 2012
Genre: Informational
Summary: This informational book tells the importance of horse control population on Assoteauge Island in Maryland and Delaware.
Critique:
A) photographs
B) the greatest strength of this book (aside from the relative distance from my hometown) is the informational and beautiful photographs that are placed throughout the book in order to exemplify the text and words in the story.
C) Specifically, when discussing the mating rituals and habitat of the book, the author placed an exquisite photograph of Assoteauge Island and the area in which the horses inhabit.
CC) Although this book would probably be best suited for middle to high school, this book would be an incredible aid to the discovery of the land around us and the uniqueness of wild horses virtually in our backyard.
Summary: This informational book tells the importance of horse control population on Assoteauge Island in Maryland and Delaware.
Critique:
A) photographs
B) the greatest strength of this book (aside from the relative distance from my hometown) is the informational and beautiful photographs that are placed throughout the book in order to exemplify the text and words in the story.
C) Specifically, when discussing the mating rituals and habitat of the book, the author placed an exquisite photograph of Assoteauge Island and the area in which the horses inhabit.
CC) Although this book would probably be best suited for middle to high school, this book would be an incredible aid to the discovery of the land around us and the uniqueness of wild horses virtually in our backyard.
December 3, 2018
Summary:
This non-fiction book is about wild horses and their needs in order to survive as well as their habitat. The scientist in this book have researched different ways in which they can protect these wild horse and make their lives easier to populate and maintain survival. This book is also filled with many different types of wild horses and fun facts.
Teaching Idea:
A good teaching idea would be to have students research the different breads of wild horse and make a tri-fold poster that contains what each horse needs in order to survive and how we could further help their living situations. The students could present to the class when done.
Evaluation:
This is a great book when learning new ecosystems and needs of animals. I love how detailed and easy to read this book was ,and it's a great resource for the classroom.
This non-fiction book is about wild horses and their needs in order to survive as well as their habitat. The scientist in this book have researched different ways in which they can protect these wild horse and make their lives easier to populate and maintain survival. This book is also filled with many different types of wild horses and fun facts.
Teaching Idea:
A good teaching idea would be to have students research the different breads of wild horse and make a tri-fold poster that contains what each horse needs in order to survive and how we could further help their living situations. The students could present to the class when done.
Evaluation:
This is a great book when learning new ecosystems and needs of animals. I love how detailed and easy to read this book was ,and it's a great resource for the classroom.
December 9, 2019
Two scientists Dr. Ron Keiper and Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick study the habits and environments/life cycle of wild life horses. Through the good days and bad, these scientists are determined to learn more about these creatures through their actions and DNA. This is yet another great book to introduce during science. This would be another great option for students to be exposed to when trying to research about something that intrigues them.
December 17, 2019
this was a very informative book on wild horses and how they keep the population down. I personally thought that it was interesting how long it took them to make birth control for the horses. I was surprised that it took two decades. I also thought that it was interesting how they got the birth control into the horse. all in all, I think that it was a very good book.
December 3, 2018
Summary:
This book is written by a scientist in the field named Kay Frydenborg. The purpose of this book was to investigate wild horses and how they live in their environment. The book is highly informational and a non-fiction text, which discusses wild horse birth control since they reproduced too often since they didn't have many predators, and the laws that protect these horses from harm. The tracking of horses is discussed, and how scientists and wild horse specialists provide medicines to the horses to keep them healthy and surviving. At the end of the story, the author listed some places where anyone can go and see wild horses with their own eyes.
Evaluation:
I thought this was a good book. I did not know that wild horses even had anyone protecting them or providing them medicine, I just thought they were wild and free. I find it heart-warming that people care enough about these wild horses to keep them alive and healthy, and it makes your emotions tie into this book, which makes you like it more.
Teaching Idea:
I think this is a great informational book about horses in general, but especially wild horses. If there is an opportunity to give a lesson on horses/wild horses, I would definitely use this book to teach students about how wild horses are protected and helped, and we could create a web-map about wild horses and their characteristics.
This book is written by a scientist in the field named Kay Frydenborg. The purpose of this book was to investigate wild horses and how they live in their environment. The book is highly informational and a non-fiction text, which discusses wild horse birth control since they reproduced too often since they didn't have many predators, and the laws that protect these horses from harm. The tracking of horses is discussed, and how scientists and wild horse specialists provide medicines to the horses to keep them healthy and surviving. At the end of the story, the author listed some places where anyone can go and see wild horses with their own eyes.
Evaluation:
I thought this was a good book. I did not know that wild horses even had anyone protecting them or providing them medicine, I just thought they were wild and free. I find it heart-warming that people care enough about these wild horses to keep them alive and healthy, and it makes your emotions tie into this book, which makes you like it more.
Teaching Idea:
I think this is a great informational book about horses in general, but especially wild horses. If there is an opportunity to give a lesson on horses/wild horses, I would definitely use this book to teach students about how wild horses are protected and helped, and we could create a web-map about wild horses and their characteristics.
July 18, 2021
My kids like horses and liked a different book in this "scientists in the field" series, so we picked this up. At the very least, I'd recommend it for older readers. A large portion of the book is about how the scientists inject the horses with birth control "vaccines" so that each female can only have one child--reminded me of communist China, but they claim it's better for the horses and apparently the environment--and then it also has details about how they make this vaccine, from pig ovaries, with photos. I just decided that was not appropriate material for my children.
October 8, 2023
This was a good book about wild horses and the people who study them. Full of facts and cool pictures. Recommend for older kids between 12 and 14.
Read
September 15, 2013Frydenborg, K. (2012). Wild horse scientists. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 80 pp. ISBN: 978-0-547-51831-2. (Hardcover); $18.99.
Each living organism has a set of habitat requirements that allow the organism to live and reproduce. Wild horses are no different. In this book, Frydenborg presents students with that ever-present dilemma in today’s world of how to manage wild animals in a world that is out of balance. Natural resources are limited and hard choices must be made. Frydenborg talks about the need to cull herds of wild horses, which is really just a polite way of saying we have too many wild horses and we need to kill some of them. But what happens if we are Dr. Ron Keiper or Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick and we think there is an alternative to butchering these gorgeous creatures, especially when our country use to support millions of wild horses before our ancestors destroyed much of the habitat, usurped the horses’ habitat, and slaughtered so many? And just what is the definition of a “wild horse” anyway? This new method of controlling the wild horse population, however, is also not without controversy because it involves using a PZP birth control vaccine. In a book that is often as lyrical as any good story, Frydenborg skillfully explores the history, shares the background of the scientists, and carefully presents the field research of these two scientists and the team of people working with them. The fact that the book is filled with stunning photography of these spirited and beautiful animals only adds to the emotional resonance of this research. One of the many charms of this book and all of the books in this magnificent series is that it is equally at home in libraries for all ages!
For those readers wishing to explore the Curriculum Guide link, here it is: (send me an email, info@spicyreads.org, put Wild Horse Scientist in the subject and I will send the live link to you): http://www.scribd.com/doc/144665516/W...
Each living organism has a set of habitat requirements that allow the organism to live and reproduce. Wild horses are no different. In this book, Frydenborg presents students with that ever-present dilemma in today’s world of how to manage wild animals in a world that is out of balance. Natural resources are limited and hard choices must be made. Frydenborg talks about the need to cull herds of wild horses, which is really just a polite way of saying we have too many wild horses and we need to kill some of them. But what happens if we are Dr. Ron Keiper or Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick and we think there is an alternative to butchering these gorgeous creatures, especially when our country use to support millions of wild horses before our ancestors destroyed much of the habitat, usurped the horses’ habitat, and slaughtered so many? And just what is the definition of a “wild horse” anyway? This new method of controlling the wild horse population, however, is also not without controversy because it involves using a PZP birth control vaccine. In a book that is often as lyrical as any good story, Frydenborg skillfully explores the history, shares the background of the scientists, and carefully presents the field research of these two scientists and the team of people working with them. The fact that the book is filled with stunning photography of these spirited and beautiful animals only adds to the emotional resonance of this research. One of the many charms of this book and all of the books in this magnificent series is that it is equally at home in libraries for all ages!
For those readers wishing to explore the Curriculum Guide link, here it is: (send me an email, info@spicyreads.org, put Wild Horse Scientist in the subject and I will send the live link to you): http://www.scribd.com/doc/144665516/W...
October 13, 2014
A look into the lives of wild horses in America, one of the scientists who pioneered the modern studies of these creatures on Assateague Island and Pryor Mountain. The book primarily focuses on the challenges of keeping a healthy population size for these animals with no natural predators in a way that is affordable and humane, that led scientists to the solution of using the PZP birth control vaccine.
Not many books focus on studying how to keep the population size of a favored wild animal in control. Most news is about mosquitoes and other such pests, and the answer is usually killing off extra critters that overload the ecosystem. Because of the popularity of horses, especially such well-known wild horses thanks to books and documentaries, extermination is not a popular answer for keeping wild horses in check. The scientists developed a very clever solution that seems to be working very well. The book talks about how this answer has taken a long time to work, but how they used carefully recorded statistics to be able to predict that it would work. I wish it did a better job explaining why the population needs to be kept under a certain number. It doesn't really mention problems of over-eating or competing for food resources at all, so this would probably best be used in conjunction with other materials on ecosystems and the dangers of overpopulation.
Notes on content: No language issues. Though birth control is a main topic, the mating practices of horses are not discussed. There are a couple pictures of dead wild horses, some partially decayed that may gross out kids.
Not many books focus on studying how to keep the population size of a favored wild animal in control. Most news is about mosquitoes and other such pests, and the answer is usually killing off extra critters that overload the ecosystem. Because of the popularity of horses, especially such well-known wild horses thanks to books and documentaries, extermination is not a popular answer for keeping wild horses in check. The scientists developed a very clever solution that seems to be working very well. The book talks about how this answer has taken a long time to work, but how they used carefully recorded statistics to be able to predict that it would work. I wish it did a better job explaining why the population needs to be kept under a certain number. It doesn't really mention problems of over-eating or competing for food resources at all, so this would probably best be used in conjunction with other materials on ecosystems and the dangers of overpopulation.
Notes on content: No language issues. Though birth control is a main topic, the mating practices of horses are not discussed. There are a couple pictures of dead wild horses, some partially decayed that may gross out kids.
April 23, 2013
Because this book features the work of specific scientists (Jay Kirkpatrick, Ron Keiper, and Allison Turner)--even discussing some of their specific experiments and field work--I sort of expected to see a reference to a paper or two by the scientists themselves. No dice! A range of secondary sources rules the day. The book talks about the scarcity of scientific studies on wild horses back in the 1970s, and clearly references a written proposal by Keiper. None of these authentic texts is featured in the book, and we don't find them in the sources.
I enjoyed the in-the-moment experience of the book, and was intrigued by the overarching narrative of how to manage the population with birth control drugs. I remember a similar initiative for mountain streams and beavers in Utah in the 1980s and 1990s that helped return mountain streams to more manageable flow patterns.
My son, Alma (13), stole the book from me when I brought it home and found several favorite pages to sit and look at for a long time. The photography is very good, with great variety across the book. There are probably just as many shots of the scientists both in the lab and at field work as there are great shots of these wild horses! A lot of interesting devices and help for navigating were provided in the graphic design, but no designer was given credit (too bad, because I enjoyed the work).
I enjoyed the in-the-moment experience of the book, and was intrigued by the overarching narrative of how to manage the population with birth control drugs. I remember a similar initiative for mountain streams and beavers in Utah in the 1980s and 1990s that helped return mountain streams to more manageable flow patterns.
My son, Alma (13), stole the book from me when I brought it home and found several favorite pages to sit and look at for a long time. The photography is very good, with great variety across the book. There are probably just as many shots of the scientists both in the lab and at field work as there are great shots of these wild horses! A lot of interesting devices and help for navigating were provided in the graphic design, but no designer was given credit (too bad, because I enjoyed the work).
August 3, 2016
Genre: Informational - I would recommend this for 5th grade on up. It’s for anyone who loves animals and especially horses.
Summary: This is the story of the wild horses of North America their evolution, migration, and survival as a species. This book also provides the science of their history, their coat coloring, and how science is ensuring that their populations don't get out of control in the wild.
Curriculum Connection: There could be math connections made with the ratio of horses that received vaccinations and the decrease in births - graphs could be used. Simple genetics coding could be fun to work on to see how the variations wold work out in the horses coats.
I enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it. The pictures were stunning and they brought the horses right off the page. It made me want to go visit the Assateague Island National Seashore Park.
Summary: This is the story of the wild horses of North America their evolution, migration, and survival as a species. This book also provides the science of their history, their coat coloring, and how science is ensuring that their populations don't get out of control in the wild.
Curriculum Connection: There could be math connections made with the ratio of horses that received vaccinations and the decrease in births - graphs could be used. Simple genetics coding could be fun to work on to see how the variations wold work out in the horses coats.
I enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it. The pictures were stunning and they brought the horses right off the page. It made me want to go visit the Assateague Island National Seashore Park.
April 21, 2016
3.5 out of 5
An informative and engaging narrative, like one of those National Geographic documentaries.
HOWEVER:
1) Why include a photograph of an image displayed on a computer screen instead of including an actual imagine?
2) Although more complex scientific terms are explained quite well, the use of the term "hypothesis" is questionable: "She wanted to understand how assumptions about human behavior might distort our vision of animals. In testing this hypothesis, ... " (40). My understanding is that hypothesis is a statement, not an open-ended question. It's not that big of a deal, but it is a scientific book, after all!
Overall, although I was skeptical at the beginning, this book succeeded in persuading me that the administration of PZP contraception is the only humane way of maintaining a healthy size of the wild horse population.
An informative and engaging narrative, like one of those National Geographic documentaries.
HOWEVER:
1) Why include a photograph of an image displayed on a computer screen instead of including an actual imagine?
2) Although more complex scientific terms are explained quite well, the use of the term "hypothesis" is questionable: "She wanted to understand how assumptions about human behavior might distort our vision of animals. In testing this hypothesis, ... " (40). My understanding is that hypothesis is a statement, not an open-ended question. It's not that big of a deal, but it is a scientific book, after all!
Overall, although I was skeptical at the beginning, this book succeeded in persuading me that the administration of PZP contraception is the only humane way of maintaining a healthy size of the wild horse population.
December 6, 2012
The photographs are outstanding featuring mostly Chincoteague ponies and even the wild mustangs out West. This informative book relates the efforts of two scientists in their quest to develop a safe reproductive vaccine to manage the herds. Assateague Island is bucolic, but also plagued by extremes in temperature and biting insects. The ponies have survived storms and hurricanes for centuries. You can feel the essence of Misty of the Chincoteague and the legend (probably truth) of ponies swimming ashore from a wrecked Spanish galleon. But, make no mistake, this is science/non-fiction. It's a wonderful read of equine animal science and how these magnificent creatures must be protected. Highly recommend for libraries and school libraries.
August 28, 2016
I picked up this book because I was drawn to the cover, a lovely photograph of the wild horses on the Assateague Island beach. My family has vacationed on nearby Chincoteague Island for many, many years, so I recognized them immediately. For all that I thought I knew about these horses, I learned a tremendous amount of new information about these animals. For instance, I didn't even know there were two herds - one on the southern half of the island in Virginia, the other in the northern half in Maryland. The book centers on the the differences in how the two herds are managed, and the science involved in that management. For me, reading this book meant learning new things about these horses that I've "known" all my life!
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April 29, 2014Age: 7th-11th
Genre: Informational
Summary: This book looks at wild horses, specifically those on Assateague Island. The scientists that the book focuses on are researching population control methods.
Curriculum Connection: This book definitely ties in with many biology topics, as well as a great overall source on wild horses. It also incorporates the history of wild horses in North America.
Personal Reaction: I liked the book, the way it was laid out, and the amount of information it contained. However, I was surprised at the maturity level of the content. This book describes birth control vaccines as the most effective method of population control, and describes how the vaccine works in detail, which is not appropriate for young readers.
Genre: Informational
Summary: This book looks at wild horses, specifically those on Assateague Island. The scientists that the book focuses on are researching population control methods.
Curriculum Connection: This book definitely ties in with many biology topics, as well as a great overall source on wild horses. It also incorporates the history of wild horses in North America.
Personal Reaction: I liked the book, the way it was laid out, and the amount of information it contained. However, I was surprised at the maturity level of the content. This book describes birth control vaccines as the most effective method of population control, and describes how the vaccine works in detail, which is not appropriate for young readers.
March 29, 2013
While you can rest assured that any entry in the Scientists in the Field books is going to be well-researched and contain great back matter, the subject of this one was a miss for me. Maybe it's because I've never really cared about horses much, but I feel like a whole book basically about horse birth control might strain the interest of even die-hard horse book fans. Okay, there is additional info about the history of horses, how selective breeding developed different color patterns, and the history and care of wild horses in the US. But the bulk of the narrative describes how and why scientists developed a birth control vaccine to control the population of wild horses.
May 23, 2015
This book is really good for anyone who wants to know more about Assateague’s wild horses, and if you don’t know anything about them, then this book is a great way to learn about them. This book is mainly about developing a birth control for the wild horses, because when they have foals every year, there get to be way to many horses and they have to round them up way more to sell them away to get rid of them which could be a little traumatic, plus having lots of foals decreases the lifespan of the horses. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about wild horses.
January 22, 2013
Okay. It's official. I can no longer be "objective" about the Scientists in the Field series. It is so consistently well researched, well photographed, accessible and just plain interesting that, well, there's nothing more for me to say. The series has been an automatic purchase for me for some time. It fits right in with a collaborative project I work with the seventh grade teacher on. It's just perfect informational text.
March 30, 2013
Will this book interest middle and high school readers? It's too difficult for elementary readers, with a lot of information about assisted reproduction, but I'm not sure older readers will be as drawn to it.
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