The Western Horse: A Popular History of the Wild and Working Animal

by Randi Samuelson-Brown

Perhaps no one living ideal embodies the spirit of the American West more than that of the horse. Wild horses, trained horses, and every-stage-in-between horses evoke pride and passion while presenting an American image of freedom, strength, and swiftness. This book celebrates the history and culture of the western horse, its ability to capture the popular imagination, and the means by which it has come to symbolize the American West. Beginning in the 1500s, The Western Horse delves into the origins and variations of the western breeds, their role in the expansion and settlement of the West, and the lawless element they attracted. The 1800s is when the stereotypes of Western Americana flourish accompanied by the ever-present horse. The mounted Plains tribes, cavalry, Pony Express, pioneers, stock detectives, cowboys, horse thieves, and the iconic rodeos come into perspective. The book is also intended to dispel some of the falsehoods of the western horse and replace those inaccuracies with interesting fact. Case in many people grow up believing that the wild mustangs are the offspring the conquistador’s horses. While that belief is partially true, it is also partially incorrect. While the conquistadors returned with horses re-introducing them to the American landmass, the Spaniards only rode stallions. The progenitors of the mustangs likely occurred a bit later—lost stock of the Spanish settlers and the missions that returned into the wild. The book will use an illustrative B&W design to showcase nostalgic imagery, advertisements, and sidebars with trivia for die-hard horse fans!

210 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

All things Western, all things Colorado. Born and raised in Golden Colorado, now lives in Denver.

Reviews

[BRBC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, thoroughly researched and highly informative, it presents captivating insights into the origins of foundational horse breeds, their evolving roles, and the legendary horses and owners who shaped their legacy. Each chapter is well structured, concluding with a fun "horse trivia" tidbit that keeps readers entertained while deepening understanding. The chapter notes provide clear summaries, followed by a comprehensive bibliography brimming with resources for further study.

From the origins of foundation stock that shaped today's breeds, legendary horses, and their influential owners, Randi masterfully distills a plethora of data into an enjoyable format that appeals to readers of all ages. I learned so much while reading this book and found myself taking notes on topics I'm now curious about. It makes a great gift for grandparents to read aloud with their grandkids & sparks so many conversations & questions. If you have any interest in Western Americana or horsemanship lore, this is a great addition to your home library —a book you'll find yourself picking up again & again. This book is more than just a fascinating read—it’s a conversation starter, a journey of discovery, and makes an absolutely fantastic gift for anyone with an interest in Western Americana and horsemanship lore.

[Jane Botkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One only has to glance at the cover of western historian Randi Samuelson-Brown’s newest, The Western Horse, and immediately be drawn to the book. The cover illustration is a gorgeous clue to what will be found within—everything about the first western equine that originated in the Americas to the fabled mustangs or feral horses (you will get schooled) that inhabit many western states today. In between, fascinating history and anecdotal stories entertain and educate the reader from the Spanish mustangs to military horses and Native American ponies to work horses and rodeo broncs. Full disclosure. I know Randi Samuelson-Brown well, AND secondly, I am, undoubtedly, a horse lover. The first confession. Samuelson-Brown always researches deeply, and the reader can take her words to the bank. She has the natural gift of presenting history in the rarest of ways—entertaining one with tongue-in-cheek humor even as she enlightens the brain. The second confession. I will always gravitate to a horse book, and there are many. But this work is different, and the most curious of readers will enjoy the various threads of American history woven into the knotty fabric of today’s Western horse.

[Natalie Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is next to impossible to describe the feelings upon seeing a live horse painted with tribal markings in the modern day. The horses stand a bit prouder and taller in their warpaint.” THE WESTERN HORSE
One of many enlightening observations made by Randi Samuelson-Brown that gave me pause to consider the impact of horses in America. Her intense love and curiosity for the animal shines through and so does the obvious research. Don’t let the 200-page size fool you, this book packs a historical punch covering the origin, First People, battles, thieves, rodeos and so much more. If you or someone you know loves horses, this book will not disappoint. It’s one of those books that will have you staying up late turning pages and you will want to refer to it again and again. Disclosure: I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Michelle Ferrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

North America has long relied on and had a love affair with the Western horse that evolved from beast of burden to romantic cowboy legend. In her latest book, western author Randi Samuelson Brown tells you the stories of how this relationship developed from the Spanish Conquests across the West to the cowboy rodeos today. This is an entertaining read that introduces you to horses you’ve never heard of like the rugged stock chosen for the perils of the Pony Express. You’ll meet Comanche, lone survivor of the Little Bighorn. And wait until you meet Steel Dust, a blood bay considered the first western Quarter Horse. Get ready for the Bucking Broncos, stars of the Western rodeos, with names like Black Cat and Widow Maker. By the time you finish that chapter, you’ll be itching to get into cowboy boots and saddles. Just make sure you don’t “ride slick.”

[Cara Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Western Horse is a great primer on the role horses have played in shaping America. Randi Samuelson-Brown, a master of Western novels, turns real history into an engaging yarn as she explores how our affection for the mixed descendants of mustangs and thoroughbreds reflects our ancestors’ struggles for survival and dominance on the frontier.

Brown reminds us how: American horses went extinct during the last Ice Age, 16th Century Spaniards reintroduced them as weapons of conquest, and indigenous tribes had to fight to get their hands on that horsepower. In the 17th to 19th centuries, horses improved migration, hunting, and trading. They also played pivotal roles in genocide, expansion, and war, and this book underscores how wildly different history would be without them. It’s humbling to consider that so many who’ve relied on these companions for survival, lacked the skill or empathy to handle them.

My favorite chapters involve the Pony Express and other long-distance riders. With laconic wit, Brown lets the boldness of Robert “Pony Bob” Haslem speak for itself. On one 1860 ride across Nevada, a relief rider refused to pick up where Pony Bob was supposed to leave off:

“…Johnson Richardson announced that with American Indians ready to fight, he wasn’t risking his life for the U.S. mail. The station manager at that stop, W.C. Marley, offered Pony Bob fifty bucks if he kept on riding. He took the money. And he rode.”

Brown adds quotes, articles, and letters to vividly paint frontier battles, horse thieves, and fire-horses. My favorite quote comes from May Lillie, who describes life as a bronco rider in the Wild West Shows of the 1890s as: “…more real fun than any pink tea or theater party or ballroom ever yielded.” This popular history covers lots of ground at a brisk trot, but each vignette feels like an old-time movie short, sure to give lovers of history and horses a deeper appreciation for Western lore.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, nicely organized and impressively researched. All kinds of interesting tidbits about fire horses, rodeo accomplishments, cowgirls, Native Americans and horses, and much more. Entertaining and fun.

[J]

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