The Bridleway: How Horses Shaped the British Landscape

by Tiffany Francis-Baker

An exploration of how the British landscape has been shaped by equestrianism, how horses have captured our wild imaginations, and how they have become part of our nation's ecosystems.

Most of us have enjoyed walking on a bridleway at some time or other, but we rarely stop to think about how these old routes came to be. These ancient networks criss-cross the British countryside and are so familiar to walkers and riders that they have become almost invisible as we meander our way along them. From atop a horse, Tiffany Francis-Baker provides readers with a new perspective on bridleways and a glimpse into their intriguing history.

Revealing how deep-rooted horses have been in British culture for thousands of years, Tiffany unravels how these ancient pathways became scattered across British landscapes. She explores how our landscape was shaped by equestrianism, how horses have captured our wild imaginations and how they have become part of our nation's ecosystems.

Horses are the only domesticated animal that we elevate to pets or entertainment or classify as vehicles, machinery, or tools of farming and conservation. In their hybridity as part-domesticated, part-fiercely independent, horses can teach us a lot about our landscape and our place within it. And they can help us to understand nature through a different pair of eyes. As a nation, we have allowed them far deeper into human society than any other animals, except dogs and cats. In her new book, Tiffany investigates why this animal, in particular, has captured Britons' attention so much and explores how horses have shaped Britain's landscape, history and heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, History, British Literature, Natural History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[Sophy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly I sifted through this one and skim read a lot of it.

After the first chapter, I think I realised it wasn't the book for me. Something just didn't feel like it was gelling right.

What I did read was interesting to a point, some of which has been covered before in books on differing subjects. There was a bit of history, archaeology, anthropology, animal studies.

I think the bit I found most interesting was about the wild horses purposely set loose in the forests surrounding Chernobyl/Pripyat following the disaster; the thinking was that these horses would be allowed to survive and breed without the nuisance and intervention of man (the irony is not lost on me here!!) A bizarre stance but one that "seems" to have paid off (although who knows what health the horses are in really).

An average book for me this one, not a "returner" and not one I'd particularly recommend unless you're a big horsey fan!

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. I was drawn to it because it covered both landscapes and horses-- both of which and the combination of are areas of keen interest to me. The book was a treasure of discovery. The author's pacing, style, rich knowledge of local lore and nature, coupled with horse knowledge, made this a unique and inspirational read. I return to it again and again. It makes me want to get up and go for a ramble in the countryside and explore. It is a wonderful book on so many levels.
I wrote a full review on my blog, discussing the themes of landscape discovery and the stories in unexpected locations, alongside the effects and presence of the horse. You can read the blog post review here https://theearthwise.com/book-review-...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this (not available to select as an edition on Goodreads for some reason), and it was a beautiful, evocative and interesting listen.

If you love horses, history and nature then this book is for you. The author takes us on a beautifully evocative hack through the British landscape and across different eras. From pit ponies to war horses, and poetry to conservation grazing.

The narration is exquisite but I knocked off a star for some seriously mispronounced words that I’m guessing the narrator was unfamiliar with (like livery) which unfortunately jarred what was otherwise a riveting listen.

[Anne Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by my Uncle, as we share an interest in the British countryside, plus he knows I also have an interest in horses. It was a lovely and interesting read overall. Some parts gripped me and interested me more than others. I liked the bits where I learnt something new - a fascinating new fact, or one that enabled me to make sense of things a little more. It was a great subject for a book and I enjoyed the authors visits to various locations around the UK such as Knepp Castle which I hope to visit myself one day.

[Lala G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual and interesting. Reminiscent of Tschiffley.

[Diana Cheal · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would have been better if it had focussed on the horses rather than political opinions of the author. I love horses and I loved history but it just wasn’t the book for me.

[Grace Machon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sign I won the lottery but didn’t tell anyone would be a small herd of fell ponies on common land.

[Katrine Engelhardt Thomsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit messy at times, but a charming and soothing read.