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This book is designed for all those who love horses. Tracing the evolution of equines, this guide also explains the difference between horses and ponies, looks at how different breeds evolved or were selectively developed, and examines equine anatomy and behavior. Packed with 250 vivid full-color photographs of more than 100 horse-breeds, it uses a systematic approach from Dorling Kindersley and the Smithsonian Institution to train readers of all experience levels to identify and appreciate the wide variety of horses in the world.

A visual identity key helps you recognize different horse breeds, and guides you to the correct entry based on what you see and observe. Each entry combines a concise description with annotated photographs to highlight the main characteristics and distinguishing features of the breed, with details on coloring, country or region of origin, breed history, and how the breed has been used in the human world. A concise glossary provides instant interpretation of equine terms.

The clear visuals and distinctive facts are accompanied by expert prose from author Elwyn Hartley Edwards, former editor of Riding magazine and former consulting editor to Horse and Hound. The book is a clear, concise, comprehensive, and indispensable identification guide for beginners and established equine enthusiasts alike.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

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About the author

Elwyn Hartley Edwards

76 books6 followers
Captain Elwyn Hartley Edwards, MC, was an equestrian writer and editor, born on 17 April 1927 on a boat between India and Britain, and his birth recorded in North Wales. He died on 9 December 2007, aged 80.

Elwyn Edwards was the editor of Riding magazine for 18 years. And the consultant editor for Horse & Hound for five years, he also served as a regional chairman of the British Horse Society and as a member of the BHS council, receiving the society's Award of Merit in 1993. He was also a vice-president of the Riding for the Disabled Association and vice-patron of the Horse and Pony Protection Association.

He used to regularly judge horse shows in the UK. He had written more than 30 books on horse-related subjects and was an authority on lorinery and saddlery

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5 stars
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32 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
487 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2011
I have actually read every word in this book but that is why they call me horse crazy. Gives a small exerpt about each breed.
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5,271 reviews179 followers
September 2, 2020
What we needed in a small size for easily transporting when traveling. Excellent source for horses, their history & their breeds.
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303 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2022
I read this one for work to try to reacquaint myself with all of the horse breeds. I didn’t realize that there are so many obscure breeds! The information was factual and the images are good.
2 reviews
December 13, 2022
was a good book with a lot of information I just wish the font was bigger
Profile Image for Unknown_rose_girl.
5 reviews
August 30, 2024
This book was amazing I personally loved it. I loved the facts a pictures of different horses in this book I couldn’t stop reading it. I recommend this book 100% in specially if you love horses.
Profile Image for Rivkah.
504 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2011
I loved this version. I'd always take it with me on vacation and try to spot the various breeds in feilds as we drove by.
Profile Image for Riobhcah.
315 reviews
May 26, 2015
Excellent basic guide to horse breeds...many interesting details and a plethora of information!
Profile Image for Giulia.
333 reviews
December 19, 2019
The perfect guide to horse identification, history, riding and care. A must have if you like them, and it's always a pleasure to peruse!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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