Horses of the World is a comprehensive, large-format overview of 570 breeds of domestic and extant wild horses, including hybrids between the two and between domestic breeds and other equids, such as zebras. This beautifully illustrated and detailed guide covers the origins of modern horses, anatomy and physiology, variation in breeds, and modern equestrian practices. The treatment of breeds is organized by country within broader geographical regions—from Eurasia through Australasia and to the Americas. Each account provides measurements (weight and height), distribution, origins and history, character and attributes, uses, and current status. Every breed is accompanied by superb color drawings—600 in total—and color photographs can be found throughout the book.
Describing and depicting every horse breed in existence, Horses of the World will be treasured by all who are interested in these gorgeous animals.
- A unique large-format, field-guide approach that provides complete coverage of the world’s 570 horse breeds
- 600 superb color illustrations showcasing every breed
- Additional color photos and maps
- Accessible text offers detailed information on each breed, including measurements, distribution, origins and history, character and attributes, uses, and current status
Awards and Recognition
- Winner of a 2018 Outstanding Reference Sources Award, Reference and User Services Association, American Library Association
Élise Rousseau is a freelance writer and author of a number of adult and children's books on horses. She is an avid equestrian and has traveled all over the world to document rare breeds. Yann Le Bris has been a professional artist for eighteen years and has illustrated numerous books.
"A comprehensive, large-format encyclopedia, the 536-page volume begins with sections on breed identification, domestication of the horse and equestrian principles. . . . A wealth of information on horses, this book would be a helpful reference for a student 4-H member and anyone interested in learning about how horses are used all over the world."—Western Horseman
"This is the horse book to end all horse books. . . . A magnificent reference for anyone with a passion for horses."—Toronto Star
"Cleverly designed and handsomely illustrated, this single-volume encyclopedia of horse breeds will serve nicely both on the reference shelf and as a desktop companion for equine enthusiasts. . . . Writing style is refreshingly straightforward. . . . Although this is published for adult readers, more than 400 richly colored photographs and illustrations will likely attract and hold the interest of young readers as well."—Booklist
"There are some 570 or possibly more varieties of horse . . . and Horses of the World covers them all. There is introductory material about horses, breeds, how we tell them apart, conservation status, etc. Each horse breed is then given one half of a page on each of two folios, so you see overleaf some illustrated text on one side, and a fuller and very official illustration on the other, for most breeds, with some variation."—Greg Laden's blog
"A must for horse lovers and a fascinating browse for all readers."—Library Journal
"Well-known French equestrian writer Rousseau here offers, in translation, a detailed, large-format overview of all extant domestic and wild horses and other equine breeds (e.g., zebras), covering the origins of 570 modern breeds; their anatomy, physiology, and variations; and modern equestrian practice."—Choice
"This comprehensive and beautiful book will appeal to all those with a passion for horses. Élise Rousseau deserves kudos for undertaking this monumental work."—Octavia J. Brown, Centenary University
