The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants that Built the World [Hardcover]

Donna Campbell Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

A celebration of Clydesdales, Percherons, Belgians and other heavy horse breeds.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Before trucks and tractors, draft horses performed the heavy work of pulling
wagons, plowing fields, and hauling logs. But the internal combustion engine did not entirely replace these animals, and they are still used in many parts of the country for agricultural and other jobs, as well as for pleasure driving and county fair pulling contests.

 

This book is a celebration of these “gentle giants,” as well as a handbook on their breeding, care, and training, and their use as competition and working horses.

 

Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of these magnificent horses:
• History of the Draft Horse
• Draft Horse Breeds
• Preparing for Ownership: Housing, Transportation, and Equipment
• Buying Your First Draft Horse
• Health and Care of the Draft Horse
• Showing the Draft Horse
• The Draft Horse Pull
• The Draft Pleasure Horse
• Real Work
• Breeding Draft Horses 

 

Profusely illustrated and with a glossary of terms, The Book of Draft Horses will appeal to everyone who has been thrilled at the sight of these gentle giants. 

About the Author

Donna Campbell Smith is a freelance writer with a degree in equine technology. She writes for USA Equestrian, The Chronicle of the Horse, and other equestrian magazines. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592289797
• ISBN-13: 978-1592289790
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #996,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Draft Horses, The Gentle Giants that Built the World, October 24, 2009

By 

P. Walczykowski - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants that Built the World (Hardcover)

The title implies that this is a book on the history of draft horses, but it is much more. It does devote the first chapter to history, but the remainder of the book is very current and complete. It gives good information on the various breeds of draft horses, buying and caring for your horses, as well as chapters on showing, breeding and working draft horses. This book is easy to read and gives a very good overview of the basics of draft horse ownership. Written in 2007, the information is very up-to-date.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rave reviews for The Book of Draft Horses, March 24, 2009

By 

D. Linden (N.E. Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants that Built the World (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book on the history and use of draft horses. This book is well written, informative, and entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in draft horses.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, May 4, 2009

By 

Jane Austen (Webster, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants that Built the World (Hardcover)

I was quite disappointed in this book. It was very, very basic. I have 2 draft horses, and thought I might learn more about them--their history, their quirks, their special needs. But the information included was just common sense stuff that doesn't require special knowledge at all--like the fact that you'll need a bigger stall or that they eat more than a light horse. I was looking for information particularly about health issues, confirmation concerns, weight control, etc.--and found nothing at all beyond what I already know covering these matters. Bottom line, if you have draft horses, don't buy this book. If you don't have draft horses but are interested in learning more about them, don't buy this book. You will find more--and better--information by searching the internet. And you'll find better pictures, too!