Customer Reviews

Wild Horses Of The Dunes

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was extremely well done. Along with its amazing photography, it contained factual information helping to describe the lives of the Chincoteague ponies. It is a must read for all horse lovers of all ages.

Magnificent photographs with informative text.

I purchased this book on a cold winter day when I was dreaming of going back to Assateague Island and needed a wild pony fix. It's been on our coffee table ever since. Beautiful photos capture the essence of the wild ponies who inhabit a barrier island straddling the coast of Maryland and Virginia, as well as telling the story of the "saltwater cowboys" who round them up three times a year to check their health and, in the summer, to swim them over to Chincoteague for the famous Pony Penning Days.

It is a gorgeous book, with stunning photos, and I did learn some things about Pony Penning that I didn't know. The author does a good job conveying that the Chincoteague natives love and honor the ponies, who provide them fame and tourist income. They take great care with the horses, providing them vet check ups, ferrying the ones who are weak, young or very pregnant across to ensure their continued health. There is a really touching vignette in the beginning of the book when the author describes his first encounter with a wild stallion that anyone who has had a moment with the wild ponies will recognize. My one criticism is that the book does seem to focus on the Virginia ponies, and not so much the Maryland herd, but that is a small criticism and does not detract from the book.

This is a lovely book that showcases one of this country's most beautiful places. Whether you are a fan of beautiful wildlife photography, an armchair traveller, or a fan of American folklife and history, this is a book that belongs on your coffee table. I bought it to remind me of beautiful days spent by the sea, I keep it because it captures the magic of Assateague.

This book would be great if it was about the horses of the islands. The whole book focuses on the islands and not the horses. Save your money on this one. Im returning mine.