The Horse Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

by Josee Hermsen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
YA-Wonderfully clear, precise, and easy to follow, this book is directed toward European horse lovers, but reads as if written for American riders as well. Many beautiful and illustrative photos as well as diagrams clarify the text. Terminology necessary to understand the various types of horses is first covered, including pithy descriptions of "warmbloods," "coldbloods," and horse profiles. Each breed is succinctly characterized by its origin, height, color, character, appearance, applications, action, and special remarks delineating unusual traits. Each section of the animal's anatomy is clearly described and illustrated. An appendix provides details about the "founding sire" or parent stallion for particular breeds, information not normally found in books on horses. This title isso well done that even YAs with little interest in these animals are likely to be captivated.
Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This is the English-language edition of a fact-filled guide to the world of horses, originally published in The Netherlands. There are two main sections: one covering breeds of horses and the other dealing with the care of the horse and equestrian activities. Fifty breeds of horses and ponies are described in terms of their origins and physical characteristics. A color photograph accompanies the description of each breed. The section on breeds is followed by "Caring for Horses and Equestrian Sports," which includes an explanation of confirmation points, charts illustrating colors, leg and facial markings, and habits and characteristics of specific breeds. There are definitions of equestrian terms as well as sections on equipment, feeding, grooming, hoof care, equine diseases and disorders, and stable requirements. Training and riding basics, dressage terminology and exercises, show jumping, and driving are covered.

Although the focus of the book is European, there is a chapter on Western riding; and North American breeds are included. An appendix lists foundation sires and other well-know sires, and there is an alphabetical index.

The encyclopedia does a good job of covering the broad spectrum of information of interest to horse lovers. Although The Horse Encyclopedia is not as lavishly illustrated as Dorling Kindersley's Encyclopedia of the Horse [RBB D 1 94], almost all of the short but informative descriptions and explanations are accompanied by photographs, and young readers especially will find the format appealing. Both International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds and International Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies [both RBB N 1 95] cover more breeds, while The Horse Dictionary [RBB N 1 95] covers more related terms. The Horse Encyclopedia is recommended for school and public libraries needing another resource on the topic.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books; REP edition (March 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552093050
• ISBN-13: 978-1552093054
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #803,397 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good overall book but be warned, June 1, 2005

By	Tanya L. Schaub "TSchlaack" (Livermore, Maine USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was purchased for a young elementary school girl who loves horses. The description did not say that there are photos/drawings of horses reproducing. This made things a bit difficult for her parents who were forced into a discussion they hadn't planned on. I did not know about this from the description.

The rest of the book had some great photos and information about horses.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every horse lover's dream!, March 26, 2000

By	Kristina (Santa Rosa, California) - See all my reviews

I borrowed this book from a friend and was so pleased with it-it has hundreds of full-color photos and such crystal-clear information-that I went out and bought my own copy. This book includes rare chapters on the Western and harnessed disciplines (among a few well-written others)and covers the basic breeds and has a detailed horse care section. The price is well worth it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome information,, August 12, 1999

By A Customer

This book is good for beginner's information, it is helpful on almost every breed. Good for pro's too. good book