Detailed information from A to Z on Horses.

Storey’s Horse Lover’s Encyclopedia: An English & Western A-to-Z Guide
Edited by Deborah Burns
February 2001
ISBN: 1-58017-317-9 paperback/ 1-58017-336-5 hardcover

I don’t think there’s a child alive who hasn’t yearned to have a horse of his own, to hear a welcoming neigh greet him on a crisp fall day, and to stroke his steed’s arched neck. A horse is more than a ride on a clear afternoon, cantering through open fields, hurdling streams, and galloping along woodland trails. He is not just a friend. He is a companion.
When I first received Storey’s Horse-Lover Encyclopedia edited by Deborah Burns, I must admit I was intimidated by its enormous size and thickness. But when I opened the book and discovered the alphabetized guide, beautiful illustrations and informational fillers, I was, to say the least, impressed.
From AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) to Zebra, this book is more an equestrian’s bible than encyclopedia. The reader can easily skim the A-Z terms to learn that different breeds emphasize different types of action, and that a dam isn’t a barrier to obstruct the flow of water, but the female parent of a horse. Well-drawn illustrations instruct the reader how to use a twitch instead of pain or fear to subdue a horse. There is information on the variations of basic seats, why horses rub against things, and how to tie a horse. Need information on disease and disease prevention? Or feeding? Showing? Foaling? Breeding? How about various organizations affiliated with horses? Answers are easily found within the 471 pages.
The book is indexed well and also supplies resource organizations. As an additional treat, the editor provides thought provoking proverbs and history regarding horses. Did you know that horseball was invented in the 1970’s by French riding instructor Jean-Paul Depons, and that ancient working ponies of Europe can still be found in some rural areas?
Yet, as vast as the equestrian’s world may be, you will discover that horses are virtually the same all over the world.
The Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia will educate and enlighten both amateur and expert. It’s easy to understand why this book was chosen as a main selection of the Equestrian Edge Book Club.
W. C. Fields said, “Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” I’m betting The Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia will groom any horse lover into a horse prodigy.

Richelle Putnam
Author of Fallout, a Middle-Grade Fiction
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Children and Young Adult Editor for Gotta Write Network www.members.aol.com/gwnlitmag/

Storey’s Horse Lover’s Encyclopedia:
An English & Western A-to-Z Guide
Edited by Deborah Burns
February 2001
ISBN: 1-58017-317-9 paperback/1-58017-336-5 hardcover

I don’t think there’s a child alive who hasn’t yearned to have a horse of his own, to hear a welcoming neigh greet him on a crisp fall day, and to stroke his steed’s arched neck. A horse is more than a ride on a clear afternoon, cantering through open fields, hurdling streams, and galloping along woodland trails. He is not just a friend. He is a companion.