Horses For Sale

This is a wonderfully informative book exploring the natural instincts and abilities of all horses. Written in an easy flowing manner, Budiansky has produced a well constructed definition of reasons for the traits and physical characteristics of an animal which, if had not been for human intervention, could easily have become extinct.

The book begins with the evolutionary path of the horse, a path created more by short term need to survive than by a desire to eventually create the perfect running animal. This follows with an investigation into mans first brutal contact with the horse and its eventual domestication into a means of transport for trade and war.

The book then reaches for its true strengths when it begins to analyze the social interaction between horses in a natural environment. This is followed by three separate chapters investigating the horse's senses and mental strengths and weakenesses. All of which are very compelling reading.

The penultimate chapters investigate the mechanical design of a horse's movements and the genetic characteristics that have led to the established breeds we are familiar with today.

This book is very much a scientific study of the horse and provides a refreshing viewpoint of this amazing animal.

The emphasis in this book is it's completeness of the subject. The contents listing gives the hint that these writings are the work of a clear and concise thinker. On reading in to it you soon realise that each chapter, each section and each paragraph has been deliberately packed full of practical information. There is no gloss here. It is all substance.

The first two chapters detail how horse races in the United Kingdom are categorised and covers both Flat and National Hunt. Within each category of race he explains the distinct differences in entry conditions such as horse ratings and jockey experience.

The subsequent chapters explain the betting process managed in Britain, how bookmakers operate, betting methods and the current use of betting exchanges.

All of the previous education is then used to support the understanding of the selection process. The core selection factors explained are Form, Fitness, Class and Conditions.

Having received our education, the author holds our hand and leads us through many practical examples of how to apply the selection criteria to real races.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable and educational journey.