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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. |
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