 
This is a fascinating book which gives excellent insight into what it really means to be a horse - why they think as they do and why they respond to certain situations in a particular way. Modern Equus is traced back through its' evolution, through millions of years (almost 60 million to be precise!). It seems incredible that the animal around which so many sports revolve and which has become one of man's closest allies largely survived because of its' selection of diet! As the global climate changed so did the horse's early ancestors by adapting physically and socially to a life based on grass - the most common plant form available. The horse grew in size and onto its' toes to enable it to live on the plain and escape its' predators. Its' vision developed to enable it to see in a wide panoramic way and its' hearing became very sensitive. The horse took to living in groups which improved its' chance of survival and laid the foundations for the social behavioural patterns to which it still adheres. The horse became the ultimate ?fright and flight' animal and these instincts remain deeply ingrained. The author explains that above all it was the geographic and environmental circumstances that allowed for a period of close association and co-evolution between man and horse which ensured the survival of equus to the present day. Almost certainly horses were originally kept for food but at some stage a first human took the brave step of riding on the back of a horse and this total departure from anything in previous human experience was a huge step for mankind. From that day to this, our history has been largely built upon this association, as horses provided mankind with food, transport and horsepower. Now that horses are fortunately more valued for their companionship and in a sporting capacity, it behoves us to learn more about their true nature, their instinct and why they behave as they do - especially when this does not conform to our hopes and expectations. Reading this book will certainly go a long way to redressing the imbalance in our relationship with this species to which we are so indebted and which we are possibly only just beginning to fully understand. Published by Phoenix Paperback £7.99
Available from Tindalls Books +44 (0) 1638 561760
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