Please note, this replaces Horses of the World, which was to be published on the natural history list of New Holland publishers, but got cancelled.
The lives of humans and horses have been intricately linked for thousands of years, with equines depicted in cave paintings dating back to 5000BC. Horses have been developed by humans for many purposes – for war, for working in the field and in industry, for competitive sports events such as the Olympic Games, and as pets. Horses covers the world's most charismatic and iconic breeds, from the noble Arab and Akhal-Teke, through working breeds such as the mighty Percheron and diminutive Fell pony, to 'primitive' equines such as Przewalski's Horse and the Polish Konik. Each breed entry showcases a unique and beautiful equine breed, showing it in magnificent full-colour photographs; these are accompanied by a historical account of the breed's origins and history. More than 70 amazingly diverse breeds are featured.
Bob Langrish has established a firm reputation as one of the foremost international equestrian photographers in the world. He has completely illustrated and contributed to numerous books, works for top equestrian magazines in more than 20 countries around the world and has taken photographs at six Olympic Games. In 2011 he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for equestrian photography and services to art – the first time this award has been given to an equine photographer.
Nicola Jane Swinney is a journalist who works for Britain's only equestrian news weekly, Horse & Hound. She has written for several magazines, both in the UK and America. This is her sixth horse book.