Review by Booklist Review
Author Ransford is a full-time writer who has written more than 30 books for children. An expert horsewoman, she owns a horse and two ponies. This volume has suggested grade levels of three through eight. The opening sections contain general information on horses and then describe various breeds--hotblood horses, coldblood horses, warmblood horses, and pony breeds. The remainder of the volume covers keeping, feeding, grooming, health care, and riding in chapters that are detailed and precise and convey the serious level of commitment necessary to all aspects of care and riding. The lavish color photographs, some of which are taken from the author's The Kingfisher Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse and Pony Breeds 0 (2003), are indispensable visual aids to descriptions of housing, saddling, mounting, and so on. Photographs of youngsters handling animals will appeal to the targeted age group. The text is supported by a clear table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Younger children may have difficulties with some of the text. Terms, such as gymkhana,0 are not defined in context, although they may appear in the glossary. An attractive, thorough book such as this one should satisfy horse lovers. It is a good choice for both school and public libraries. --Sharon E. Cohen Copyright 2005 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-This revision is virtually identical to the 2004 edition, except for updated websites and some minor changes in the text. Every photograph is the same, but they have held up well and do not look dated. They actually have more "pop" here in terms of clarity, contrast, and brightness, and will provide hours of enjoyable browsing or an opportunity to find pertinent information. The first section focuses on the horse itself-breeds, life cycle, domestication, and anatomy. The next section covers many areas of horse management, including feeding, housing, grooming, health care and first aid, and equipment. The third section examines the various aspects of riding, both western and English, although the majority of the photos feature English saddlery. This striking book would be an asset to any collection, but if you have the earlier edition, purchase it only if there is a real need for a second copy.-Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Double-page spreads introduce the wide variety of horse and pony breeds, discuss the basics of equine care, and offer training tips for riders. The clear text is well supplemented by fact boxes and intriguing sidebars that touch on topics such as the standard layout of a dressage arena. The comprehensive coverage and numerous color photos will certainly draw horse enthusiasts. Websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
