The Equine Legacy

How Horses, Mules, and Donkeys Shaped America

Non-Fiction - Animals
250 Pages
Reviewed on 09/25/2016
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Equine Legacy: How Horses, Mules, and Donkeys Shaped America by C.S. Purdy is a historical look at the life of horses and other equines in America primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries. Purdy has a light style that’s easy to read and allows the reader to become invested in the book. It doesn’t feel like a textbook recounting history. Purdy accounts for the treatment of horses in the workforce and daily life, as well as their role in entertainment. Equines have a rich history in America and Purdy explores avenues that don’t always get brought up. There are snippets of personal accounts and writings. Following the introduction is a brief timeline of how horses are used. Biographical histories of famous horses are included throughout the book, including the star of Black Beauty and Fury, a horse named Lady Wonder that found two murder victims, and equines used for therapy. Purdy also includes present day information about equine centers that aid horses and use hippotherapy sessions to help people.

It’s a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys history and loves horses. It’s easy to read and goes at a fast pace. It entertains as it teaches new facts. Purdy's book is well-researched, informative, and interesting! It’s the perfect gift for anyone who wants to learn more about equines. It keeps you interested by presenting real accounts from people of that era, as well as brief biographical details about the equines. I enjoyed learning about animals like Sugarfoot, who found a home by relating to a little girl with disabilities. It contains a short story at the end by Jim Gath, the founder of the Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary. It’s a fantastic read!