Exhibiting grace and poise as they master the intricate movements of dressage; galloping like the wind at more than thirty miles per hour; soaring over huge competition fences; running tirelessly across every type of terrain – horses are simply stunning athletes. Naturally fleet of foot, they have strength, stamina and intelligence to match. We ask a great deal of these amazing creatures when we ride them in competition, and our horses always deliver.  The Sporting Horse is a glorious celebration of the athletic abilities of these beautiful animals, and the unique relationship that has evolved between horse and rider. Working side-by-side for centuries, horse and man have achieved a lasting synergy – and nowhere is that more evident than in the sporting arena.   Taking each of the four key sporting characteristics – athleticism, speed, agility and endurance – veteran journalist Nicola Swinney explores how hundreds of years of selective breeding and careful training have developed and refined the horse’s natural ability to perform a diverse range of sporting pursuits. From dressage to polo, snow sports to carriage driving, steeplechasing to barrel racing, the book reveals how horse and rider work as one to achieve sporting excellence.