Nicola Jane Swinney – författare

A must-have book for horse enthusiasts.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.

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.