The Natural History of Horses

Brigadier John Clabby traces the evolution of the horse from prehistoric times to the present day, and describes the character and habits of horses with an understanding derived from life-time experience with horses as a veterinary surgeon, as Director of the Army Veterinary and Remount Services, and as an active rider.

The author provides an extensive delineation of the horse family, Equidae, which includes horses, asses, onagers and zebras. The opening chapter examines the history of their ancestors, which can be followed millions of years into antiquity; horses of the Ice Age and wild horses are then described. He pays special attention to the origins of the many breeds of domestic horse, and discusses the social behaviour of the species together with aberrations in the behaviour pattern that may occur under domestication. He also clarifies various aspects of horse-breeding, especially those that may affect the health and performance of the offspring.

This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the breeding and management of horses as well as for the zoologist and natural historian.

Illustrated with 16 pages of photographs, and 9 line drawings in the text.

Hardback, dust cover, good condition.  First edition (1976).