In celebration of the animal that has served us stalwartly for so many generations, Bonnie Hendricks' International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds is a complete compilation of horse breeds. The more than 394 breeds described clearly reflect the natural history of their respective areas of origin. Horse breeds also reflect local human history in the special uses for which they have been bred. Each breed account gives the origin and history, a physical description, and details about the uses of the horse. Some accounts also cover characteristic gaits, colours or markings, forms of keeping, and styles of training. In addition to the basic accounts, Hendricks refers to a number of breeds for which limited information is available and many foundation breeds that are now extinct. Hendricks's book is unique in presenting new information gathered directly from breeders' associations and breed authorities in many countries. Her extensive research has brought to light breeds not included in any similar book, notably more than thirty in China and a dozen in Turkey. The former Soviet Union is represented by more than 60 breed accounts, and even within the United States there are several breeds unfamiliar to many horse enthusiasts. New information is presented on some age-old controversies, such as that regarding the Arab horse and local breeding conditions. The underexposed Canadian horse receives a full treatment. A new proposition is advanced for the derivation of the famous Morgan. All breed and colour registries devoted to the New World heritage of mustangs and other Spanish-American horses are included. Recent blood analyses that identify the genetic markers of particular breeds help illuminate some long-standing mysteries. A full listing of addresses of breed associations and government departments that supplied data and photographs for the encyclopedia enables the reader to contact these bodies themselves. With its breadth of coverage, wealth of new information, and 530 black-and-white and 32 colour illustrations, the encyclopedia is destined to become the standard international reference work on the subject.