The Kingfisher Illustrated Horse and Pony Encyclopedia - Hardcover

This volume has suggested grade levels of three through eight. The opening sections contain general information on horses and then describe various breeds--hotblood horses, coldblood horses, warmblood horses, and pony breeds. The remainder of the volume covers keeping, feeding, grooming, health care, and riding in chapters that are detailed and precise and convey the serious level of commitment necessary to all aspects of care and riding. The lavish color photographs, some of which are taken from the author's The Kingfisher Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horse and Pony Breeds (2003), are indispensable visual aids to descriptions of housing, saddling, mounting, and so on. Photographs of youngsters handling animals will appeal to the targeted age group. The text is supported by a clear table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Younger children may have difficulties with some of the text. Terms, such as gymkhana, are not defined in context, although they may appear in the glossary.

An attractive, thorough book such as this one should satisfy horse lovers. It is a good choice for both school and public libraries. Sharon E. Cohen
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