Overview

An essential book for anyone who's ever been captivated by horses, The Age of the Horse is a breathtaking exploration of the enduring connection between humans and Equus caballus. Equestrian expert Susanna Forrest presents a unique, sweeping panorama of the animal's prominent role in societies around the world and across time. Fifty-six million years ago, the earliest equid walked the earth--and beginning with the first-known horse-keepers of the Copper Age, the horse has played an integral part in human history. Combining fascinating anthropological detail and incisive personal anecdotes, Forrest draws from an immense range of archival documents as well as literature and art to illustrate how our evolution has coincided with that of horses. In paintings and poems (such as Byron's famous ""Mazeppa""), in theater and classical music (including works by Liszt and Tchaikovsky), representations of the horse have changed over centuries, portraying the crucial impact that we've had on each other. Forrest deftly synthesizes this material with her own experience in the field, traveling the globe to give us a diverse, comprehensive look at the horse in our lives today: from Mongolia where she observes the endangered takhi, to a show-horse performance at the Palace of Versailles; from a polo club in Beijing to Arlington, Virginia, where veterans with PTSD are rehabilitated through interaction with horses. With passion and singular insight, Forrest investigates the complexities of human and horse coexistence, illuminating the multifaceted ways our cultures were shaped by this powerful creature.

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9780802126511

Table of Contents

Reviews

Susanna Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. <b>Boria Sax, author of <i>The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature</i></b> This extraordinary work demonstrates how much better world history looks with a horse in the foreground. <b>Meg Rosoff, author of <i>Jonathan Unleashed</i></b> A very detailed, well-researched history of the evolution, domestication, and usage of horses throughout the ages and in different geographic areas. Susanna Forrest travelled the globe to learn about the practices of the pastincluding the horse at work and in war and religionand about how people look upon horses today. <b>Robert Sommer, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Davis</b> <i>The Age of the Horse</i> takes horses seriously in their multiplicity, in all the different ways they have been and are a part of our lives . . . This is rigorously researched, but accessible. Through the common history of humans and equids, it is a tribute to the adaptability and diversity of both species. <b>Robin Irvine, University of St Andrews</b> A richly informative, lively, and elegantly written overview of the horse in human history and culture. <b>Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford</b> <i>The Age of the Horse</i> surprises and delights at every turn. This thoroughly and imaginatively researched, beautifully written book takes us to new destinations and offers new stories from the frontlines of horse-human sociality. <b>Donna Landry, University of Kent</b>

<b>Praise for THE AGE OF THE HORSE</b> In clear, introspective prose that underscores the astonishing depth of her research, Forrest tracks human history through the eyes of our equine companions . . . it is indeed that personal touch, that devotion, that elevates this volume from fascinating history to work of art. --<i><b>Booklist</i> (starred review)</b> Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susanna Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. --<b>Elizabeth Mitchell</b>, author of <i>Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing</i> and <i>Libertys Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty</i> Horses are woven into human history. In some ways horses have made humanity what it is. Here, Susanna Forrest does a wonderful big-picture job of conveying what we have made the horse, what the horse has made us, and how diminished humankind would be without the presence of horses. --<b>Carl Safina</b>, author of <i>Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel</i> Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. --<i><b>Times</i></b> (UK) The history of horse-human relations is, and continues to be, a rich and deeply troubling epic. Susanna Forrest has done it admirable justice. --<b>Jonathan Balcombe</b>, author of <i>What A Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins</i> Susanna Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. --<b>Boria Sax</b>, author of <i>The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature</i> Forrest covers wide sweeps of history with dexterity and panache. --<i><b>Literary Review</i></b> (UK) Susanna Forrest is the ideal guide for exploring the ancient bond between horses and humans. Deeply personal and impressively researched, The Age of the Horse is a moving tribute. --<b>Adrienne Mayor</b>, author of <i>The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World</i> With grace, erudition, and keen insight, Susanna Forrest explores our fraught and glorious relationship with the horse . . . she reveals many surprises on the trail. --<b>Deanne Stillman</b>, author of <i>Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West</i> [Forrest's] passion for the horse leaps from the pages of a book that is a rich fount of knowledge for anyone interested in the innumerable and endlessly fascinating points where horse and human meet. --<i><b>Times Literary Supplement</i></b> (UK)

Praise for THE AGE OF THE HORSE In clear, introspective prose that underscores the astonishing depth of her research, Forrest tracks human history through the eyes of our equine companions . . . it is indeed that personal touch, that devotion, that elevates this volume from fascinating history to work of art. --Booklist (starred review) Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susanna Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. --Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing and Libertys Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty Horses are woven into human history. In some ways horses have made humanity what it is. Here, Susanna Forrest does a wonderful big-picture job of conveying what we have made the horse, what the horse has made us, and how diminished humankind would be without the presence of horses. --Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. --Times (UK) The history of horse-human relations is, and continues to be, a rich and deeply troubling epic. Susanna Forrest has done it admirable justice. --Jonathan Balcombe, author of What A Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins Susanna Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. --Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature Forrest covers wide sweeps of history with dexterity and panache. --Literary Review (UK) Susanna Forrest is the ideal guide for exploring the ancient bond between horses and humans. Deeply personal and impressively researched, The Age of the Horse is a moving tribute. --Adrienne Mayor, author of The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World With grace, erudition, and keen insight, Susanna Forrest explores our fraught and glorious relationship with the horse . . . she reveals many surprises on the trail. --Deanne Stillman, author of Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West [Forrest's] passion for the horse leaps from the pages of a book that is a rich fount of knowledge for anyone interested in the innumerable and endlessly fascinating points where horse and human meet. --Times Literary Supplement (UK) Praise for THE AGE OF THE HORSE In clear, introspective prose that underscores the astonishing depth of her research, Forrest tracks human history through the eyes of our equine companions . . . it is indeed that personal touch, that devotion, that elevates this volume from fascinating history to work of art. --Booklist (starred review) Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susanna Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. --Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing and Libertys Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty Horses are woven into human history. In some ways horses have made humanity what it is. Here, Susanna Forrest does a wonderful big-picture job of conveying what we have made the horse, what the horse has made us, and how diminished humankind would be without the presence of horses. --Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. --Times (UK) The history of horse-human relations is, and continues to be, a rich and deeply troubling epic. Susanna Forrest has done it admirable justice. --Jonathan Balcombe, author of What A Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins Susanna Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. --Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature Forrest covers wide sweeps of history with dexterity and panache. --Literary Review (UK) Susanna Forrest is the ideal guide for exploring the ancient bond between horses and humans. Deeply personal and impressively researched, The Age of the Horse is a moving tribute. --Adrienne Mayor, author of The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World With grace, erudition, and keen insight, Susanna Forrest explores our fraught and glorious relationship with the horse . . . she reveals many surprises on the trail. --Deanne Stillman, author of Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West [Forrest's] passion for the horse leaps from the pages of a book that is a rich fount of knowledge for anyone interested in the innumerable and endlessly fascinating points where horse and human meet. --Times Literary Supplement (UK) Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susannah Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing and Liberty s Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . [with] exuberant description . . . her writing is occasionally sublime . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. The Times (UK) Forrest writes with a fine descriptive vigor . . . an exhilarating blend of the historical and the personal. Evening Standard (UK) The complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature In charting the evolution of the horse up to its present condition, Forrest covers wide sweeps of history with dexterity and panache . . . You don t need to be a hippophile to enjoy The Age of the Horse. Literary Review (UK) Powerful, passionate. Sunday Times (UK) This extraordinary work demonstrates how much better world history looks with a horse in the foreground. Meg Rosoff, author of Jonathan Unleashed A very detailed, well-researched history of the evolution, domestication, and usage of horses throughout the ages and in different geographic areas. Susanna Forrest travelled the globe to learn about the practices of the past including the horse at work and in war and religion and about how people look upon horses today. Robert Sommer, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Davis The Age of the Horse takes horses seriously in their multiplicity, in all the different ways they have been and are a part of our lives . . . This is rigorously researched, but accessible. Through the common history of humans and equids, it is a tribute to the adaptability and diversity of both species. Robin Irvine, University of St Andrews A richly informative, lively, and elegantly written overview of the horse in human history and culture. Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford The Age of the Horse surprises and delights at every turn. This thoroughly and imaginatively researched, beautifully written book takes us to new destinations and offers new stories from the frontlines of horse-human sociality. Donna Landry, University of Kent Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . [with] exuberant description . . . her writing is occasionally sublime . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. The Times (UK) Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susannah Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. Elizabeth Mitchell, author of Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing and Liberty s Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature This extraordinary work demonstrates how much better world history looks with a horse in the foreground. Meg Rosoff, author of Jonathan Unleashed A very detailed, well-researched history of the evolution, domestication, and usage of horses throughout the ages and in different geographic areas. Susanna Forrest travelled the globe to learn about the practices of the pastincluding the horse at work and in war and religionand about how people look upon horses today. Robert Sommer, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Davis The Age of the Horse takes horses seriously in their multiplicity, in all the different ways they have been and are a part of our lives . . . This is rigorously researched, but accessible. Through the common history of humans and equids, it is a tribute to the adaptability and diversity of both species. Robin Irvine, University of St Andrews A richly informative, lively, and elegantly written overview of the horse in human history and culture. Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford The Age of the Horse surprises and delights at every turn. This thoroughly and imaginatively researched, beautifully written book takes us to new destinations and offers new stories from the frontlines of horse-human sociality. Donna Landry, University of Kent Susanna Forrest tells the complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature This extraordinary work demonstrates how much better world history looks with a horse in the foreground. Meg Rosoff, author of Jonathan Unleashed A very detailed, well-researched history of the evolution, domestication, and usage of horses throughout the ages and in different geographic areas. Susanna Forrest travelled the globe to learn about the practices of the pastincluding the horse at work and in war and religionand about how people look upon horses today. Robert Sommer, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Davis The Age of the Horse takes horses seriously in their multiplicity, in all the different ways they have been and are a part of our lives . . . This is rigorously researched, but accessible. Through the common history of humans and equids, it is a tribute to the adaptability and diversity of both species. Robin Irvine, University of St Andrews A richly informative, lively, and elegantly written overview of the horse in human history and culture. Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford The Age of the Horse surprises and delights at every turn. This thoroughly and imaginatively researched, beautifully written book takes us to new destinations and offers new stories from the frontlines of horse-human sociality. Donna Landry, University of Kent

Many a horse lover would prefer to spend their entire day on the trail or at the race track, with no other human to taint the majesty of the experience. Susannah Forrest goes even further, delivering all of history with a sharp equine focus. Through her fascinating delving she creates a magical world where these exquisite creatures reign supreme. <b>Elizabeth Mitchell, author of <i>Three Strides Before the Wire: The Dark and Beautiful World of Horse Racing</i> and <i>Liberty s Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty</i></b> Susanna Forrest is the outstanding writer at the erudite end of horse madness . . . To well-rehearsed facts, she brings new detail . . . [with] exuberant description . . . her writing is occasionally sublime . . . for the horse-addicted, a book can get no better than this . . . original, cerebral and from the heart. <i><b>The Times</i> (UK)</b> Forrest writes with a fine descriptive vigor . . . an exhilarating blend of the historical and the personal. <i><b>Evening Standard (UK)</i></b> The complete story of the horse, from the Mongolian steppes to Victorian coaches and Amish farms, in a book filled with vivid anecdotes and big ideas. <b>Boria Sax, author of <i>The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature</i></b> In charting the evolution of the horse up to its present condition, Forrest covers wide sweeps of history with dexterity and panache . . . You don t need to be a hippophile to enjoy <i>The Age of the Horse</i>. <i><b>Literary Review</i> (UK)</b> Powerful, passionate. <i><b>Sunday Times</i> (UK)</b> This extraordinary work demonstrates how much better world history looks with a horse in the foreground. <b>Meg Rosoff, author of <i>Jonathan Unleashed</i></b> A very detailed, well-researched history of the evolution, domestication, and usage of horses throughout the ages and in different geographic areas. Susanna Forrest travelled the globe to learn about the practices of the past including the horse at work and in war and religion and about how people look upon horses today. <b>Robert Sommer, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Davis</b> <i>The Age of the Horse</i> takes horses seriously in their multiplicity, in all the different ways they have been and are a part of our lives . . . This is rigorously researched, but accessible. Through the common history of humans and equids, it is a tribute to the adaptability and diversity of both species. <b>Robin Irvine, University of St Andrews</b> A richly informative, lively, and elegantly written overview of the horse in human history and culture. <b>Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford</b> <i>The Age of the Horse</i> surprises and delights at every turn. This thoroughly and imaginatively researched, beautifully written book takes us to new destinations and offers new stories from the frontlines of horse-human sociality. <b>Donna Landry, University of Kent</b>

Author Information

Susanna Forrest lives in Berlin where she works as a writer and editor. She studied social anthropology at the University of Cambridge.

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