span style=”font-weight: bold;”> HORSE: HOW THE HORSE HAS SHAPED CIVILIZATIONS. J. Edward Chamberlin. Blue Ridge Books. New York, N.Y. 10001. 288 pps. Illustrated. 2006. $24.95.
Few things or events have affected mankind as much as the horse. Perhaps the automobile or the industrial revolution, but they have a long way to go in terms of time. The horse has evolved with and been developed by man for millennia, as opposed to the others that happened a century to a century and a half ago. However, Chamberlin’s book celebrates the human-to-horse relationship in such a way that successfully links the distant past with the present.

One of the loveliest things about this book is that it doesn’t read like an informational book or encyclopedia. It’s a well-written, well-researched thesis paper. Yet, it’s also a story–the story of man and horse–and provides interesting information not found in the usual general horse book.

This information includes the hows and whys behind developments and inventions relating to horsemanship, such as the stirrup, the saddle, and the encouraged separation of types into breeds. Chamberlin writes this book in a style similar to the ancient myths that may have inspired him because the story isn’t over–2006 is just another chapter of the horse’s story, just like 1357 or 2500 B.C.

Another beautiful aspect of this book is Chamberlin’s use of ancient stories and myths to illustrate the universal truths of the horse–the creature’s behaviors, habits and instincts. He highlights these old, even prehistoric, stories to emphasize that many facets of the man-to-horse relationship have not changed since then: man is still often in awe of the horse, deeply touched by the power and aura of this animal, just as our distant ancestors undoubtedly were.

The book begins with the Indian myth of Big Bird, the “mother horse” figure, and refers back to it and other legends as it follows the course of the history of horsemanship. In fact, Chamberlin often brings up the myth during periods of time the reader wouldn’t expect. This surprising repetition accentuates the story’s timeless universality.

This is a beautifully written, imaginative, and original book about the horse. Chamberlin writes from an entirely different perspective than most other non-fiction horse books, but still conveys the same information, plus encouraging a different way of thinking about these animals we treasure. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the story of the horse, both past and present.    Katie Grove

THE CHASE. Jan Neuharth. Paper Chase Farms Publishing Group, P.O. Box 448, Middleburg, VA 20118. 329 pp. 2006. $24.95.
In her first novel, The Hunt, author Jan Neuharth set murder, intrigue and romance in the bucolic hunt country of Middleburg, Va., her hometown. And in The Chase, she does it again, just as masterfully.

Readers of The Hunt will recognize some characters, and have the advantage of knowing some plot background. But even if you haven’t read The Hunt, you’ll quickly be able to get lost in the world Neuharth creates, and get caught up in the fast-paced action. And there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages flipping.

The book starts off with a highly detailed and realistic portrayal of every horseperson’s nightmare–a trailer accident. And the action just picks up the pace from there–arson, kidnapping, murder–this book has it all.

And it’s all set against the picturesque backdrop of the quintessential horse country, Loudoun County, Va. I can’t go too much into the plot for fear of giving it all away, but suffice it to say that there’s never a dull moment.

Every detail Neuharth writes of the area, the people, and the horses rings true. She knows Middleburg, foxhunting, and horses in and out. I can only hope that her unerring flair for writing crime comes strictly from her imagination!

And just when the reader thinks she’s figured it all out, Neuharth throws a few twists into the mix. There’s even a little romance to balance the suspense.

This is a highly en-tertaining book that will keep you reading and guessing well into the night. It’s a quick read, and very well written, with witty and believable dialogue.

Fans of The Hunt should feel right at home with The Chase, and new fans will join the party easily.    Molly Sorge

FOR THE LOVE OF THE HORSE. Ann Jamieson. Ann Jamieson, 22 S. Commons Rd., Unit #5, Kent, CT 06757. 180 pps. Photos. 2006. $17.95.
The bond between man and horse is something ethereal, uncanny, and amazingly strong. And, just as the title suggests, this book celebrates that connection.

In this book, author Ann Jamieson showcases stories sent to her by horsepeople just like you and me. Each story has its own perspective, style and flavor because of the different themes, people and horses behind the words.

The book is divided into sections of stories according to themes, which include the connection between horse and rider/owner, rescue stories, friendship/community stories, and beginner stories, among others. Heart-warming stories vary from that of Coney, the total non-athlete who still finds a job, to the healing friendship be-tween horses and city kids.

The book also includes humorous moments, especially the “You Know You’re Horse Crazy When…” list (Every single item is true!) that’s sure to start a chuckle about yourself or your friends.

Jamieson, a U.S. Equestrian Federation r-rated judge in hunters, jumpers and equitation, is a lifelong horseman who developed this book to showcase the different relationships people have with their horses.

Lastly, this book includes a section of photos of horses and people included with the stories and, sometimes, updates about what they’re doing now.

Throughout the book, the reader feels welcome, valuable, and inspired. This feeling continues all the way to the last page, which extends an invitation for submissions for Volume II.

This book would make a wonderful addition to most any equestrian’s book collection; the stories are short enough to read in one sitting and are sure to touch even the hearts of those who love horses.     Katie Grove