Agriculture-Related Books
Farm Animals in Nonfiction — Horses
4-H Guide to Training Horses
Voyageur, 2001
Grades 6 and up
Basic training techniques and riding skills such as mounting, saddling, reining, stopping and starting. Strong emphasis on safety and common sense.
Eyewitness: Horse
DK, 2000
Grades 3-6
Each double-page spread contains a brief theme paragraph that describes the topic, along with captioned photos of horses, reproductions of the animal found in art and artifacts, and related equestrian gear. Subjects include history, anatomy, physiology, breeds, colors, and uses of horses, asses, mules, and zebras.
A Week at the Fair: A County Celebration
Millbrook, 1995
Grades 3-6
Detailed account of the care and judging of animals at a county fair, as told by a young 4-H'er showing her pig and the family's horse. Nice photographs and a great deal of text.
Horses
Holiday House, 2003
Grades K-3
A historical overview of Eohippus' evolution and horse appearance, disappearance and reappearance on the North American continent introduces the book. Discussion of the three basic horse sizes, characteristics and terminology (withers, hands, flank, quarters, fetlock), a double page spread about horse feet and horseshoes, followed by a discussion of gait, teeth, and habits suits the curious as well as report writers. Birth of a foal and its growth into a yearling is also covered. Throughout the full color illustrations, Gibbons uses various breeds of horse to discuss general characteristics and labels the breed so that young readers can learn names or ignore them in pursuit of generalities. A table of some well-known purebred horses and another of entertainment events horses typically appear in round out the information.
Horse Sense (Pet's Point of View)
Compass Point, 2004
Grades 3-6
Overview of the horse, its evolution, relatives, anatomy, gaits, care, equipment and history. Includes fun facts, record breakers, a timeline, superstars and glossary.
What is a Horse? (The Science of Living Things)
Crabtree, 2001
Grades 3-6
The True or False Book of Horses
HarperCollins, 2000
Grades K-3
Discover what's fact and what's fiction about horses with this introduction to the history, anatomy, and behavior of an animal that changed human history.
Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse
Henry Holt & Co., 2010
Grades PreK-2
Bill Key, born a slave, overcame many obstacles to become a veterinarian and a business man. Key's horse, Jim, is eventually recognized as the world's smartest horse and accompanied Key in his work with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Horses and Ponies
Usborne, 2004
Grades 1-3
This 32-page book provides information about horses and ponies physically and behaviorally. The text is accompanied by both photographs and illustrations to depict specific topics and traits. Includes a glossary.
Caring for Your Horse
Capstone, 2008
Grades 3-5
The book covers where horses need to live, supplies needed for horses, veterinary care, brushing and groom, stall cleaning, hoof cleaning, hoof trimming and horse behavior. Includes a glossary.
From Horse to Foal
Lerner, 2002
Grades PreK-3
The book features excellent photographs, including several of a newborn foal. Includes a glossary.
The Pebble First Guide to Horses
Pebble, 2008
Grades 2-8
Thirteen breeds of horses commonly found in the US are identified in a photograph and then information is provided about height, weight, colors, origin, uses and facts. Includes a glossary.
Life on a Horse Farm
Lerner, 2002
Grades K-4
This attractive book is narrated by Sarah Mills, whose family raises racehorses. Her father manages Willow Tree Farm, overseeing the daily operations and the training of the colts, while Sarah, her brother, and mother help out with other tasks. After a brief introduction, Wolfman's matter-of-fact text explains that the farm stables mares for clients and breeds them with the hope of producing fine racehorses. A mare in heat, breeding, and birth are discussed in a straightforward manner, but without much detail. Weaning, daily care, training, and gelding are also covered. Most of the full-color photographs are of high quality (a couple are a bit grainy) and their captions add interest and information. The format is inviting. The book concludes with a page of fun facts. Reminiscent of earlier Cheryl Bellville titles, this one is sure to be enjoyed by horse lovers.