The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants That Built The World

by Donna Campbell Smith

Before trucks and tractors, draft horses performed the heavy work of pulling wagons, plowing fields, and hauling logs. But the internal combustion engine did not entirely replace these animals; they are still used in many parts of the country for agricultural and other jobs. The Book of Draft Horses is a celebration of these "gentle giants," as well as a practical handbook on breeding, care, training, competition, and working horses.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Having a background in horse management Donna Campbell Smith is the author of four non-fiction books about horses: The Book of Donkeys, The Book of Miniature Horses, The Book of Draft Horses, and The Book of Mules.

Donna has also written and published two cozy mysteries: In the Garden with the Pruning Shears and In the Library with the Dictionary.

She has an AAS degree in equine technology from Martin Community College where she also took extended classes in art and composition. She worked in the horse industry as a trainer, instructor and breeder for almost thirty years before retiring to write. Her books Pale as the Moon, An Independent Spirit and Bear Song have not only been popular entertaining reading for young people, but her books are used in many schools as supplemental reading for students learning about our colonial history. Her books include a teacher’s guide. Puddin Tain is geared especially to horse crazy kids in first through third grades.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely written book on draft horses. Short versions of the basic history of the draft, a few of the main draft breeds in the USA, a chapter on diseases related specifically on draft horses, and a couple of chapters on types of pulling draft horses did and can do, along with another short chapter on their up-and-coming popularity as general riding horses. Also comes with some good "urther reading" recomendations, and contacts for those interested in specific breeds, foundations, and events. Also some lovely color pictures in the book along with black and whites.

[Rk Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provides a very brief overview of all aspect of owning a draft horse. I was hoping for more history of the draft horse, but it’s more for people who might want to own a draft horse. I thought the information about showing was interesting but I didn’t find the book super helpful. It’s a descent starting point.