The Horses of China

Description

The Horses of China

 

Author: Yin Hung Young
Order No. 1150
ISBN-13: 9781622460441
ISBN-10:  1622460448
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Homa & Sekey Books
Pub Year: 2021
Language: English
Size: 8.5 x 11
Page: x, 160
Price: $49.95. You pay only $39.96 (after 20% discount)
 

Author’s Website: www.thehorsesofchina.com

THE BOOK

When people talk of horses, no one ever thinks of China. China has never won any medals in world class equestrian events or produced any elite horses. Despite this, horses have played an essential role in many different facets of the development of Chinese civilization.

From the breeding of native breeds which were proved to be inferior to those of whom they fought against to the procurement of premium horses overseas, equestrian militarism changed war strategies, scales, complexities and finally the consequences.

Equine sports not only formed part of the education curriculum, but also served as military preparation. As horses enjoyed a lofty status shared by no other animal, a wide range of artefacts constructed on distinctive perceptual and cultural premises were created while equine specialty was a focus of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.

Through showcasing the chronicled history of China’s horses, equine art, equine sports, horse breeds and traditional Chinese equine veterinary medicine, complemented with 100+ pictures, this book reveals the philosophy and wisdom of Chinese civilization. The role of the horse is expounded upon in its new journey following the collapse of China’s imperial dynasties, for the world’s fastest distance-running quadruped had undoubtedly helped to build the country historically.

The question now is how will China forge the future for this steadfast animal which has served it so well?

THE AUTHOR

Yin Hung Young is a Hong Kong-born rider – side saddle her favourite seat – and a former consultant to the British Equestrian Federation. She was inspired to write The Horses of China following a visit to breeder friends in Kentucky. The book is devoted to her lifelong hobby and is an endeavour to document the fragmented but interesting facets of Chinese equestrian life – current and historical – and to promote horse rights in China. This is her first book.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Acknowledgements

Introduction

 

ONE               Humans and Horses: Ancient China to the Present Day

TWO              The Horse in Art and Equestrian Artefacts                                                     

THREE           Equestrian Sports

FOUR             Horse Breeds in China

FIVE                Traditional Chinese Equine Veterinary Medicine

 

Photo Credits 

Bibliography

Index

Timeline

 

 

BOOK REVIEWS

 

“So much information, so many years… This wonderful and much-needed book should be read by all ‘horse people’ for a more complete understanding of the role of the horse in not just China’s history but in world history. Young’s stunning illustrations validate the grandeur and nobility of horses as important contributors to Chinese culture. In addition to chronicling the history of horses in China, the book, importantly, details the current political, economic and human issues affecting China’s horse population while suggesting solutions to continue and even expand the role of the horse in China. As a lifelong equestrian, I was intrigued by the horse’s long and varied history described here. Not only enlightening but an enjoyable read, this book should be on the list for anyone who loves and works with horses.”

–Nancy Mazzoni, Lexington, Kentucky, Competitor and Thoroughbred Breeder

 

“An amazing and beautifully illustrated book. Not just about horse breeds, it also documents very well how horses have been cared for during China’s history, and the great importance the horse once held in China, particularly in the era of the Song dynasty. Many of the drawings, pictures and scrolls, which all feature horses, are quite incredible. The mention of Marco Polo may surprise, as one only thinks of him as an explorer, interested in ships, not horses. An extraordinary amount of time and research has gone into this lovely book.”

–Richard Craddock, Founder, Craddock Advertising and Hyperion Promotions in Europe Horse Breeder, New Zealand and Europe

 

“This is a wonderfully detailed and very readable book. It gave me considerable enjoyment to learn about the evolution of the horse in China. The very high quality of the book’s illustrations greatly enhances the reader’s experience in following the different aspects of China’s long and varied equine history. I have great pleasure recommending The Horses of China to anyone seeking knowledge of a topic of which there is very little literature in the English language.”

–Roger Philpot, Former President, The Side Saddle Association, UK

 

 “There is no shortage of books on horses, but few are devoted to Chinese hippology. The Horses of China is a comprehensive portrayal of Chinese equestrian life, celebrating the many different facets of this magnificent animal: the horse-human relationship, artefacts, sports, breeds and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. Young does a marvellous job of collating fragmented yet fascinating material into a compelling and entertaining account. Her choice of illustrations is superb and makes the book a delight to explore. While it is interesting to understand Chinese culture from an equestrian perspective, Young also thoughtfully covers current horse issues. This well-researched and richly illustrated book is a source of real treasure for enthusiasts of the horse and Chinese culture.”

–Peter Yunghanns, Former Vice-President and Treasurer, The Federation of International Polo