Legendary Hearts of Horses
Author: Adrienne N. Neary
Published: 2021
Available as hardcover
View now at amazon.co.uk
About the book
Legendary Hearts of Horses is the result of the author’s collection and analysis of information sources regarding the large heart gene. In this book, Neary follows the equine large heart trail instigated by the famous American Thoroughbred, Secretariat.
Review
The beautiful glossy hardback cover contains a well-researched read about the heart of the equine and how the strong bond and connection between humans and horses has come to be.
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It begins with a look back at the famous racehorse of the 1970s, Secretariat, who attracted a worldwide fan base of adoring fans and was found to have a mega-heart when an autopsy was conducted after his death. Since this discovery, Secretariat’s heart size became an ‘obsession’ within the equine industry.
Neary provides an overview of some of the impressive feats of well-known horses throughout history and provides evidence that the spirit, determination and power of a horse can go on to achieve remarkable things.
The book contains historical references, research and contains frequent use of direct quotes from published works.
It would appear that one of the author’s main intentions was to educate readers on the X factor theory and present her own findings as she researched the phenomenon of the most powerful of equine hearts.
This book talks about the physical heart of horses as well as the intangible qualities that horses display. The appendix containing a diagram of equine large heart conformation was a helpful addition to tie everything together.
The narrative is fascinating and profound and I learnt mounds about the horses of our past and why we are so connected to the horses of our present.
The stories about each of the legendary horses catches and keeps the attention, though I would have preferred a slightly neater layout with smaller text and fewer research references that break up the author’s captivating, emotive writing.
About the author
Adrienne Neary is an equestrian, author, illustrator, researcher and Equine Energy practitioner. She has a background in animal science and now writes about the wisdoms bestowed on her with her decades of experience teaching and coaching.
Verdict
An ideal gift for someone who wants a relatively quick yet intense read, and wants to delve into history while being moved.
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.