This excellent reference book is well organized and clearly designed, but more importantly, it contains valuable information about how horses are put together and how their conformation effects their performance. Author and veterinarian Nancy Love reveals this information in a concise and highly readable format. Her text helps the reader put each conformation characteristic into perspective. Under each chapter are discussed different physical characteristics, such as "Short Back" or "Hollow Behind Withers." Each characteristic is fully explained on two facing pages. On the left is the text. This includes a description, lists breeds and activities most affected, performance consequences and training strategies. Dr. Loving concludes with a list of jobs best suited for this kind of horse. The facing page always shows three to four excellent color photographs accompanied by detailed captions. Nancy Loving, DVM is founder of the Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, CO, where she specializes in the care of sport horses. She is also a columnist for Horse Illustrated magazine. The photographs, mostly taken by equine photographer Bob Langrish, show a tremendous scope of horses and activities (T.B.) HIGHLIGHTS - Head and neck - Body: withers, back, loins and croup - Front legs - Feet - Hindquarters - Balance - Movement definitions
