Book Reviews The Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide Ever wonder how many equine breeds are found in North America and what they should look like? The Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide (2009) by Fran Lynghaug is the definitive authority on this subject, containing descriptions, histories, and official standards of what each horse and pony breed should be, as presented by their registry. The book accurately portrays more than 118 breeds of horses and ponies with over 400 full color photos, plus some little known facts and breed insights. Breed Standards are “accepted measures of comparison for quantitative and qualitative values; criteria.” How and why particular horses excel can best be understood by knowing their breed history and standard characteristics. The book relies on the expertise of national breed organizations and registries in establishing these equine standards. They provide guidelines for accepted conformation through careful study and the knowledge of respected professionals. The book is divided into six parts, covering: (1) Horses of the Range: Breeds of North America’s Wild Regions; (2) Riding Horses of Distinction: Stars of the Pleasure Breeds; (3) Gaited Breeds: Free and Easy Movers; (4) Draft Breeds: Powerhouse Horses; (5) Ponies and Small Horses: Small Size, Big Heart; and (6) The Classics: Warmbloods and Performance Horses. About the author: Fran Lynghaug is an experienced horse breeder and trainer from Downing, Wisconsin. She shared some fascinating facts that she uncovered in her research for the book: “Buffalo Bill Cody, famous for his cowboy adventures and Wild West Show, rode a Cleveland Bay, an English horse breed. The classic white Lipizzan is born black. The best original Shetland ponies spend their lives in coal mines, never leaving once they were lowered into the mine shafts.” Her favorite parts of the book are “the historical accounts, insights, and tidbits collected from the registries.” Where to buy: The book is available for $40 from VoyageurPress, www.voyageurpress.com.