When people talk of horses, no one ever thinks of China. China has never won any medals in equestrian events or produced any elite horses. Despite this, horses are very much a part of the history of China and have played an essential role in many different facets of the development of Chinese civilization.
Through showcasing the chronicled history of China’s horses, equine art, equine sports, horse breeds and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, this book reveals the philosophy, value system and wisdom of Chinese civilization. The role of the horse is expounded upon in this journey, for the world’s fastest distance-running quadruped has undoubtedly helped historically to build the country.
The question now is: how will China help to build the future for this steadfast animal which has served it so well?
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.
Lexington, Kentucky
Competitor and Thoroughbred Breeder
“So much information, so many years…As a lifelong equestrian I was intrigued by the long and varied history of the horse in the Middle Kingdom. This wonderful and much needed book should be read by all “horse people” to more completely understand the role of the horse in not just China, but world history. Young’s well-done and stunning illustrations validate the grandeur and nobility of horses as important contributors to Chinese culture. The book chronicles not only the history of horses in China but, importantly, it details the current political, economic and human issues affecting the China horse population while suggesting solutions to continue and even expand the role of the horse in China. Not only enlightening but an enjoyable read, this book should be on the list for anyone that loves and works with horses.”
Roger Philpot
Former President of the Side Saddle Association, UK
“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 book’s illustrations are of a very high quality and greatly enhance 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.”
Peter Yunghanns
Former Vice-President & Treasurer of the Federation of International Polo
“There is no shortage of books on horses but there are hardly books about Chinese hippology. The Horses of China is a comprehensive collection of Chinese equestrian life, celebrating the magnificent animal from many different facets – horse-human relations, artefacts, sports, breeds and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. Young does a marvelous job of documenting fragmented yet captivating materials into a compelling and entertaining account. Her choice of illustrations is splendid and makes the book a delight to explore from cover-to-cover. While it is interesting to understand the Chinese culture from an equestrian perspective, the current horse issues are also thoughtfully covered. This well-researched and richly illustrated book is a real treasure for horse and Chinese culture enthusiasts.”
Richard Craddock
Founder of Craddock Advertising and Hyperion Promotions in Europe, now breeding horses in New Zealand and Europe
“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 court. 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.”
