Dark Horses and Black Beauties: Animals, Women, a Passion

by Melissa Holbrook Pierson

Book Overview

In a phenomenon too prevalent to be mere chance, little girls all over the Western world wake one day to find themselves completely taken over by the love of all things equine. Melissa Holbrook Pierson was one of those horse-crazy girls who later returned to riding with a new appreciation for the nature of horses. Melding memoir, sociology, history, anecdote, and a bit of prose poetry, Dark Horses and Black Beauties delves beneath the shallow hypotheses...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393322661
• ISBN13: 9780393322668
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Voice for Horses

I have read this book several times, when it was first published and again recently. This book is more than a feel good read about the relationship between women and horses. And it's also more than just an animal rights platform. From this book, I've re-established many of my earlier convictions about horses and developed new ones. As a former competitive rider who has been involved in Western performance events and recently taken up dressage, I've taken a hard look at myself and just exactly what I want to accomplish with a life blessed with horses. This book will help anyone figure out the same for themselves. A person who doesn't want to make any changes in the way their horses fit into their life will likely resent the author. But it can be a great inspiring journey for those who choose to take it. For the benefit of the horse and all other creatures, I hope this book reaches as many people as possible. As a last note, the controversial marketing of this book didn't bother this conservative republican non-vegetarian reader one bit.

Best book ever, a must read for all!

Dark Horses and Black Beauties was a greatly moving book. It can teach not only horse enthusiasts but also people who don't know much about the equine. It was very strong and moving and the author didn't beat around the bush with what she was trying to get across. She adressed many of the major issues that are being dealt with in the equine world. She also went out and persued a personal insite in the horse world and didn't base her book off of strict facts. A GREAT book! Couldn't keep my nose out of it. I definitely recomend for anyone!

amazing!

this book is the best book I have ever read. If you are truly passionate about horses you need to read this book. It was spiritual journey leading me to find that other women feel the same way I do. Someone once said, " we read to know we're not alone." this book is essential!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

This was by far the best "horse" book I have ever read. The first chapter gave me goosebumps and I couldn't put it down. A must read for any woman who owns a horse or loved one at one time and is debating on whether to do it again. How wonderful to hear your own thoughts and feelings expressed by someone you don't even know. I have recommended this book to all of my horse owning friends as a book they don't want to just borrow,but have as their very own so they can re-read it again and again.

A beautiful book

This book begins with an exploration of the mysterious attraction that girls have for horses and becomes a diverse and fascinating essay that covers far more. It surprises and delights the reader at every turn. It asks questions and provokes thought; it deserves a wide readership. Melissa Holbrook Pierson is delightful company; she's a tough, opinionated woman who is not afraid to tackle the big subjects of equine (and animal) welfare. Her topic is huge; her heart is huge; the book is a gift. I've read it twice and bought three copies for friends. I urge everyone who cares about horses to read it and spread the word of what a treasure it is.