2 Books on Wild Horses 🐎 | Book Reviews

TL;DR

These two books discuss the history, significance, and challenges faced by wild horses in North America and the author's personal experiences riding Icelandic horses in Iceland.

Transcript

hi guys Olive here here today to discuss two books on horses the first book I'll be talking about in this video is called Wild Horse Country the history myth and future of the Mustang by David Phillips this book was published in 2017 by w w Norton and the hardcover copy I checked out from my local library comes in at 368 Pages this is a non-fiction... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐴 Wild Horse Country: The book highlights the historical significance of wild horses in North America, the mistreatment they faced, and the ongoing challenges surrounding their protection.
• 🌎 The Importance of Mustangs: The author argues that Mustangs embody the core ideals of America, such as freedom and resilience, making them a better national symbol than the bald eagle.
• 🏇 Icelandic Horses: "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun" explores the unique qualities of Icelandic horses, their connection to the country's landscape, and the spiritual experience they offer riders.
• 💁‍♀️ Female Friendship: The memoir delves into the author's experiences with female friendship and the bonds formed among the women who shared a passion for riding Icelandic horses.
• 🇮🇸 Connection to Iceland: The author's deep connection to Iceland and its horses is explored, emphasizing the natural beauty and tranquility that creates a spiritual pull for some individuals.
• 🏇 Government Mismanagement: The book discusses the mismanagement of wild horses in the US by the Bureau of Land Management, including the roundup and housing of large numbers of horses with no clear plan.
• 🏇 Personal Growth: The author's personal journey, rediscovering her love for horses and finding solace in experiencing Icelandic horses, is a central theme in "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun."

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of "Wild Horse Country"?

The book discusses the history and significance of wild horses in North America, including their importance to Native Americans and the mass killings and protection efforts they have faced.

Q: Who is the author of "Wild Horse Country"?

The book is written by David Phillips, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist for the New York Times.

Q: How does the author of "Wild Horse Country" argue that wild horses make a better national symbol than the bald eagle?

The author suggests that Mustangs embody the core ideals of America, such as freedom and resilience, unlike the bald eagle, which is seen as a symbol of federal power.

Q: What is the focus of "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun"?

The book is a memoir about the author's trips to Iceland to ride native horses and her deep connection to the country's natural beauty and tranquility.

Q: Why did the author feel a spiritual pull to travel to Iceland and ride Icelandic horses?

The author, who was horse-obsessed as a child, saw a picture of Icelandic horses and felt a strong connection that led her to travel to Iceland and ride them.

Q: What makes Icelandic horses unique and different from horses in the United States?

Icelandic horses are descendants of horses picked up during Viking conquests and have adapted to Iceland's rugged terrain and harsh climate, giving them a wild and untamed nature.

Q: What is the central theme of "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun"?

Alongside the experiences of riding Icelandic horses, the book explores the themes of female friendship and group dynamics among the women who went on these yearly trips.

Q: Who would enjoy reading "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun"?

Animal lovers, particularly those with a passion for horses or a strong connection to Iceland, would deeply enjoy this book and its engaging storytelling.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Wild Horse Country" explores the evolution of wild horses in North America, their importance to Native Americans, and their mistreatment and protection efforts in the American West.

• "Wild Horses of the Summer Sun" is a memoir about the author's trips to Iceland to ride native horses and her deep connection to the country's natural beauty and tranquility.