Wild Horses of the West: History and Politics of America's Mustangs

Needed this for a college paper, it will stick around on my book shelf

Facinating. I study American Indian history and the first two thirds of the book should be a part of any library on the subject. I like to explore the very beginnings of history...how it all got rolling.

Several years ago I attended a BLM wild horse and burro auction with a friend and developed an interest in these wonderful animals. The recently published "Wild Horses of the West" is absolutely the best book I've found on the subject. The author tells the dramatic story of the horses' return to North America and the volatile political issues that have surrounded them as they have tried to maintain their place in the American West. Meticulously researched, the book provides a balanced perspective on efforts to manage the horses as their numbers have grown and opinions on the direction of their future have come into conflict. This is a very smooth read with great illustrations and beautiful photographs. Current, well-written, and highly recommended!

The author obviously has a passion for horses and the history of the Southwest. One of the many great stories he tells is of a colorful character named Wild Horse Annie. Annie was a crusader back in the 1950's fighting the slaughter of wild horses by profiteers from the pet food industry. She was a major force in lobbying Congress for national legislation to protect wild horses and as a result today we have the Wild Horse and Burros Act which has saved tens of thousands from slaughter.

Anyone trying to help the plight of Mustangs should read this book. In view of the suffering especially right now when thousends of Mustangs penned up in Palomino Valley are suffering and dying because the BLM refuses to provide shelter for them so they can get out of the sun. Totally bizarre. This book is a Must read.

I was interested in reading this book but from the information provided it seems to repeat the dogma about the Spanish bringing horses to a land which had none... which abundant historical references and Native American traditions prove is Eurocentric propaganda. Yes they brought some horses but most were gelded or sterile mules, and many were eaten during multiple failed expeditions. The math simply doesn't pencil out that Spanish horses could have reproduced quickly enough to populate North America in the numbers and locations well documented. This is not new information so I'm disappointed a new book by a reputable author has failed to elaborate on this failed paradigm.

I bought this for my girlfriend's daughter and was very impressed with how good it is. Can't wait for her to see it!

a lot of great information why they are taking out the wild horses