In the book, "Legendary Hearts of Horses", Adrienne Neary researches the equine large heart 'phenom' instigated by the famous American Thoroughbred, Secretariat. The revelation of a 'super heart' during his autopsy, set the horse industry afire. Following the equine pedigree history that other researchers identified as being the fountain spring of this marvelous trait, she leaps from breed constraints and boldly jumps into the vast pool of equine evolution and human ambition, gradually transforming the study from a scientific one into an integrated story of the 'whole' heart.
There are rich quotes enhancing the description of Central Asian horses, Spanish Mustangs, two of the founding stallions of the British Thoroughbred, and even Xenophon's description of the famous horse, Bucephalus. It's easy to see the connections throughout history as Neary traces the large heart trait into the past. It is clearly connected to 'Old World' horses. Neary suggests that horses in the wild had been very creative and proactive about their own survival, and have provided the foundation for greatness.
This book isn't just about genetics or the physical hearts of horses... it's a story realizing that the physical and spiritual forces of 'heart' are inseparable and ever present within all of us. Insightful and at times deeply moving, this is a book that appeals to a wide audience. The tangible and intangible qualities of heart horses have demonstrated throughout history are highlighted, along with their incredible generosity and abilities.
Enhanced by historical references, expert science and a surprising, fortuitous discovery, this wonderful book is for anyone interested in history, evolution, and of course, horses.