From the early days of exploration to the present, horses have been a vital part of American life. Whether working in the field, charging into battle, galloping toward the homestretch, or bringing home that first blue ribbon, their history has been intertwined with ours.

America’s Horses is a rich, full-color salute to our equine partners, profiling the two dozen breeds that originated in the United States. Moira C. Harris, editor of Horse Illustrated magazine, honors not only the great horses that worked shoulder-to-shoulder with American pioneers, but also today’s hottest breeds. The book highlights the sport horses, the working horses, the ponies, and the wild ones, giving a comprehensive history of each.

Here are the stories behind some of the most famous breeds, including the American Quarter Horse, the most popular equine on the planet; the Appaloosa, a colorful symbol of the West; and the Morgan, which traces back to a single, versatile New England stallion. Here also are the rarer finds, such as the Bashkir Curly, named for its distinctive coat; the beautifully colored American Cream Draft Horse (the only draft breed to originate in the U.S.); and the Azteca, with its Spanish ancestry.

America’s Horses gives a more thorough and informative look at U.S. horses than most breed books provide. Lushly illustrated with images by acclaimed equestrian photographer Bob Langrish, this is a book for every horse lover.

Moira C. Harris is the editor of Horse Illustrated, America's largest monthly equestrian magazine. She has also written several books on riding and horse care. A lifelong horsewoman, Harris currently competes in dressage and show jumping with her two Thoroughbreds. She lives in Long Beach, California.

Bob Langrish, a world-renowned photographer, has made hundreds of thousands of images capturing the athleticism, beauty, and spirit of the horse. His work has appeared in more than a hundred books.