A lot of research went into Man o' War: a Legend Like Lightning, by Dorothy Ours. She was able to build suspense, even though the outcome is a matter of record! She included other horses and races and their owners and jockeys. She discussed race strategies (some not always legal in the early days) and how that changed. This was before starting gates, so the start of a race was always a challenge ... how to get all the horses lined up as best as possible to insure a fair start!

He was an odd looking horse, sort of like he was put together just a bit wrong. And yet, he could run, really run. He liked the longer races, and mud was just fine with him. He often came from behind inspiring his fans (and they were legion) to call out "Here comes Exterminator!" ... and that is the title of this book: Here Comes Exterminator: the Long-Shot Horse, the Great War, and the Making of an American Hero, by Eliza McGraw. At times a sad read (the ASPCA was just getting started) but overall an interesting one.

Many years ago there was a wonderful special on PBS about the Queen and her horses. Seems that is not out in dvd form, but I did, finally, find a book! All the Queen's Horses: a Celebration of Her Majesty's Love of the Horse, by David Elliott tells a little of the history of the royal family and the horse, and the horse events the Queen enjoys most. I love the sense of history throughout. One job, The Office of the Master of the Horse in the Royal Household was created by Richard II in 1391. I would have liked more pictures, but mostly just enjoyed this book (with a cup or two of tea, of course). ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog