Horse enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are fascinated by the history, characteristics, and abilities of various breeds. Unfortunately, most current breed books are written for European readers and feature horses that are rare or nonexistent in North America. A truly complete book on all the special horses of North America has never been available--until now. Here is the most comprehensive guide, featuring in-depth profiles and photographs, to 96 breeds that call North America home. Readers will find homegrown favorites, such as the Morgan, Appaloosa, and Quarter Horse, along with the less-known Nakota, McCurdy Plantation, and Florida Cracker horses. They'll also meet the imported breeds that have influenced native bloodlines and become part of the fabric of our history, such as the Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Percheron, as well as more exotic introductions such as the Mangalarga Marchador and the Selle Francais. Covering color breeds, light horses, heavy horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, author Judith Dutson offers fascinating insight into the purpose each was bred for and where it is now found in North America. More than seven million horses inhabit North America today, with purposes ranging from racing to pleasure, farm and ranch work, shows, search and rescue, and police work. Every region has its breed(s) and every breed has its story -- and its fans. This book speaks to all of them, and presents the incredible history of the horse in North America, breed by breed.