A detailed, interesting and engaging book that presents a thorough review of medieval thought on the status of horses, both wild and domestic.

Peter Mitchell, University of Oxford, UK

A fascinating blend of evidence includes etymological considerations blended seamlessly with genetic, literary and manuscript evidence. Eclectic sources encompass studies from multiple languages. The book's comparative content spans the globe, from medieval Iceland to Wales and Ireland, through northern Europe to Kiev and the Eurasian steppes, with a nod to North American Mustang lore.

Gloria Allaire, University of Kentucky, USA

This is a fascinating addition to the growing number of academic studies of horses and their relations with humankind throughout history. In this wide-ranging study of the nature of medieval 'wild' horses, Anastasija Ropa demonstrates an extraordinary familiarity with and understanding of historical and archaeological sources, from medieval legends and romances to hippiatric treatises, combined with a deep practical equestrian knowledge. The geographic spread of her study is immense, from the hibernating horses of the Siberian Yakuts to Iceland, by way of, for example, medieval Welsh law codes, the 'forest horses' of Exmoor recorded in England's Domesday Book, and today's New Forest 'ponies'.

John Clark, Curator Emeritus, London Museum, Author of The Medieval Horse and its Equipment