THERE’S something about winter that makes the promise of a good book even more inviting, the feeling of contentment when the horses are all fed and watered after evening stables, a steaming mug or warming glass beside you, and a story that transports you far beyond the frosty fields.
This Christmas, a handful of new equestrian titles have cantered onto the shelves, offering the perfect excuse to take a well-earned pause from the yard. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, nostalgia, or simply a heartwarming tale to tuck under the tree, these books are sure to delight the horse lover in your life or, perhaps, yourself.
The Early Kilkenny Hunt 1797-1908 and other Irish Hunting Stories
By Caroline Murphy, reviewed by Olivia Hamilton
HANDSOMELY produced with a cover of red and gold, Kilkenny artist Caroline Murphy has compiled and published a wonderful anthology of hunting.
Caroline, who has dedicated her artistic life to creating bronze and ceramic pieces inspired by wildlife, was prompted to publish her anthology by the detailed accounts of great hunts in Kilkenny from private diaries which date from 1797.
There are epic tales of ferocious hunts and the characters who took part, not forgetting some wonderful horses and hounds.The second half of the book features stories by Molly Keane, Anthony Trollope, Somerville and Ross, and an account of Sisi, the Empress of Austria, who spent two very happy seasons hunting in Ireland in 1879 and 1889.
Priced at €30 this book would make someone’s Christmas extra special.
Contact Caroline Murphy on 087-2726722 to purchase a copy.
Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The Horse and the Rise of Empires
By David Chaffetz, reviewed by Helen Sharp
DAVID Chaffetz’s Raiders, Rulers, and Traders is a sweeping gallop through two millennia of human history, led by one of civilisation’s greatest partners - the horse. It’s the kind of book that reminds you, rather wonderfully, that before the steam engine, the horse was the original vehicle of conquest, commerce, and culture.
Chaffetz brings together the histories of horse-centred empires from the Eurasian steppe to the Mughal courts, weaving anthropology, politics and horsemanship into a rich narrative tapestry. His storytelling is vivid and confident; the horsemen of the Steppes, the Persian cavalry, and the Mughal emperors come alive through well-chosen anecdotes and sharp analysis. You can almost smell the sweat and leather of the cavalry charge.
What makes this book stand apart is its balance between scholarly insight and readability. Chaffetz writes with the verve of someone who clearly loves both history and horses. The reader never feels lost in the academic weeds, yet the depth of research is evident on every page. The illustrations and cultural references, particularly from Persian and Indian sources, add texture and a touch of romance.
For equestrians, this isn’t just a history book; it’s an exploration of the enduring human-horse bond and the way it has shaped the world we live in. You come away with a sense of awe for how much our four-legged allies have done in forging borders, empires, and identities.
A thrilling, intelligent read that manages to be both educational and genuinely gripping. For anyone who has ever looked into a horse’s eye and glimpsed something ancient and unknowable, Raiders, Rulers, and Traders will strike a deep chord.
Published by Pegasus Books. £14.99 paperback and available online and in shops.