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This is the second edition of my 2023 American Running Horse book. Like the original, the goal in this version is to preserve the memory, history and origin of this exceptional sport breed. Our American Running Horse is truly a forgotten breed, and I have compiled all the information I could find on it and presented here in a chronological design, with citations and the actual quotations whenever possible. Most of us in the equine community never knew about this breed, and I hope it will not only be a revelation to horse people everywhere but also provide a greater understanding of talents and variety in America's light horse breeds. After many decades of research most of my questions about the origin of equine sport abilities and the history of our American horses have been answered. I hope this book provides some answers for you also.
This second edition is immensely improved with a comprehensive copy edit by Kentucky historian Gary O'Dell. Gary saw the historical merit in the work and not only provided an in depth copy edit (chapters 2-27) but he put the citations and bibliography into a consistent and more academic form. I am not a trained historian, academic or even writer, just a breeder that has been trying to provide information for my fellow equestrians, so the help Gary provided is huge. While he was finishing his edit, I discovered some additional early historical material which was inserted in a new chapter 1. This book is meant to give you the facts, straight from the sources whenever possible, so that you are informed and understand the talents that reside in your horses.
