Finding a horse book rich with glossy photos presents no problem. Finding a book that offers clear, well-organized information to equine enthusiasts is about as rare as a 14-hand racehorse.

Crazy for Horses contains 16 full-colour full-page photos and no table of contents or index. On first inspection it’s tempting to suggest that the book’s content and organization are secondary to its visual appeal. However, the large photos clearly show the conformation and colour of 16 different kinds of horses, and a full page of text, detailing the history and attributes of the breed, accompanies each picture. The Andalusian, the Hanoverian, and the Canadian are featured along with more widely known breeds such as the Thoroughbred. Even seasoned horse fanciers will discover something new, particularly in the “Fast Fact” section at the bottom of each text page. This section may also be popular with readers who find the vocabulary and sentence structure of the main text too challenging.

The alphabetical arrangement of the various breeds makes the information accessible without excessive page flipping. As well, there is a loose organizational framework around the core content. The book begins with an overview of the ancestors of the modern horse, and basic features of horses and ponies. It concludes with a kind of informal glossary, and a list of addresses and web sites.

Although the ideal horse book might have been organized more conventionally, the audience for this book will not be dismayed. Readers will sift out the most fascinating facts, and then turn their attention to what has always made people crazy about horses – the wonderful way they look.