<P>Throughout recorded history the horse has played many roles in human life. He has been man&#39;s partner in war his servant in work his teammate in sports his inspiration in art. So it is only natural that literature includes many masterpieces about horses and horsemanship.<BR /><I>The Greatest Horse Stories Ever Told</I> gathers together the best of the equestrian genre. It includes stories and articles by Pulitzer Prize&ndash;winners Red Smith Maxine Kumin and Jane Smiley and tales by jockey-turned-mystery novelist Dick Francis and veterinarian-turned-writer James Herriot. Here also are reflections on fox hunting by Steven Budiansky and Anthony Trollope; a profile of Buck Brannaman the inspiration for <I>The Horse Whisperer</I>; an inspirational piece from Ellie Phayer; and a story about the Spanish Riding School&#39;s dancing white horses by Felix Salten (author of <I>Bambi</I>) as well as writing from Tom McGuane Bill Barich humorist Cooky McClung and classic western authors Will James and Zane Grey.<BR />Heartwarming adventurous profound and funny this anthology is a treasure trove that includes favorite writers and little-known or long-forgotten gems illuminating our fascination&mdash;and captivation&mdash;with horses.</P>