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Iberian horses first came to the New World with Columbus and a few remnants
have managed to survive in remote areas of the West which still resemble an
important primitive Iberian horse to a T. German author, Hardy Oelke,
recognized and identified these nearly extinct Sorraia-type horses and has
put forth a passionate effort for their preservation. Continued survival may
ultimately depend upon the public's awareness of their plight.
Mr. Oelke's book presents strong scientific evidence and documented
historical facts to support the theory that some of our mustangs are closely
related to the Sorraia horse, the purest representative of the primeval
form-III horse that existed during the Ice Age. The form-III horse is the
basis of all of today's warmblood breeds as well as the Thoroughbred. Page
after page of magnificent photographs of these Sorraia horses in their
natural habitat demonstrate their primitive dun and grulla coloration and
characteristic conformation.
This is a very well-written book laced with adventure as Oelke describes
tracking wild horses with his telephoto lens, capturing on film the seldom
seen natural behavior of wild stallions protecting their harems. An astute
horseman, he shares keen observations with readers about his cherished wild
Spanish horses.
Mr. Oelke has most kindly provided "Born Survivors" directly to us for
the Wild Horse Store. This is a fascinating book and all of the proceeds
above the publisher's wholesale price go to the LRTC Wild Horse Mentors'
programs.
For those unfamiliar with the Sorraia, it is the foundation horse for the
modern day Andalusians and Lusitanos as well as the Kiger Mustang and some
other mustang groups. Mr. Oelke has discovered small numbers of relatively
unchanged Sorraia Mustangs, and his book, replete with 90 full color
photographs, is an account of his findings as well as the history of the
Iberian horse in the New World.
This is not a thick book, but with it's history and photography it is a "must
have" for Mustang, Kiger and Spanish and wild horse aficionados.
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Sorraia stallion from "Born Survivors"
Pryor Mountain Mustangs
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