By Adrienne N. Neary

Legendary Hearts of Horses takes readers on a fascinating journey through equine genetics, pedigree, history, evolution, and the remarkable physical and inspirational qualities of the horse.

Beginning with the extraordinary discovery surrounding the famous American Thoroughbred Secretariat, Adrienne N. Neary follows the trail of the equine “large heart” trait and explores the history behind one of the most fascinating characteristics associated with exceptional horses.

About the Book

The story begins with Secretariat, whose remarkable performance on the racetrack helped establish him as one of the most celebrated Thoroughbreds in history. The discovery of his unusually large heart during his autopsy sparked tremendous interest throughout the horse industry and inspired further investigation into the origins of this remarkable trait.

Neary examines the equine pedigree history identified by earlier researchers as a possible source of the large heart trait. Rather than simply following the established path, however, she takes the investigation much further.

She ventures into the vast history and evolution of the horse, searching for additional evidence and exploring how the development of exceptional equine characteristics may reach far beyond modern pedigrees.

The Large Heart Trail

At the center of the book is the fascinating question of where the equine large heart trait originated and how it became associated with some of the world’s most remarkable horses.

Neary connects the trait to “Old World” horses, opening a broader discussion about the evolution and survival of horses throughout history.

Her exploration also considers the possibility that horses living in the wild were not simply passive survivors of their environment, but may have demonstrated remarkable creativity and proactive behavior in adapting to the challenges of survival.

This perspective takes the reader beyond genetics alone and into the larger story of the horse’s evolution, resilience, and ability to endure.

Horses Throughout History

Legendary Hearts of Horses brings together stories of remarkable horses and bloodlines from different periods and regions of history.

Through rich descriptions and carefully selected quotations, Neary explores the qualities and histories of:

• Central Asian Horses
• Spanish Mustangs
• The Godolphin Horse
• The Byerley Turk
• Bucephalus, the famous horse of Alexander the Great

These horses provide more than historical examples. They become part of a larger exploration into the qualities that make certain horses extraordinary and the characteristics that have allowed horses to leave an enduring mark on human history.

More Than a Physical Heart

While the physical heart is an important part of the story, Legendary Hearts of Horses reaches beyond anatomy and genetics.

Neary explores the inspirational and intangible qualities that horses display so naturally—qualities such as courage, endurance, determination, sacrifice, joy, and resilience.

The book considers how these qualities can emerge through remarkable performances and challenging circumstances, inviting readers to look at the concept of the “heart” in a much broader sense.

The heart becomes both a physical organ and a powerful metaphor for the qualities that inspire us.

Genetics, Choice, and the Human Heart

As the exploration develops, genetics and equine history become connected with deeper questions about life and human experience.

Genetics. Remarkable performances. Choice. Sacrifice. Joy. Suffering.

Together, these themes lead toward a profound realization: the physical and spiritual forces that combine to make the equine “heart” so inspirational may also be present within all of us.

The exceptional qualities we admire in horses can encourage us to reflect on our own capacity for courage, perseverance, resilience, and greatness.

A Journey Through Equine Evolution

Rather than limiting the discussion to modern horses and documented pedigrees, Neary looks further back into the evolutionary history of the species.

Her investigation into “Old World” horses creates a broader picture of how horses developed, survived, adapted, and ultimately became the extraordinary animals we know today.

This historical perspective provides a foundation for considering how inherited characteristics, environmental pressures, survival instincts, and individual qualities may have contributed to the development of exceptional horses.

Key Themes

Equine Genetics & Pedigree
Explore the possible origins and history of the large heart trait and the pedigrees associated with exceptional horses.

Horse Evolution & Survival
Journey into the deeper history of horses and consider how wild horses adapted and survived throughout evolution.

Legendary Horses of History
Discover the stories and qualities of famous horses, from Central Asian horses and Spanish Mustangs to Bucephalus and renowned Thoroughbred bloodlines.

The Physical & Inspirational Heart
Explore the relationship between the literal heart of the horse and the intangible qualities that make horses so inspiring.

Choice, Sacrifice, Joy & Suffering
Consider the experiences and qualities that contribute to extraordinary performance and reveal deeper lessons about life.

The Human Connection
Discover how the qualities admired in legendary horses can inspire reflection on the courage, resilience, and potential within ourselves.

A Book for Horse People and Non-Horse People Alike

Although Legendary Hearts of Horses is deeply rooted in equine history and research, its message extends well beyond the horse world.

The book invites horse enthusiasts to explore the history, genetics, evolution, and remarkable characteristics of an animal they love, while also offering broader insights that can resonate with readers who may have little or no experience with horses.

Its themes of courage, perseverance, sacrifice, joy, suffering, and the search for excellence are universal.

Insightful, Informative & Deeply Moving

Through extensive research, historical exploration, and thoughtful storytelling, Legendary Hearts of Horses presents a compelling examination of what makes certain horses legendary.

It combines scientific curiosity with historical discovery and a deeper exploration of the spiritual and inspirational qualities associated with the equine heart.

The result is a book that is insightful, well-researched, informative, and deeply moving, offering important messages for readers of all ages.

About the Author

Adrienne N. Neary brings together her passion for horses, research, history, and the deeper meaning found in the human-animal relationship.

Through Legendary Hearts of Horses, Neary explores the extraordinary qualities of horses while encouraging readers to recognize the connection between the physical and intangible aspects of what we call the “heart.”

Her work invites readers to look at horses not only as remarkable animals, but also as sources of inspiration and insight into our own lives.

For Readers Who Enjoy

Legendary Hearts of Horses may appeal to:

• Horse enthusiasts and equestrians
• Readers interested in equine genetics
• Those fascinated by horse history and evolution
• Readers interested in legendary horses and bloodlines
• Students and enthusiasts of Thoroughbred history
• Readers interested in the connection between humans and horses
• Those drawn to inspirational and spiritual themes
• Horse and non-horse readers of all ages

Discover the Heart Behind the Legend

Legendary Hearts of Horses begins with a remarkable discovery—the extraordinary heart of Secretariat—but its journey reaches much further.

From the pedigrees of exceptional Thoroughbreds to the ancient history of “Old World” horses, from Spanish Mustangs to Bucephalus, the book explores the forces that have shaped some of history’s most remarkable horses.

Ultimately, Neary’s exploration leads to a message that extends beyond the equine world.

The qualities that make the heart of a legendary horse so inspiring may also live within each of us.

Through genetics, history, evolution, remarkable performance, choice, sacrifice, joy, and suffering, Legendary Hearts of Horses invites readers to discover not only what makes horses legendary—but what their extraordinary hearts can teach us about our own.