Ahhh this one was long overdue for a reread. The book is 95% Sewell having strong opinions on animal welfare but since I also have strong opinions on animal welfare…fine by me. The other 5% was strong opinions on alcoholism, which I did not remember from last time. Given the time, it’s astonishing how much of what Sewell says is functionally correct–we really haven’t learned more about horses, we’re just more confident in what we know–and vindicating how much has been reduced, eliminated, or banned.

But also I love Beauty, I adore Ginger, and Merrylegs, and Captain, and all the rest. Despite the heavy moral overtones, the writing and characterization are still incredibly compelling.