In the Company of Horses

An entertaining overview of the interesting and diverse world of the 20th century horse, this A&E special opens with a close-up look at thoroughbred horse racing (said to contribute $112 billion a year to the U.S. economy, with one annual 10 day sale of yearlings in Kentucky taking in $170,000,000 alone!). Viewers will learn about the unique equipment for training and maintaining race horses (imagine: an underwater treadmill, just for horses!) and specialized surgery for humanlike ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendon strain. In addition to profiling race horses, the program moves around the country, introducing a variety of horses, breeders and others who work with these magnificent creatures. For example, we meet Jason Rutledge, who avidly promotes the draft horse as a more ecological alternative to using heavy duty machinery for selective logging. We meet also Elvis, a horse that works for the Los Angeles Police Department's mounted police patrol covering potentially explosive crowd situations. Most touching is the piece on the Nez Percé nation, recognized historically for their horsemanship and horse breeding. Although the U.S. Government once killed and confiscated their horses to cripple the nation, the art of horse breeding is returning to the people. Rudy Shebala, Director of the Nez Percé Horse Registry, describes the new Nez Percé breed as both marketable ($5,000 to $8,000 per horse), and a source of pride. The wide world of horse fanciers are sure to find this interesting and insightful program pleasant company indeed. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (L. Goldberg)