Heavy horses played a pivotal role in the development of western economies, toiling in mines and quarries, at mills, factories and docks, alongside canals and railway lines, in fields and pasture. But with the invention of the tractor and motor lorry their numbers plummeted, with some breeds close to extinction in the 1950s. Today, after a revival of interest, Shires, Clydesdaies, Suffolks and British Percherons attract special attention whenever they are seen, their magnificence and strength ensuring them a place in the modern world. This book examines the breeds and their qualities, their historical role, the industry that built up around them and the revival years.

Diana Zeuner is the publisher and editor of 'Heavy Horse World' magazine, the only publication in the UK devoted to solely to heavy horses. Her interest in heavy horses began with their introduction to the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton in West Sussex, where her late husband, Chris Zeuner, was the Museum Director and had introduced working horses to help interpret the historic building exhibits. After his untimely death in 2001 Diana took over the management of the heavy-horse stables at the museum on a part-time basis. Diana is also editor of the magazine for the Association of Independent Museums and the magazine of the Weald and Downland Open Air Museums