This book investigates the historical significance of the horse in West African societies, specifically examining how these animals shaped political, military, and social structures during the pre-colonial era. Robin Law, a distinguished historian of West Africa, utilizes a combination of archaeological evidence, oral traditions, and colonial-era documentation to construct his argument. He posits that the horse was not merely a tool of warfare but a central pillar of elite status and economic power. The text explores the environmental challenges of horse maintenance and the eventual decline of this cultural system as political landscapes shifted in the 20th century.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of ecology and political power in pre-colonial West Africa. The prose is noted for its academic rigor and its ability to synthesize diverse historical sources into a coherent narrative.