This work investigates the historical trajectory of the horse and its fundamental role in the development of human civilization over five millennia. Anthony Austen Dent, a noted authority on equine history, utilizes a broad chronological framework to examine how the domestication and utilization of the horse influenced warfare, agriculture, transportation, and social stratification. The text argues that the horse served as a primary catalyst for the expansion and maintenance of major historical empires.

Historians and equine scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for understanding the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses throughout history. Readers often note the accessible yet scholarly tone, which balances broad historical context with specific cultural observations.