Law Robin. The Horse in West African History: The Role of the Horse in the Societies of Pre-Colonial West Africa

Routledge, 2020. — 254 p.Originally published in 1980 and here re-issued with an updated preface, this book deals with the role of the horse in the societies of West Africa during the pre-colonial period. It traces the history of its introduction and its diffusion within West Africa, and examines the problems of maintaining horses in such a harsh environment. The use of horses in warfare in analysed but the non-military aspects of the West African horse culture are also discussed, principally the use of horses as tokens of status and wealth. The book includes a review of the decline of the West African horse culture in the 20th century, reflecting the passing of a political system based on warfare and slavery.The Introduction and Diffusion of the Horse in West Africa
The Supply of Horses
Maintenance, Health and Training
Equipment
Cavalry Warfare
Non-Military Aspects
Horse and Society in pre-colonial West Africa
The Decline of the Horse in West Africa