This three-piece veterinary reference set brings together a 1923 USDA classic, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers’ Bulletin on light horses, and a practical 4-H Horse Science unit.
Together, they show how horse care and training were taught across farms, ranches, and youth programs in the mid-20th century. Inside you’ll find anatomy plates, disease charts, feeding and reproduction basics, and hands-on care tips.
Quick Specs
Item Type: 3-piece equine/veterinary reference set (1 hardcover, 2 pamphlets)
Size:
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Diseases of the Horse (hardcover): 9 × 6 × 1 in, 629 pp
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Light Horses (paper pamphlet): 9 × 6 in, 56 pp
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4-H Horse Science (stapled, 3-hole): 11 × 9 in, 46 pp + notes page
Material: Cloth over boards (hardcover); paper pamphlets
Color: Brown cloth book with black horse-head vignette; two cream/illustrated pamphlets
Origin or Maker:
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Diseases of the Horse: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry; Government Printing Office (Washington, D.C.)
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Light Horses: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers’ Bulletin No. 2127 (by M. E. Ensminger)
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4-H Horse Science: Federal & State Extension Services in cooperation with National 4-H Service Committee
Year or Era:
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Diseases of the Horse: 1923 Revised Edition (as shown)
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Light Horses:1962
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4-H Horse Science:1969
GENRE: Veterinary Reference, Equine Science, Agricultural Bulletins
Language / Pages: English / pages as above
Identifiers: Pre-ISBN/Not provided
Edition & Features
Edition/Printing:
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Diseases of the Horse: Revised Edition, 1923 (title page shown); multiple authors from USDA/Bureau of Animal Industry
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Light Horses: USDA Farmers’ Bulletin No. 2127 by M. E. Ensminger, Dept. of Animal Science, Washington State University
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4-H Horse Science: “4-H Horsemanship Program Unit 2—Horse Science” (topics and TOC shown)
Illustrations/Maps/Plates:
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Diseases of the Horse: anatomical plates and technical figures (see photo with internal organs diagram)
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Light Horses: breed characteristics, selection, feeding, equipment (TOC shown)
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4-H Horse Science: anatomy/action diagrams, unsoundness chart, hoof angles, parasites, and feeding charts
Extras: Diseases of the Horse bears a previous owner inscription (“With kind regards from Ray O. Woodruff”, Washington, D.C.—see photo).
Condition
Diseases of the Horse (hardcover): Good
Light Horses (pamphlet): Good
4-H Horse Science (stapled, 3-hole): Good
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
Sourced from Great Lakes Bay Region estate collections in Michigan.
About the Author / Maker
The USDA’s Bureau of Animal Industry produced foundational veterinary texts for American agriculture. M. E. Ensminger authored Light Horses while serving in animal science at Washington State University. The 4-H Extension manual reflects mid-century horsemanship training used nationwide.
Ready to shelve, study, or style—this photo-verified set gives your equine library real substance.
Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
About Reading Vintage
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.
