10 Best Horse Coffee Table Books (2026)
After three months expanding my equestrian collection, these 10 horse coffee table books earned permanent shelf space. I break down the photography quality, paper stock, and who each book is actually for — from casual gift-givers to serious collectors.
For riders, breeders, and anyone who appreciates equine beauty, a well-chosen horse coffee table book transforms any living space. I've spent the past three months building out the equestrian section of my collection, and these 10 volumes earned permanent spots on my shelves.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every book recommended here has been personally reviewed — I only feature titles I'd display in my own home.
My Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Before diving into the full list, here's where I'd start depending on your situation:
- Best Overall: The Horse Encyclopedia — unbeatable value, genuinely useful
- Best for Gift-Giving: Horses: Portraits by Derry Moore — museum-quality, universally appealing
- Best for Serious Collectors: Polo Heritage — Assouline quality, archival depth
Now, let's get into each book.
1. The Horse Encyclopedia
| Author | Elwyn Hartley Edwards |
| Publisher | DK Publishing |
| Pages | 360 |
| Dimensions | 10.3 x 1.1 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs |
| Best For | Breed reference & horse care |
This was the first horse book I picked up, and it's still the one I reach for most often. At 360 pages covering 150+ breeds, it's genuinely encyclopedic — but what surprised me is how usable it is. DK's visual layout means I can flip to any breed and get the key information in seconds.
What I love: The care sections on feeding, grooming, and health aren't filler. When a friend asked about Friesian temperament last month, I had the answer in 30 seconds. The paper is a semi-gloss that reproduces the photography beautifully without feeling cheap.
The honest downside: At nearly 4 pounds, it's heavy. And while the breadth is impressive, individual breed coverage can feel brief — if you want deep information on a single breed, you'll need a specialized book.
The bottom line: If you're buying one horse book, this is it. The price-to-content ratio is unmatched.
2. An Illustrated History of Equestrian Sports
| Author | Various contributors |
| Publisher | teNeues |
| Pages | 400+ |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 1.8 x 14.6 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Best For | Competitive riders & sport history |
This book is a beast — both in content and physical size. At over 400 pages, it traces equestrian sport from Baroque European courts through modern Olympic competition. The archival photography alone (some images I'd never seen anywhere else) justifies the price.
What sets it apart: The technical depth. There's a 40-page section on equipment evolution that tracks how saddle design changed competitive riding. Commentary from Olympic riders adds perspective you won't find in generic horse books.
What I wish was different: The binding is tight. On a book this size, I want it to lay flat when I'm showing someone a spread — this one fights back a bit. Also, at 6+ pounds, you're not casually picking this up.
The bottom line: The definitive equestrian sports reference. If you ride competitively or follow the sport seriously, nothing else comes close.
3. American Cowboys (Anouk Masson Krantz)
| Author | Anouk Masson Krantz |
| Publisher | teNeues |
| Pages | 256 |
| Dimensions | 9.8 x 1.2 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs |
| Best For | Western riding fans & documentary photography |
I wasn't expecting to connect with this one as much as I did. Anouk Masson Krantz spent three years embedded on working ranches across the American West, and you feel that investment on every page. Her fashion photography background shows in the composition — these aren't snapshots.
The standout feature: The personal narratives. Around page 89, there's a two-page spread of a 70-year-old ranch hand named Dale with a quote about why he never left the life. It's the kind of moment that elevates photography into storytelling.
The honest downside: If you're looking for horse-focused content specifically, humans share a lot of the frame here. It's really a book about cowboy culture where horses play a supporting role.
The bottom line: The most authentic documentation of contemporary ranch life I've found in coffee table format.
4. Polo Heritage
| Author | Various contributors |
| Publisher | Assouline |
| Pages | 300 |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 1.5 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
| Best For | Polo enthusiasts & luxury lifestyle |
Assouline doesn't make cheap books, and you feel it the moment you pick this up. The linen cover, the paper stock, the printing quality — everything signals premium. But is the content worth $120?
My take: Yes, if polo culture interests you. The archival section covering polo's golden age (1920s-1950s) includes photographs I genuinely hadn't seen before. The profiles of polo dynasties — particularly the Argentine families who shaped modern breeding — go deeper than expected.
What's missing: Contemporary action photography. If you want dramatic mid-match shots, this book leans more historical and cultural than athletic.
The bottom line: A luxury object that delivers luxury content. Not for casual browsers, but polo enthusiasts will treasure it.
5. Stables: High Design for Horse and Home
| Author | Oscar Riera Ojeda |
| Publisher | ORO Editions |
| Pages | 288 |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 1.3 x 11.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Best For | Architects & facility owners |
This is the most useful book on my list — and I mean that as high praise. It's not just pretty stable photos; it's floor plans, construction specs, material selections, and architect interviews explaining their design decisions.
Why it surprised me: The range. From a minimalist Swedish barn (page 67) to an opulent facility in Dubai (page 203), you see how different climates and cultures solve the same problems: ventilation, horse welfare, aesthetic integration with landscape.
The limitation: If you're not planning to build or renovate equestrian facilities, the practical content might feel excessive. This is a book for people who want to do something with the inspiration.
The bottom line: The only coffee table book that treats stable design as serious architecture.
6. Wild: The Legendary Horses of Sable Island
| Author | Sarah Lee |
| Publisher | Mountaineers Books |
| Pages | 176 |
| Dimensions | 10 x 0.8 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Best For | Wildlife photography & conservation |
Sable Island is a protected sandbar in the North Atlantic where ~500 feral horses have survived for 250+ years. Photographer Sarah Lee spent extended periods documenting their lives, and the patience shows.
What makes it special: The scientific context. This isn't just "pretty horse photos" — there are insights into social dynamics, seasonal behavior, and survival strategies that make you appreciate what you're seeing.
My one complaint: At 176 pages, I wanted more. The quality is there; the quantity leaves you wanting. Given the difficulty of accessing this location, I understand why — but I'd happily pay more for a longer book.
The bottom line: Exclusive access to a place most people will never visit, with substance beyond the visuals.
7. Horses: Portraits by Derry Moore
| Author | Derry Moore |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 224 |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 1.1 x 13.3 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
| Best For | Art collectors & interior designers |
Derry Moore photographs aristocrats and architecture. When he turned that eye toward horses, the result feels less like a horse book and more like a portrait collection that happens to feature equines.
Why it works so well: Moore treats each horse as an individual personality. The technique varies — moody black-and-white for some, rich color for others — always chosen to match the subject's character. The English hunt horse on page 45 and the Spanish dancing stallion on page 112 feel like entirely different artistic statements.
The consideration: If you want action or context, this isn't it. These are formal portraits — beautiful, but quiet.
The bottom line: The book I recommend most often for gifts. Universal appeal, museum-quality execution.
8. Untamed Spirits: Horses From Around the World
| Author | Various contributors |
| Publisher | National Geographic |
| Pages | 240 |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 1 x 13.8 inches |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs |
| Best For | Breed diversity & cultural context |
National Geographic knows how to make a global survey compelling, and this book delivers. From Shetland ponies to desert-adapted Arabians, you see how geography and human needs shaped distinct breeds.
The strength: Cultural essays accompanying each section. The pages on Mongolian herders (around page 78) contextualize the horses within a way of life. You're not just seeing animals; you're seeing relationships.
What I'd improve: Some sections feel brief. The Argentine gaucho coverage, for example, could have been its own chapter — instead it shares space with other South American content.
The bottom line: The broadest geographic and cultural scope of any horse book I own.
9. The Steeplechase Horse
| Author | Captain J. Humfrey |
| Publisher | Legare Street Press (Reprint) |
| Pages | 180 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches |
| Year | 2024 (Original: 1879) |
| Best For | Racing history & collectors |
This is a different kind of coffee table book — a restored reprint of Captain J. Humfrey's 1879 classic. The period illustrations and Victorian language offer a window into how horsemanship was taught 145 years ago.
What fascinated me: How much hasn't changed. The chapter on reading a horse's condition before a race could have been written today with different vocabulary. And how much has changed — the equipment recommendations feel almost archaeological.
Important note: This is smaller format than typical coffee table books (6x9 inches vs. 10x13). It's more of a collectible reference than a visual showpiece.
The bottom line: A collector's piece for racing enthusiasts. Not the book for visual impact, but the historical insight is genuine.
10. Equestrian – The Ultimate Book
| Author | Alena Brandt |
| Publisher | teNeues |
| Pages | 224 |
| Dimensions | 10 x 1.2 x 13 inches |
| Year | 2026 (Pre-Order) |
| Best For | Luxury equestrian lifestyle |
I'm including this based on publisher reputation and author credentials — I haven't held this specific book yet as it releases June 2026. Alena Brandt has over a decade of equestrian journalism and was recognized by the German Equestrian Federation, so I'm confident in the editorial quality.
What to expect: Coverage of legendary events (Royal Ascot, Dubai World Cup) alongside lifestyle features on handcrafted saddles and show jumping venues. Bilingual English/German edition.
The caveat: This is a pre-order recommendation based on pedigree, not hands-on review. I'll update this section after release.
The bottom line: teNeues rarely disappoints, and the author credentials are strong. If luxury equestrian lifestyle is your interest, this is worth the pre-order.
Quick Comparison
| Book | Best For | Price | Weight | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Horse Encyclopedia | Breed reference | $45 | 3.75 lbs | ★★★★★ |
| Illustrated History of Equestrian Sports | Competition fans | $45 | 6.2 lbs | ★★★★½ |
| American Cowboys | Western enthusiasts | $85 | 4.1 lbs | ★★★★½ |
| Polo Heritage | Polo fans | $120 | 5.3 lbs | ★★★★ |
| Stables: High Design | Architects | $55 | 3.8 lbs | ★★★★★ |
| Wild: Sable Island | Wildlife lovers | $80 | 2.6 lbs | ★★★★ |
| Horses by Derry Moore | Art collectors | $65 | 4.2 lbs | ★★★★★ |
| Untamed Spirits | Cultural interest | $80 | 3.9 lbs | ★★★★ |
| The Steeplechase Horse | Collectors | $22 | 0.8 lbs | ★★★½ |
| Equestrian – Ultimate Book | Luxury lifestyle | $65 | TBD | Pre-order |
How I'd Spend Different Budgets
Under $50: Start with The Horse Encyclopedia. Nothing else at this price offers comparable depth and visual quality.
$50-100: Add Stables: High Design or Horses by Derry Moore depending on whether architecture or fine art appeals more.
$100-200: Build a three-book collection: The Horse Encyclopedia (reference), Wild: Sable Island (photography), and American Cowboys (documentary) cover completely different ground.
$200+: Add Polo Heritage for the luxury segment, then An Illustrated History of Equestrian Sports for competitive depth.
Care Tips for Your Collection
These books are investments. Here's how I protect mine:
- Sunlight: Keep away from direct exposure. I lost a dust jacket to fading before I learned this lesson.
- Humidity: Store in climate-controlled spaces. Paper warps in humidity above 60%.
- Handling: Clean, dry hands. The matte finishes on books like Polo Heritage show fingerprints instantly.
- Display rotation: If you're stacking books in sunlight, rotate quarterly so spines age evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to spend on a quality horse coffee table book?
Most quality titles fall between $50-85. Budget options like The Steeplechase Horse reprint exist around $25, while luxury publishers like Assouline charge $100+. DK's Horse Encyclopedia at $45 offers the best value-to-content ratio I've found.
What's the best horse coffee table book for someone who isn't a horse person?
Horses: Portraits by Derry Moore. The artistic quality transcends subject matter — it's essentially a fine art photography book. Even guests who've never been near a horse comment on it.
Are there good coffee table books about wild horses specifically?
Yes — Wild: The Legendary Horses of Sable Island is dedicated entirely to a feral population. Untamed Spirits also features horses in natural environments across multiple continents, though it's broader in scope.
How big are horse coffee table books typically?
Most measure 10-14 inches in their largest dimension. The Illustrated History of Equestrian Sports is the largest on my list (11.4 x 14.6 inches); The Steeplechase Horse is the smallest (6.1 x 9.2 inches). Check dimensions before buying if shelf space is a concern.
Can coffee table books work as decor in modern interiors?
Absolutely. Horses by Derry Moore and Stables: High Design both feature sophisticated aesthetics that complement contemporary spaces. I stack mine on a walnut console — the neutral spines work with most color palettes.
Last updated: January 2026. Prices may vary. I'll update individual reviews as new editions release.
