New York Times bestselling author and Colorado Mesa University (CMU) professor was awarded more success in his recent book THE HORSE: A Galloping History of Humanity. Tim Winegard, PhD, teaches history at CMU but finds peace in authoring his own books. After The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator received the New York Times bestseller accolade, Winegard released a new book this past summer, hoping it would make a similar impact.
THE HORSE: A Galloping History of Humanity was a heavily researched piece that supports Winegard’s vast historical knowledge about the implications of the first human jumping on the back of a horse 5,500 years ago. In the book, readers find how the horse dominated every facet of humanity — as a mode of transportation, a vehicle of trade, an essential farming tool, a status symbol, a formidable weapon of war, a source of energy, an agent of both lethal disease and lifesaving medicine, a participant in sport and a steadfast and loyal companion.
In addition to successes like three weeks on the NYT Bestseller list, Winegard’s THE HORSE: A Galloping History of Humanity took home the 2025 High Plains International Book Award for Nonfiction. This accomplishment served as another marker for Winegard’s hard work and deep historical understanding.
About High Plains Library District
The High Plains Library District (HPLD) is a public library system serving northern Colorado. The HPLD offers many books as well as eResources, tech help, community spaces and diverse programming for all ages. The High Plains Book Awards celebrate literature from the North American High Plains region (7 U.S States and 3 Canadian Provinces) by recognizing authors and works reflecting the area’s landscape, with categories like Fiction, Nonfiction and even Indigenous Writing.