View source for The Horseman: Obsessions of a Zoophile

'''The Horseman: Obsessions of a Zoophile''' is a non-fiction memoir by [[Mark "Hossy" Matthews|Mark Matthews]], first published in December 1994 by Prometheus Books. The book is part of the ''New Concepts in Human Sexuality'' series and presents a candid and controversial look at the author’s life as a zoophile, focusing primarily on his emotional and sexual relationships with horses. 

{{Infobox book
| name              = The Horseman: Obsession of a Zoophile
| image             = horseman_cover.jpg
| author            = George Willard aka. Mark "Hossy" Matthews
| country           = USA
| published         = 1994
| publisher         = Prometheus Books
| isbn              = 978-0879759025
| series            = New Concepts in Human Sexuality
| language          = English
|pages=208|genre=Autobiography, Non-Fiction, Psychological and Philosophical Reflection}}

== Background ==
Mark Matthews writes about his personal experiences of [[zoophilia]], which he claims began in his teenage years. The book examines how these relationships evolved over time and impacted his life, including the significant strain it placed on his marriage, which eventually ended in divorce. Matthews chose to write this memoir as a way to confront society's judgmental views on bestiality and to provide insight into a largely hidden and taboo lifestyle.

== Content Overview ==
In ''The Horseman'', Matthews describes in graphic detail his sexual interactions with horses, which form the central narrative of the book. Alongside these personal stories, the book also discusses broader issues related to the legal, moral, and societal implications of bestiality. Matthews aims to challenge societal taboos by offering a rare insider's perspective on the life of a zoophile, providing both philosophical reflections and intimate details of his experiences.

=== Themes ===
Several key themes are explored in ''The Horseman'':

* '''Sexual Taboo:''' Matthews addresses how society views zoophilia and bestiality, arguing that these relationships are often misunderstood and unfairly stigmatized.
* '''Consent and Agency:''' The book grapples with the question of whether animals can consent to sexual relationships with humans and examines the ethical considerations involved.
* '''Isolation and Marginalization:''' Matthews highlights the loneliness and ostracization faced by those who identify as zoophiles, emphasizing how societal rejection affects their personal and social lives

== See also ==

* [[Mark "Hossy" Matthews]]
* [[Human–animal marriage]]

== References ==

# [https://www.animalzoofrance.com/images/a/a1/Horseman.pdf The Horseman: Obsession of a Zoophile]

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