...how horse meat is a rich staple in the diet there. I find it strange, but understand why recipes for this meat is never included in cookbooks that reach our shores. Have any of you ever eaten it- or know anyone who has?- and how is it commonly prepared?

I have never that I know of eaten horse meat.
I took a trip into France from Germany when stationed there. About 20 fellow soldiers an myself.
We spent the time touring. On our last day there we toured a winery and stocked up with some fine wine for the bus trip back to base. McGyvers and Boy Scouts we were not because not a one of us idiots had a cork screw on us. There were some very creative ways learned that day for cork removal and ghe fact also, little pieces of cork weren't that bad after the first bottle or two.

IM- here's a quote for ya that I think you'll likely be able to identify with! "Went on safari in Africa and had to live on nothing but food and water for a whole week- someone went and left the corkscrew at home!" WC Fields

we had a restaurant here several years ago that sold all types of "meat" - you wouldn't get me near the place! and they sold horse meat as well - didn't last long - they got closed down

I hear if you buy the really cheap wine you won't need a corkscrew.