The hardest thing about writing Olympic Equestrian — besides the punishingly tight time frame required to get the book out in time for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games — was mustering the courage to contact a long list of living legends in the Olympic equestrian disciplines of eventing, jumping, and dressage to request interviews. These people were, and are, my idols!
These great riders and Olympians were unfailingly gracious and generous with their time, and talking with the likes of Michael Page, William Steinkraus, and Jessica Ransehousen brought Olympic equestrian history to life.
“This is the best-researched book on equestrian Olympic history that I have ever read.” –Michael Page, three-time Olympic eventing competitor
As someone who was not spellbound during history class in school, I was surprised at the depth of passion I felt for the subject matter. The stories, candid recollections, incredible archival photos, and thrilling tales of competition made me realize what a debt of gratitude today’s equestrian enthusiasts owe to those who came before us, many of whom were instrumental in developing and shaping the sports as we know them.
Olympic Equestrian was my first book and a real labor of love. More than 20 years have gone by since the first edition was published, and a fair number of the people I interviewed for the book are no longer with us. I take lasting pride in the fact that their words, stories, and incredible equestrian accomplishments will not be lost to history.
“Just about anything you’ve ever wanted to know about horses and the Olympics is in this book.” —Horse Illustrated
