A Captivating Look at the Olympic Equestrian Sport and the Unparalleled Bond between Horse and Rider
Boston, MA (July 12, 2011) – While crowds flock to show jumping events around the world, marveling at the magnificence of the champion horses that compete at the Grand Prix level, few are aware of the passionate and intense relationship between rider and horse required to make it to the jump-off. Acanthus Publishing announces the publication and release of Unbridled Passion – Show Jumping’s Greatest Horses and Riders (Acanthus Publishing 2011), an intimate and thrilling look inside the Olympic sport of show jumping and the superstar pairings that define excellence at the elite level.
With a foreword from Olympic team coach George Morris, each chapter of Unbridled Passion presents an up close and personal conversation between author, Jeff Papows, and one of the best contemporary riders in North America. Among the list of showcased riders and revered partners are McClain Ward and Sapphire, Ian Millar and Big Ben, Margie Engle and Perin, Beezie Madden and Authentic, and many more medal-winning teams.
Utilizing over 60 vibrant color photographs throughout the book, Papows captures the essence of the finest moments in the sport’s recent history. Working with noted equestrian photographers Gretchen Almy and Tony de Costa, Papows offers the reader both the smell of the barn and the spectacle of the ring. “There are many well-written how-to books in the sport,” Papows explains. “But I wanted to create a book that captured the beauty, the hard work, and the physicality of show jumping as well as the deep connection that is formed between rider and horse.” Papows has also featured several accomplished amateur riders who are just entering the international world of elite competition.
The author is an amateur rider on the show circuit of North America, and takes great joy in the challenge of competition, approaching every show with incredible tenacity. He finds the challenges that show jumping involves exhilarating and thrives on the bonds that he has developed with his horses. In addition to competing, Papows is the Chair of the Fidelity Investment Jumper Classic held each September in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, which is one of the most highly-regarded show jumping events in North America.
Publisher Paige Stover Hague, who serves as CEO of Acanthus Publishing, worked in full partnership with Papows to bring this beautiful book to the market for the enjoyment of show jumping riders, fans, and their families. “Jeff has a very unique voice in the sport. He is by his own admission a moderately talented amateur, but he brings a wealth of business experience offering the reader an informed perspective on the down and dirty aspects of success at the elite level. His real gift, however, is his ability to convey the sense of patriotism, camaraderie, and the depth of feeling that serves as the backbone of the horse and rider team,” says Stover Hague. “This book zeros in on the challenges these Olympic athletes and their equine partners face and reveals the heartfelt emotion and deep connection that can’t be seen from the stands. You feel the sense of commitment and drive that it takes to become a champion.”
Jeff Papows utilizes his own on-course experience coupled with his personal interviews with the riders, owners, support staff, and caregivers who occupy the top ranks of the sport to create an unparalleled glimpse of what it takes to compete at the Grand Prix level. Unbridled Passion presents the stories of 22 horse and rider teams, in all of their peculiarity and intrigue.
Unbridled Passion will be formally released at the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in September. Pre-orders are available at UnbridledPassion.net. Review copies are available from the publisher. For more information, please visit www.UnbridledPassion.net.
About the Author
Jeff Papows, known in the show jumping world for his successful equestrian career as well as for his involvement with the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, is also highly respected as a software industry executive. He has written two widely popular books in the field. He now resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Patricia, and he is the proud father of three grown children. His now retired horse Roxett 7 lives at Jeff’s Hampton Falls, NH barn with Jeff’s other competition horses, and remains his pride and joy. Jeff has been a true ambassador for the sport of show jumping and has helped give it the recognition it deserves.
Contact: Michael Gilman
Company: Ictus Initiative
Tele: 617.230.4886
Email: ictusinitiative@gmail.com