William Fox-Pitt is one of the world's leading and most popular three-day eventers. In this autobiography he talks about the issues confronting the sport and reveals much about the vital partnerships with team-mates and, above all, the horses that help him to gain such success.
After Mary King's autobiography, this had me almost choking on silver spoons. Both Fox-Pitt's parents rode competitively, his mother to international level, and the family certainly wasn't short of a bob or two. But you still have to do the work in your own right, and William certainly has. The style is as overwhelmingly bland as you'd expect from a ghosted bio, and there are some lines you need to read between. Enjoyed it though, and am looking forward to Minty Clinch's previous construction, t
After Mary King's autobiography, this had me almost choking on silver spoons. Both Fox-Pitt's parents rode competitively, his mother to international level, and the family certainly wasn't short of a bob or two. But you still have to do the work in your own right, and William certainly has. The style is as overwhelmingly bland as you'd expect from a ghosted bio, and there are some lines you need to read between. Enjoyed it though, and am looking forward to Minty Clinch's previous construction, the life of Mark Todd.
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William Fox-Pitt has to be one of the most highly recognized sports professionals within his chosen sphere, as a fantastic event rider who is an inspiration to many an equestrian both young and old. Whether you are a young pony club rider or a happy hacker, it is those individuals at the top of their game that constantly enthuse and delight us with their exceptional horsemanship. This revised and updated autobiography takes one on a most intimate and personal journey through the life of this rem
William Fox-Pitt has to be one of the most highly recognized sports professionals within his chosen sphere, as a fantastic event rider who is an inspiration to many an equestrian both young and old. Whether you are a young pony club rider or a happy hacker, it is those individuals at the top of their game that constantly enthuse and delight us with their exceptional horsemanship. This revised and updated autobiography takes one on a most intimate and personal journey through the life of this remarkable man, who has worked so hard to get to the top via a road that was not always easy. His career is one that continues to fascinate many with its great, outstanding achievements and memorable moments including many Olympics that will not be forgotten. Honest and outspoken William Fox-Pitt talks quite candidly and honestly about the risks of the sport, that has sadly claimed the life of several of his close friends whilst providing a most intriguing and moving insight into the horses that he has owned and ridden; being all uniquely distinctive and special.
Born into the Eventing world William Fox-Pitt grew up around horses, hence since he won a championship rosette at his local Pony Club gymkhana he was completely hooked. It is a passion that has stayed with him forever and a dream career that has taken a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to achieve as the road to success is not always easy. Here he talks about all the trials and tribulations that he has encountered over the years and the excitement and dangers of the sport that he loves so much. His career has seen as much triumph as it has disaster, with his victory at Badminton in 2004 being followed by the disappointments at the Athens Olympics where Tamarillo sadly went lame after being poised for glory. With the distinctive 2007-2008 season William Fox-Pitt gives a frank assessment of Badminton, and how his horse had to be withdrawn from it. From the Beijing Olympics to the back-to-back wins at Burghley in 2007 and 2008, one glimpses into the extraordinary competition career of a most outstanding rider.
Complete with stunning photographs of his childhood and youth, his family and the horses that he has ridden and competed on in many Olympics, this is a book that any horse enthusiast and pony mad person will treasure. Realistic accounts of the happenings at each major event there is nothing that is glossed over or dismissed, as William explains all the highs and lows in meticulous detail including those parts that were not as shiny. I enjoyed learning more about some of those incredible horses that have helped him achieve the impossible, and which has made his career so successful with a close partnership between horse and rider. From Badminton in 1989 with Steadfast; the horse that helped him to climb up the ladder and have a go at his dream, to Tamarillo at the Athens Olympics in 2004 that proved to be entirely controversial. This engaging and engrossing read is full of whit, fast-paced drama and great gallops that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Complete with an appendix of synopsis about his top ten horses, this book was a true delight to read and one that has totally captured my heart. Full of emotion and thought-provoking sincerity, this beautiful book has to be one of my favorite autobiographies of a dedicated sports professional who has a special place in many equestrians’ hearts. If you love Eventing or competition riding and learning about competing at the highest level, then I grantee that you will love William Fox-Pitt’s account.
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I could hardly put this book down, I found it very interesting. For the first week or so of owning it, I took it everywhere with me in case I had a moment to read a bit of it. Coincidentally, I took it in my bag to Chatsworth Horse Trials where I met Will and got him to sign it for me. I loved this book and would most definitely recommend it.