Changing your mind after reading an autobiography - equine riders

Gingerwitch

Gingerwitch

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Nearly finished WFP's and got Pippa Funnells to read next... I always go in with an open mind but has anyone every changed their view about a person after reading their autobiography and any other recomendations?
 
Yes, I went right off Mary King after reading her's. Can't put my finger on it but it left me feeling cold <shrugs>
 
I read Mark Todd's and felt that he came across as quite a ruthless character - success at any price and the horses were a means to an end. I didn't get the impression he had much emotional attachment to them at all.
I fancy reading Claire Balding's - has anyone read it yet?
 
I've never read any equine riders autobiographies. That type of reading material doesn't interest me however I do like to meet riders and sometimes they are exactly how I imagine them to be and sometimes they're not.
 
Going back a bit, but one that I did enjoy was Ginny Leng's - she came across as very down to earth and someone who really worked hard to get to the top. I seem to remember from the book that in the early days she had a terrible problem remembering her SJ courses - something I'm sure we can all sympathise with.
 
I loved Ruby Walsh's autobiography. Before reading it I had a high opinion of him as a jockey but got the impression he didn't care much for the horses. Through reading the autobiography I realised how much he cares for the horses, his family and those in the racing industry. I also realised just how much jockeys sacrifice for their sport!
 
Read Reiner Klimke's bio of Ahlerich when I was a child, and re-read it recently. You get the feeling it really did revolve around the horse, although he was one of several on the go...maybe it's how Klimke describes asides like Mehmet's last competition, or hiding in his lorry when getting particularly stressed at a comp. It comes across as really genuine, even though he writes exactly like what he was: a German lawyer!
 
Agree Ruby Walsh's is great and really insightful on the mental side of race riding as well as the shocking injuries and frustration of healing time that jockeys push themselves through!
Enjoyed WFP's and Funnels and agree that Marys makes you feel a little less warm and fuzzy, but i still admire her heaps:)
 
I've read Pippa's, WFP's (his is a good read), Mary King's (didn't enjoy that so much). Currently reading Clare Balding's (a very good read!). Also found Leslie Law's a interesting book aswell. Have ordered Tim Stockdale's.
 
Pippa Funnell's was my fave, as I felt you read another side to her, and she is not at all as hard as people think.

I remember loving Leslie Law's when I read it years ago, but my opinion went down when he went off abroad! But then its a job and about money after all!

I liked WFP's and Mary's, but much prefered a book called All the King's Horses that was out years before, which was partly written by Mary and part by her grooms and owners, and you saw what a lovely lady she was and how they all thought she was.

I read Mark Todd's this summer and found it very interesting. I got Claire's for Xmas and will start it when I've finished Life of Pi again.

Good ones I remember from younger years were Lucinda Green's various ones, especially Four Square and Ginny's.
 
AdorableAlice said:
Off subject but, had Mick Fitzgerald for Christmas, it is a very good read, title is Better Than Sex.
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I wouldn't mind having Mick Fitzgerald for Christmas...

I thought AP McCoys made him sound like a right *******, which I presume he is to have treated his wife like he does. Also Paul Nicholls was good but they are all so sanctimonious and self congratulatory which is a bit off putting.
 
Have to say, recent ones (wfp, m king) have not been anywhere near as good as some if the oldies- Ginny Leng's were excellent, while Lucinda Green's were the best IMHO, particularly Regal Realm. I think the problem lies with the ghost writers?

John Francome's was good, as was Harvey Smith's fun bedside jumping - v funny!
 
AdorableAlice said:
Clodagh said:
I wouldn't mind having Mick Fitzgerald for Christmas...

And.. I took him back to bed this morning, after doing the horses in a hurricane and torrential rain.

Just me, Mick and a bar of galaxy - bliss. He is good in bed.
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I will order him at once... is he OK with women that just fall asleep all the time cos they are worn out with doing the horses!?
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