Boston, MA – August 4, 2011 – While many equestrians have heard of show jumping greats Ian Millar, McLain Ward, and Beezie Madden, few have heard the story behind the relationship with their equally famous equine partners. Unbridled Passion – Show Jumping’s Greatest Horses and Riders (Acanthus Publishing 2011), a new book by Jeff Papows, explores these relationships and the life-changing tales behind them.

With a foreword by U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe George Morris, the book opens with an original voice and continues on, bringing 22 horse and rider partnerships to life. Aided by beautiful photography by Gretchen Almy, Tony DeCosta, and Bob Langrish, the book not only weaves pictures with words, but illustrates the love that the riders have for their equine companions.

“Many people don’t know the behind-the-scenes stories behind some of the most famous duos in the sport of show jumping,” said Papows. “I wanted to illustrate the equine and human heroes of our sport, and to show the sacrifice, heartbreak, and triumphs that are not always evidenced in other professional sports. I hope that Unbridled Passion shows the commitment, tenacity, and courage that are emblematic of horse sports.”

Among the list of showcased riders and revered partners are McLain Ward and Sapphire, Ian Millar and Big Ben, Margie Engle and Perin, Beezie Madden and Authentic, and many more medal-winning teams. 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. Papows has also featured several accomplished amateur riders who are just entering the international world of elite competition.

McLain Ward, two-time Olympic gold medalist, is featured in the book with his Olympic mount Sapphire and gave a true testimonial to the power of Unbridled Passion. He said, “There is nobody in the sport who I trust more than Jeff Papows to tell Sapphire’s real story.”

Unbridled Passion is a hardback book that would make the perfect gift for any horse lover or person who appreciates the “inside story” of athletes.

Olympic medalist Norman Dello Joio stated, “With so many how-to books out there, Jeff has written an insightful and refreshing book on Show Jumping. Whether you’re a novice or a Grand Prix rider, it’s a fascinating must-read.”

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 and has written two widely popular books in the field. He now resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Patricia, and 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. A true ambassador of show jumping, Jeff has helped give the sport the recognition it deserves.

Unbridled Passion will be formally released at the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in September. Pre-order your book and have it available for a book signing with the author! Future announcements on book signings and contests will be available soon.

For more information or to pre-order your own copy, please visit www.UnbridledPassion.net.   

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Photo Credit: Unbridled Passion cover, cover photo by Tony deCosta, cover design by Tazuko Sugajima. This photo may only be used in relation to this press release.