John Henry: The Secret of the Ghetto Gelding

by Leslie Guttman

In this compelling essay on the legendary racehorse, award-winning journalist and equestrian author Leslie Guttman (Equine ER) writes on what may have motivated the plain, frustrated little gelding to eventually triumph in a world where conformation and pedigree are everything. In some ways, Guttman writes, John Henry's story is reminiscent of Wilbur's in E.B. White's childhood classic Charlotte's Web.

10 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Leslie is a writer and journalist. She worked at the San Francisco Chronicle for over 15 years and has freelanced for such publications as Salon, the Washington Post, and Orion.

Her first nonfiction book, Equine ER: Stories from a Year in the Life of an Equine Veterinary Hospital, debuts August 2009.

New York Times best-selling author Susan Richards ("Chosen by a Horse, Soho Press) says of the forthcoming book: "Equine ER is as thrilling and drama-filled as any of the popular hospital shows on television today. As Guttman takes us along on rounds with the vets from the prestigious Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, we enter the life and death world of some of the most famous racing barns in America. Over and over, Guttman shows us that even in the high stakes world of racing, compassion and an enduring love of equines is the guiding force behind the decisions of this extraordinary group of veterinarians ... A great read for anyone who loves a bunch of good stories centered around the hustle and bustle of an emergency room equine or otherwise." "