Up, Up and Away: The Biography of BE FAIR

by Lucinda Green

With complete frankness, and a definite touch of humour, Lucinda Green MBE has re-published the biography of her remarkable horse, Be Fair.

This timeless story begins back in 1968, when Lucinda acquired Be Fair for her fifteenth birthday. That day the problems began; but it was also the start of an extraordinary partnership. Enroute from Pony Club trials to the Olympic
Games, Lucinda tells of the lessons they learned, the mistakes they made, their success and their failures; but above all, she tells of Be Fair’s out- standing personality and of his trust and courage that took them to the top of the eventing world.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2021

About the author

Lucinda Jane Green MBE (née Prior-Palmer, born November 7, 1953) is a British equestrian and journalist who competed in eventing. She is the 1982 World Champion and twice European Champion (1975–77). She also won World team Gold (1982), three European team golds (1977, 1985, 1987) and an Olympic silver medal in the team event in 1984. Between 1973 and 1984, she won a record six times at the Badminton Horse Trials (on six different horses). She also won the Burghley Horse Trials in 1977 and 1981. In 2020, she launched The Lucinda Green XC Academy, an online membership for cross country riding.

Reviews

[John Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Fair, the talented three day event horse has his story told here by his proud owner and rider.

This is not my usual reading matter. It was given to me by a family member. Before I passed it on to a more appreciative reader, I thought I’d better take a look.

I’ve always loved horses, whilst less enamoured of the horsey set which usually surrounds them.

I fell for this one, big time! What a fella! Bags of character and intelligence and such a great partnership between him and his young “mum”. I started to warm to her as it became clear that BF came first, before any glory he could bring her. Her modesty appealed too and her honesty in acknowledging that she was learning all the time in her partnership with him. What an awesome responsibility keeping him fit and happy. She clearly did so and they achieved great things together. Heart warming.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an eventing fan, you will enjoy this recollection from one of the sports legends. Much like Lucinda herself, this account is straightforward and open, and her love for Be Fair shines through on every page.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up a copy of this at a consignment tack shop. Lucinda had signed it, "Hermann & Elizabeth, Good luck. Lucinda". I wonder about how Hermann and Elizabeth got on.

It's a fun read and look back at eventing when it was an even crazier sport than it is now. Lucinda's time with Be Fair is a great tale of success...but also all the failure and doubt and hardship that comes along on the journey.

[Kathy Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read for any Eventer

I first read this 35 years ago - so glad that Lucinda had made it available again. Now Four Square please!

[Susan yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hear her voice as I read.

A real world look at the Eventing world in the 70s. They jumped fences we would never allow now. The glory and heartbreak of horses.

[Carmel Ann Sperti · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful account of the life and career of Be Fair, told by his faithful and caring owner-rider.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. I love that Lucinda captured Be Fair's personality so vividly. This is one I'll read again. I wish there was an Audiobook to go with it.