Life in the Galloping Lane

by David O'Connor, Nancy Jaffer

The Golden Couple of the American eventing world offers an insider's glimpse of international eventing as well as insights and training tips, making this an outstanding book for all ages.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sophie]

This was a very interesting read, learning about the heart and background of two Eventing Olympians. Well written and fascinating. At times it was hard to read the challenges they faced. Yet this book is a wonderful knowledge-share with tips, experiences and more. Not for the faint of heart, but a good read!

[Amelia Bayer]

I read this book in one day. It was a great read to compare and contrast DOC's and Karen's upbringing and training. The training advice was folded into an engaging story of their life.

[Hayden]

Enjoyed the story and what was trying to be conveyed but the writing left a lot on the table. Great book helped me get some new perspectives

[Debbie T]

This book is a must-read for fans of cross-country. It was written by Karen and David O'Connor, the first couple of American eventing. They take turns telling the stories of their lives with horses, from early days through competing. Interspersed with their stories are various helpful "insights" on subjects such as handling competition jitters, falling off or dealing with the death of a horse. And, of course, the pictures are fascinating, too.

[Caroline Bombar-Kaplan]

I had no idea David rode from the East to the West Coast on horseback at age 11! What a mom! David and Karen flip-flop writing the chapters in this memoir of their equestrian lives leading up to their Sydney Olympic wins and slightly beyond. It's a good read, somewhat brings out their personalities, but isn't amazing prose or anything. I particularly liked the practical advise call out boxes they have at the end of each chapter. I admire these two giants of my sport, and they really make you appreciate how there really is little or no glory even at the heights of victory. One minute you're up and the you're sidelined, waiting for recovery. But they keep a fire in their bellies, a focus on the training and support needed for their horses, and a passion for the achievements our equestrian partners can meet out given all the right convergence of circumstances. Their results are inspiring.

[Erin]

Gives the insider's view on the world of eventing, but assumes the reader knows the players as well as some recent history in the sport. I enjoyed the descriptions of the O'Connors developing relationships with their horses, but was heartbroken over the recountings of the injuries and fatalaties that are part of eventing.

[Caren]

A little disjointed with the alternating narrators but I was enthralled by the background and lives of the horses!