Equal to the Challenge: Pioneering Women of Horse Sports [Hardcover]

Jackie C. Burke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1997

When women decided that they wanted to compete in horse sports as equals with men, it took courage and perseverance. The women on both sides of the Atlantic who fought to compete in the male-dominated sports of show jumping, dressage, eventing, and racing are the subject of "Equal to the Challenge." Jackie Burke interviewed many of these extraordinary women, and the book is richer for their simple, moving accounts of how they achieved their goals. Many had to endure rejection, humiliation, physical danger, and privation in order to take part in the horse sports they loved. Some women struggled doubly, since they had to overcome physical and financial handicaps. Young women and not just riders will find in this book worthy role models for our time. Jackie C. Burke is a journalist who has been involved in horse sports all her life and knows just about.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 198 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan General Reference; First Edition edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087605727X
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057278
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,054,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars learn about your historical sisters, September 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Equal to the Challenge: Pioneering Women of Horse Sports (Hardcover)

I bought this book thinking that it would just be nice to have on the shelf since I have 'always loved horses.' It turned out to be an unexpected pleasure to read. Although I have read many horse-related books I was very unaware of the feminine history in this field. This book filled a knowledge gap. I am 47 and have owned a horse only since my early 30's. Yet I felt very connected to these women who were able to take their dreams so far. They are my new heroines! The photographs are also terrific. My favorite is one of an 80+ yr. old woman obviously enjoying an active side saddle ride. Thank you, Ms. Burke, for this contribution.

5.0 out of 5 stars Equestrian pioneers, November 22, 2011

By 

Anne Honeywood (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Equal to the Challenge: Pioneering Women of Horse Sports (Hardcover)

I found this book at a second-hard store, and am only sorry it wasn't a book store so the author would've benefitted from my purchase.

This is an informative, illuminating, and well-written book. I've been a horsewoman all my life, yet till I read this book I had no idea about the level of discrimination against female riders by the male-dominated equestrian establishment. Not only in Thoroughbred racing but in show jumping, eventing, and even dressage. Till as recently as the 1970s, men believed women lacked the strength and endurance to compete in equestrian sports. It took a bunch of determined and dedicated women riders to make them realize it doesn't take muscle to get a horse to do what you want it to do. It takes patience and intuition, which is why women excel at a sport that requires the meeting of two minds.

Girls and young women who ride today may not realize it, but they owe their place in equestrian sports to these pioneer women.