Horses Came First, Second, and Last

With an astounding eighteen medals in eight international championships and team gold medals at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984, Jack Le Goff created the standard by which modern–day equestrian teams are measured. But Le Goff's techniques could be unforgiving–tough, brutal, and abrasive–earning him critics as well as converts. In this, his autobiography, Le Goff tells the whole story, from impoverished beginnings in Morocco, to the tragic death of his father, to his successes as a competitive equestrian. Readers will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of high–level international equestrian sport, as well as an entire section devoted to Le Goff's much admired and extremely successful training philosophy.

“There are very, very few people in the horse business whom I would label ‘genius.’ Jack Le Goff was a genius on all fronts: intellect, horseman, rider, teacher, trainer. And the icing on the cake was Jack Le Goff was a winner.” —George H. Morris, Former Chef d’Equipe US Show Jumping Team, author of Unrelenting and Hunter Seat Equitation

“The most successful equestrian coach in history finally allows us a unique look behind the scene. Jack Le Goff was a genius, and any horseman will want this book, not just for what you will learn about training horses, but about the internal qualities that set Jack apart, and turned him into a legend.” —Jim Wofford, Three–Time Olympian, author of Modern Gymnastics

“I have been told by many people that I could write a book about what I have done, and I have to say that out of 30 chapters, 20 would be about Jack Le Goff. Whether I am teaching or riding, Jack is always there with me. His words and his teaching are in my head and always will be. You have to appreciate this man. If people do not, and cannot, learn anything from his book, then they should not be eventing.” —J. Michael Plumb, Olympic Gold Medalist, First Equestrian Inductee US Olympic Hall of Fame