Boston, MA - On Saturday, January 21, from 4:30 until 6:00, author Jeff Papows, PhD will sign copies of his critically acclaimed book Unbridled Passion: Show Jumping's Greatest Horses and Riders (Acanthus Publishing, 2011) in the Tiki Hut on the grounds of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. A portion of the book sale proceeds will be donated to the Children's Wish Foundation International, Inc. The book signing, jointly sponsored by Equestrian Sports Productions, and the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, is being held immediately prior to the Grand Prix event from 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. and will be attended by numerous superstars of the sport. In addition to the author, attendees will have an opportunity to obtain the autographs from many of the elite athletes who are showcased in Papows' book.

Katherine Bellissimo, of Equestrian Sport Productions, commented, "Mark and I are thrilled to be able to host Jeff and the contributing riders at the book signing as well as the Children's Wish Foundation International. We look forward to working with both groups in their most worthy endeavors in the future, and all the good things Jeff does for the sport."

Linda Dozoretz, Founder and Executive Director of the Children's Wish Foundation International, Inc. will attend the book signing on behalf of her organization. Known as the "Fairy God Mother" to the children whose wishes she grants (and on her business card), Ms. Dozoretz said, "It is difficult to find words to express the joy and gratitude we feel being chosen to be involved with this exciting event. It is an honor to have the support of Equestrian Sport Productions and The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival to help fulfill the wishes of these unfortunate children. Jeff Papows and the Bellissimo family are the catalysts that will create happiness and memories for children without a tomorrow."

The author, a long-time supporter of the charity, said, "I have seen the impact our sport's inside stories have had on a number of children and families struggling with difficult medical challenges. Our riders' inspiring stories are a great way to occupy the mind of a child struggling through difficult times while in treatment or a hospital stay. The generosity shown through the combined efforts of our sponsors to benefit these children and their families is consistent with the integrity and character that is emblematic of our sport. I am proud to be working with Equestrian Sport Productions to introduce this worthy charity to our exhibitors, owners, and spectators."

Copies of Papows' book will be available for sale throughout the weekend (Jan. 20-22) at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Boutique, which is located directly behind the Tiki Hut, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Friday and Saturday, Saturday during the night class, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Books will also be available on site at Hadfields. Copies of the book may also be purchased on the author's web site at www.UnbridledPassion.net. Material on the Children's Wish Foundation International will be available in the FTI WEF Boutique. You may also go directly to the Foundation's website at www.childrenswish.org.

Boston-based publisher Paige Stover Hague, CEO of Acanthus Publishing, will also be present for the book signing. Stover-Hague commented, "Jeff has a very unique voice in the sport. He is by his own admission a moderately talented amateur, but he brings a wealth of business experience offering the reader an informed perspective on the down and dirty aspects of success at the elite level of this sport. His real gift, however, is his ability to convey the sense of patriotism, camaraderie, and the depth of feeling that serves as the backbone of the horse and rider team. This book zeros in on the challenges these Olympic athletes and their equine partners face and reveals the heartfelt emotion and deep connection that can't be seen from the stands. You feel the sense of commitment and drive that it takes to become a champion."

For more information about this event please contact the publisher at [email protected] or 508-577-0271.

About Unbridled Passion: Show Jumping's Greatest Horses and Riders (Acanthus Publishing, 2011)
Jeff Papows utilizes his own on-course experience coupled with his personal interviews with the riders, owners, support staff, and caregivers who occupy the top ranks of the sport to create an unparalleled glimpse of what it takes to compete at the Grand Prix level. Unbridled Passion presents the stories of 22 horse and rider teams, in all of their peculiarity and intrigue. With a foreword from Olympic team coach George Morris, each chapter of Unbridled Passion presents an up close and personal conversation between author, Jeff Papows, and one of the best contemporary riders in North America. Among the list of showcased riders and revered equestrian partners are McLain Ward and Sapphire, Ian Millar and Big Ben, Margie Engle and Perin, Beezie Madden and Authentic, Candice King and Toronto, and many more Olympic medal-winning teams.

Utilizing over 60 vibrant color photographs throughout the book, Papows captures the essence of the finest moments in the sport's recent history. Working with noted equestrian photographers Gretchen Almy and Tony de Costa, Papows offers the reader both the smell of the barn and the spectacle of the ring. "There are many well-written how-to books in the sport," Papows explains. "but I wanted to create a book that captured the beauty, the hard work, and the physicality of show jumping as well as the deep connection that is formed between rider and horse." Papows has also featured several accomplished amateur riders who are just entering the international world of elite competition. See also www.UnbridledPassion.net.

About Jeff Papows
The author is an amateur rider on the show circuit of North America, and takes great joy in the challenge of competition. Papows is the Chair of the Fidelity Investment Jumper Classic held each September in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, which is one of the most highly-regarded show jumping events in North America. Jeff Papows is also highly respected as a software industry executive. He has written two widely popular books in the field. He resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Patricia, and he is the proud father of three grown children. His now retired horse Roxett 7 lives at Jeff's Hampton Falls, NH barn with Jeff's other competition horses, and remains his pride and joy. Jeff has been a true ambassador for the sport of show jumping and has helped give it the recognition it deserves. See also www.UnbridledPassion.net.
Contact: Luke Messecar
Company: Ictus Initiative
Tele: 508.577.0271
Email: [email protected]