Ruffian: Burning from the Start

No words from me could adequately express my feelings about Ruffian and this book about her life and untimely death. I read the book after having watched the movie and both impressed me by the consistency in the narratives with respect to accuracy. Ruffian was a one-of-a-kind horse, colt or filly. It will be a long time until, or IF, any other horse can match this incredible animal. This is a book I’ve added to my “re-read” list.

Rarely does an author manage to capture and define the rich and varied mix of people and circumstances that go into making a championship racehorse. And for good reason. It is a bit like cooking up a stew that has all sorts of spices thrown in. There are certain things you can control - the amount of detail to include, the descriptions of the people and races, the pace of the story - but in the end you're never quite sure what you'll have until you finish. On a larger scale, that is what happens in the breeding and racing of thoroughbreds, and lovers of the sport will be first to admit it. That is why Ruffian was such a breath taking surprise in her 10 unbeaten starts, and such a heart wrenching loss in her final defeat. It is also what makes Schwartz's account so moving.Schwartz has managed to tell Ruffian's story with wit and wisdom through the lives of the people who shepherded her through her career. Gradually, through their eyes you come to know a young horse that was both unusually poised and hauntingly determined. Every jockey who ever rode her was struck by the length of her stride, the ease of her acceleration and the futility of trying to hold her back. Ruffian left little doubt in anyone's mind that she loved to run and had the raw physical strength and coordination to win. It was this combination that made her the darling of the horseracing world for one brief season and proved to be her undoing the next.For anyone who loves to watch thoroughbreds run, who is captivated by their beauty and spirit, this book is a must. Schwartz got the recipe right, and you will feel that you have been in the presence of a champion by the time you have finished.

This book was incredibly well written. Was really impressed with the research that author undertook...Book was fantastic and really informative, going into the genetic predisposition of Ruffian's dam and sire also having precursors to fragile bones....knew what ending of book was going to be, but couldn't stop reading about this truly amazing filly! Just loved the heart and beauty of this amazing filly!

This book is wonderful and an absolute for Ruffian fans and horse lovers alike! It reads like a biographical story book including every detail of Ruffian's life. From birth, to all her races and her untimely tragic demise. You get to know the elusive trainer Frank Whitey, and all the people in her life as if you met them personally. The races will lift you off your seat, and best of all you'll come to know the heart of Ruffian and love her. "Fire From The Start" is the best Ruffian book I have ever read and I have read quite a few. The photos included just bring you closer to her gentle soul and her fire.

The movie was sad but better then the bookCan see what a amazing horse she was

This book tells such detail into her life. I feel that this is THE book to have if you are a Ruffian fan!

I read this book in less than 24 hours. It was so compelling and beautifully written. Ruffian burst into life on the pages, a magnificent filly who's blessing of speed and power was also her curse. The book captures details about how racehorses are conditioned to run, and Mr. Whiteley's no-nonsense and nuturing ways with the horses. She is a legend and for anyone who follows horseracing or enjoys books about horses, this is a definite read.There are also a few pages of black and white pictures with Ruffian. What an astounding animal. :)

I'll let emotions guide me as they certainly did by the time I had finished the book... With all the hype surrounding Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit: An American Legend (and a summer movie to boot), I was anxious to get my hands on a copy of this bestseller. Upon perusing one of my tack supply catalogs, I ran across a title about the legendary racing filly, Ruffian, and it became available to me before the Seabiscuit account.I would recommend this book to any bibliophile, social historian and/or horse-lover because it exemplifies masterful writing, interesting real-life characters/time period and a legendary (and truly outstanding) Thoroughbred racehorse. By the time you finish the book, you will have released more than a few tears based on a tragedy that reads more like fiction.The account of Ruffian would elicit emotion in the words of any story-teller. And Jane Schwartz proves herself a great story-teller here. Ruffian: Burning From the Start is, hands down, a "bestseller" in the non-fiction genre.No offense, Laura Hillenbrand, but either you have a wonderful colleague to emulate or some serious literary competition.

A well written book which describes the life of Ruffian. A beautiful moving story about this wonderful filly. If only she had lived longer. Her death is so sad. What brings the story to life are the people who loved and cared for. The author of this book wraps the story up with a beautiful ending. If you are interested in the history of this brave filly this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

After reading positive reviews I went ahead and bought this book. I must say I was not disappointed, I could not put it down! A well written account of Ruffian's life and accomplishes. Would 100% recommend.

One of my favourite horse racing books.

Great story

Ein sehr sehr schönes Buch über ein fantastisches Pferd.Das Buch berührt und man fühlt sich "live" dabei. Was für eine Tragödie!