Book tells story of horse who survived slaughter and fire on way to Olympics

Tuesday's Horse

Posted by VGFarrell on Jul 26, 2012 in Horse Slaughter, Sport Horses

Neville Bardos. USEA image.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 26, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of the London Games, Elizabeth Mitchell’s new Byliner Original The Fire Horse tells the highly unlikely—and incredibly life-affirming—story of Neville Bardos, a horse that barely survived a terrible barn fire last year, his relationship with his devoted rider, Boyd Martin, and their journey together to the 2012 Olympics.

A decade ago, Neville appeared a likely candidate for the glue factory when Australian Boyd Martin saw his potential and bought him for $850, naming him, fittingly, after a notorious local gangster. The two of them worked their way up to the top rankings in the competitive international circuit of three-day eventing, which includes dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. The future was bright.

Then, on May 30, 2011, the barn Neville shared with ten other horses caught fire. Knocking out a fireman who was trying to stop him, Martin, wearing flip-flops, ran into the burning barn to find Neville. The horse’s lungs were scorched black, and he faced the fight of his life just to survive. Vets doubted that Neville would make it, and they were sure he’d never compete again. But Martin never gave up on his horse.

The Fire Horse book cover. (PRNewsFoto/Byliner) Click to enlarge.

The Fire Horse chronicles the true story of a friendship between horse and rider, one that is so strong, it has carried them through their respective hard times to the brink of legend. When he began riding Neville, Martin was something of a long shot himself, having once pretended to be an expert on breaking horses on the basis of a single book he read on the way to taking his first job as a trainer.

But over the next ten years, he and Neville developed a hard-won appreciation for each other, and after Martin’s father died and the barn fire killed half of his prize horses, it was his relationship with Neville that brought him through those dark days. Boyd Martin would say Neville saved his life. Now they’re in London as members of the U.S. Olympic team.

The Equestrian Competition takes place July 28–31. Boyd Martin is a favorite to medal. Neville is his alternate horse and will turn 13 on August 1.

Source: News Release

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RELATED READING

:: Horse once destined for slaughter becomes USEF horse of the year; Digital Journal; Jan. 16, 2012

: Fire survivor and a possible Olympian: A horse named Neville; Tuesday’s Horse; Jan. 13, 2012