All The Shah's Horses - Paperback

by Gail Rose Thompson (Author)

As the wife of an American businessman, the author spent the better part of the 1970's in Iran where she witnessed the boom of the Shah's development and great vision for Iran to be recognized internationally in every field; it was to be Iran's Great Civilization. Mohamed Reza Pahlavi followed his father Reza Shah's vision to make Iran the leading power in the Middle East. He believed that by developing industry, education, economics, and the military, his dream could come to fruition. He was also a sportsman and realized that his people needed leisure time, and so he encouraged and supported sports activities. . The Shah's true love was horses. As a result, he promoted and supported all types of equestrian activities. An invitation to work for the Imperial Court as his horse trainer enabled the author to see many of the royal family in informal moments; it also gave her an entrée into high society, and this enabled her to observe the upper class of Iranians at play. Many of the generals and court officials spent much time in Tehran and the coastal resorts junketing and enjoying many different sports, indulging themselves to the fullest. This is a book of stories and anecdotes about her life during the "Golden Years" in that beautiful Middle Eastern country. You will enjoy the ride!

Author Biography

Gail Thompson has been involved with horses all her life. She grew up in Ontario, Canada where she trained horses and taught young riders to become equestrians. She is the daughter of Brigadier W. Denis Whitaker DSO & Bar, CM, ED, Ld'H, a hero of World War II, who was Chairman of the Canadian Equestrian Team when it won the Olympic Gold for Show Jumping in 1968. She worked for The Shah's Imperial Court training the Iranian Show Jumping Team in the 1970's. She lives in Richmond, Virginia and Ocala, Florida.