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All the Shah's HorsesAuthor and writer, Gail Rose Thompson lived in Iran during the “Golden Years” of the Shah’s Dynasty. She was invited to work for His Majesty’s Imperial Court where she trained the Shah’s beloved show jumping horses. During her time in Iran, Thompson met many Iranian high officials, as well as interesting International visitors. As a guest of the Shah, Thompson shared a close association with the Secretary General of the Imperial Court, whom she worked for directly. It was through these associations and friendships that she learned a great deal of the inside workings in regard to the regime of His Imperial Majesty Mohamad Reza Pahlavi – Shahanshah of Iran.
All the Shah’s Horses is a compellation of fascinating stories from an insider perspective of the rapidly modernizing country where Thompson depicts her life working with the Shah’s horses and riders during the height of Iran’s modern-day development. This book is interesting, and easy-to-ready, and takes its readers on a journey into the intriguing equestrian world of Iran in the 1970s – as the country was rapidly moving forward into the modern world. |
“From the beginning, I was drawn to learning how the author became involved with pony club in Iran. Then the challenges of a woman equestrian having to prove her abilities in a male dominated culture using renegade horses was like a magic wand drawing me to keep reading to learn the challenges she faced and how she overcame them.”
– Amazon Customer Review
“I found this book very engaging. I think it’s a good look at the beginning and growth of the equestrian world in Iran before the revolution. Royalty makes an appearance and the military structure plays a strong part in the running of the imperial stables. While Gail Rose Thompson was engaged as trainer for the stables of the Imperial Court she had an entree into what life was like for the upper and privileged class at work and at play. She experienced the frustrations of a woman entering a male dominated profession and society. When given the chance to ride into the mountains she found beauty in the natural landscape of the country. Gail Rose Thompson showed me a picture of Iran so very different from what I have seen in the news coverage of the last years. It was a good read.”
- Amazon Customer Review
“Very interesting and thought-provoking story of how Iran was during the reign of the Shah. Makes you think about what the Middle East might be if he had remained in power.”
– Amazon Customer Review
“Gail Rose Thompson is a great story teller, All the Shah's Horses contains humor, sadness, conflict and joy. The reader is given a firsthand look at Iran in the 1970's in all its glory. The author defines her role as a woman in a man's world and reflects her determination to create a respected equestrian team. Anyone who loves horses and people will enjoy this book, which always seems to have another interesting twist on the next page.”
