The Ian Francis Story: Living the Legend
When Dad and I started this site we had one clear goal: To promote Real Stories by Real People. What better way to do that than review the book by MaryAnne Leighton about Ian Francis.
This book is a great read. But it isn’t just great summary of Ian’s achievements. It is a celebration of the people, the competition and camaraderie found in all who love being around horses.
Start with the photos
Now I am not sure about you, but I read biographies a little different than other books. First I start with the pictures. It is the best way to get a feel for the people and the history. And this book has some beautiful photos and great action shots of Ian during events.
I have two favourite photos from the book. The first is on Page 23: It is a photo of Beryl, Jane and Lexie at Widgee in 1982. This photo highlights a common theme of the book, the respect that Ian gives to his friends, workers and colleagues. The other is on Page 67. It is a photo on Ian on Doc Peppa Toy. Everything about that photo shows a man focussed on the horse and the ride.
3 Books in One
As I was looking at the photos I noticed that there were quotes on each page. On the left hand side the quotes were from Ian’s other book “The Winning Attitude” and on the right hand side were comments from family, friends and colleagues about Ian and his achievements. It is really 3 books in one. I learnt so much, just from those quotes.
The ones that really stood out to me were:
“He doesn’t take the horse out of the horse and he doesn’t get in the way of the horse” John Stanton
“I once said to Ian that I could never do with horses what he does and he replied that maybe I didn’t want to” Barry Whitaker
“Competition doesn’t create character – it exposes it” Ian Francis
The Story
So finally I started to read Ian’s story. It starts off with his family history and then you get chapters from major events so far: starting with his training stables, the Rocky Sales, Working Cow Horse, Reining Futurities, Stockman’s Challenges and Stock Horse Futurities, Cutting Futurities and Clinics.
What is so great about the book is that Ian and many other great people get to tell their own stories about Ian and specific events and ‘special’ horses. I am going to highlight a few of my favourites in the next couple of days.
Now I have not met Mr Francis yet. I have heard his name mentioned by dad and many others at Cutting Events. I approached him be email when I started this website to ask if I could support him and his website and promote this book. I am grateful that I was given a copy of this book. I not only have a better understanding of Ian and his achievements, but I also have greater knowledge of cutting and the great personalities behind the sport.
But more than that, this book has given me the drive to continue in my pursuit to make this website the premier Cutting Horse Site in Australia. You see, this book will motivate you to do better and be better at anything you do!
I was going to give this copy of “The Ian Francis Story” away in a competition. Not a chance! Mine is already dog-eared at places with the stories that really resonated with me. If you want your own copy, go get it yourself at Ian’s website (Click Here)
You may be interested in the background behind the book. Back in 2006 when I was the Features Writer for Australian Quarter Horse magazine, I was asked to write an article on Ian Francis who was an inductee into the AQHA Hall of Fame. I first met Ian in 1982, when I managed Oceanview Stud in Queensland and he had just established himself as a professional trainer, so I knew him and was looking forward to writing about him. However, once I started, it was clear I couldn’t do him justice in a feature article, there were so many things I would have to leave out due to lack of space.
I thought about it, realised there would be plenty of people who would be interested in learning more about Ian, and approached Hunter Jones, then the General Manager of the AQHA, with the suggestion that he should commission me to write Ian’s biography. Hunter agreed there would be a market for the book – and gave me five months to write it!
I don’t know how I managed, but I did it, we launched the book at the 2007 NCHA Futurity and so far have sold around 3000 copies – quite a coup in Aussie publishing where a best-seller is anything over 2000 copies sold.
I should add that Ian was a joy to work with, even though, initially, he strongly resisted the idea of me writing his story. He is a private man and, understandably, was extremely reluctant to bare his soul. I had to use powers of persuasion I didn’t know I had but, once he agreed to the project, he answered every question I put to him whether he really wanted to or not. He encouraged, supported and assisted me throughout my writing of the book, making my work so much easier than it could have been. I doubt I will ever have a more professional and willing subject and for that I thank him once again.
Best regards,
MaryAnne