The Horseman's Tale - by Tom Equels (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A hypnotic narrative that twists through both light and dark as
journaling therapy unlocks the troubled memories of a lonely veteran.

Haunted by the death of his son in
infancy and the love of his life many years later, Jake Montgomery grudgingly
agrees to a form of "journal therapy" that allows him to expose and confront
the sharp, insistent pain that he regularly buries with rage and scotch and
television. As he writes, secrets tightly bound within him gradually
unwind--first in racially segregated Ocala, Florida, in the 1950s, where his
best childhood friend was a Puerto Rican jockey, then in Ireland, when a summer
as a stable apprentice ushers in a new and all-consuming passion.

Jake relives his experiments with
free love in the 1960s, and is embroiled once more in choices of life and death
on the battlefields of Vietnam, and later, as undercover intelligence officer
in the countries of Eastern Europe. What begins as a journey chronicling
youthful discovery spirals swiftly into spaces where loss overwhelms and the
path chosen is one of ruthlessness and revenge. It is the birth, life, and
death of a special horse that gives Jake a sense of purpose in his desperate
search for a reason to carry on.

Review Quotes

"A novel that through the eloquent and memorable storytelling skills of author Tom Equels has been raised to an impressive level of literary excellence." --Midwest Book Review

"A worthy read, full of humanity, sorrow, and beauty." --A Good Book to End the Day

"If you love horses and want to read a book that captures that true spirit, join Jake and his journey." --Just Reviews

"Redolent with love of the horse, this narrative weaves its way from the verdant pastures of Ocala Florida to the emerald green slopes of Ireland's royal Hill of Tara and on to the killing fields of Vietnam. Like a poignant and sensuous memoir, it is replete with wonderful surprises that pop up like steeplechase fences. Its lead characters overcome disability, bigotry, and intrigue to shine both in romance and in the saddle. This is a wonderful read that has graphic overtones of Ireland and the Americas. Well done! --Bea and Tucker Geraghty, Pelletstown Equestrian Centre, County Meath, Ireland

"Tom Equels writes about what he knows--he is a gentleman, a veteran, a horseman, and a true inspiration and mentor to many, and his first novel captures these elements, resulting in a great read. Equine enthusiasts, especially, can feel they are a part of this intensely felt story because of how Equels captures what it is like to love, above all else, the horse." --Candice King, Grand Prix Show Jumper, Five-Time World Cup Finals Competitor

"Tom has written a book that is authentic and gritty. I've met real-life Jake Montgomerys throughout my 25-year career training racehorses. The Horseman's Tale offers up a genuine story of horses and how age and experience can settle a volatile life." --Tim Hamm, Thoroughbred Racehorse Trainer and Owner

"The southern beauty and heart of Nicholas Sparks meets the equestrian magic and emotional punch of Nicholas Evans in this powerful debut novel. The author's own experience as a Veteran ensures every word rings with authenticity making The Horseman's Tale an unforgettable read." --Ruth Saberton, Author of over 40 Books including The Rosecraddick Chronicles

"A wonderfully evocative novel, this Homeric tale propels readers through the world of the Irish racehorse culture of the mid-1960s, the sex and psychedelia of the era, and the Vietnam War. What follows is the protagonist's post-war, life-long struggle with PTSD that fuels his occasional forays into violence. The great pleasure of this story and underlying the entire narrative is the hero's profound and intuitive connection with horses. They are inevitably magnificent creatures who exist in this book as stirring characters in their own right. Their companionship provides the balm that heals the protagonist's soul, allowing him a wealth of tenderness and deep love of family." --Hillary Johnson, Medical Journalist and Author of Osler's Web

"I began reading The Horseman's Tale at a rapid clip, the way I read most novels. But soon I found myself slowing down, savoring the prose and deeply engrossed in the fantastic life of Jake Montgomery, the horseman. This book is an intense and emotional ride. From growing up on a farm in Ocala, Florida, through a combat tour as a Marine in Vietnam, and from living amongst aristocracy in Ireland and England, to the agony of love and loss, there is poetry in every word. It is a great ride, created by a brilliant new writer." --F.W Rustmann, Jr., Author of the Bestselling CIA Spy Trilogy:  The Case Officer, Plausible Denial, and False Flag

About the Author

Thomas Kenwood Equels, MS, JD, was
knighted in the Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict in
2012. For decades he has bred and trained winning Thoroughbred racehorses and
champion Paso Fino horses on his farm in Ocala, Florida. He has ridden Paso
Finos born on his farm to numerous championships including an International
Grand Championship at the prestigious USEF sanctioned Spectrum International. A
combat-wounded Vietnam veteran, combat pilot and instructor pilot, Equels was
twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for heroism while
participating in aerial combat, as well as the Purple Heart. He is a black belt
in karate and was named one of the Florida Black Belt Association's "Four
Season Tour" champions, as well as a National Sport Karate Association (NASKA)
National Champion. As a lawyer, Equels received numerous federal and state
awards for his high-impact pro bono work in civil rights, poverty law, and
social justice cases. For over three decades he represented foreign states on
an international basis, as well as the State of Florida. He also served private
companies in the banking, insurance, aviation, pharmaceutical, and construction
industries. Since 2016, Equels has served as CEO of Aim Immunotech Inc, an
immunology research company focused on the development of therapeutics to treat
cancers, immune disorders, and viral diseases.