Riding With George by Philip G. Smucker

While portraits of George Washington atop his beloved steeds Blueskin and Nelson abound, less attention has been paid to how influential he was in shaping the nation’s concepts of athleticism. In his new book, subtitled Sportsman-ship & Chivalry in the Making of America’s First President, Smucker—a descendant of the Founding Father—illuminates the topic through vignettes of the robust young future leader.