Riding with George

In Riding with George, historian Philip G. Smucker explores George Washington’s formative years through the lens of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and chivalry. Long before he became the nation’s first president or commander of the Continental Army, Washington was a tall, strong, and ambitious Virginia sportsman, whose skill on the hunting field and battlefield shaped both his character and the early ideals of American leadership.

This biography highlights how physical prowess, social grace, and fairness in competition were essential to Washington’s reputation in colonial society. Smucker shows that Washington’s athleticism and chivalric code were not just personal traits—they bridged the old aristocratic world and the emerging American republic, helping define a new standard for honor, leadership, and civic virtue.

Details:

• Format: Hardcover, 362 pages
• Focus: George Washington biography, sportsmanship, chivalry, colonial Virginia society, horsemanship, leadership, character development
• Audience: Historians, George Washington enthusiasts, students, sports history and biography readers

This edition includes a Mount Vernon bookplate signed by the author, making it a unique collectible.