Make a trip to past with Josh Pons

Josh Pons, a two-time Eclipse Award-winning writer, invites readers into the rich past of racing through his family's extraordinary legacy. Ascending the steep stairs to this historic refuge reveals treasures that evoke a sense of nostalgia, their vibrancy rivalling the fresh grass surrounding the century-old farmhouse. Hidden among the myriad tables, bins, and boxes are snapshots that chronicle the history of a sport, showcasing the Pons family's first-hand experience with the legendary figures and pivotal events that defined racing in the first half of the 20th century.

In a special 2018 edition of his regular column, "Letters from Rockland Farm" in BloodHorse magazine, readers were given a glimpse into Country Life Farm’s attic collection. Pons shared photographs of a young Man o' War discovered in an unmarked cardboard box—striking evidence of the era's best Thoroughbred captured in a series of images from 1917. Building on these discoveries, Pons has compiled a new book titled "Letters from Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm," which connects his family’s historical treasures to both the present and future.

Released earlier this month, this volume marks Pons' third book, proudly published by Globe Pequot's Eclipse Press imprint, a revival of the BloodHorse's former publishing division, which specialises in titles on horse racing and care. Pons already boasts an impressive résumé, including "Country Life Diary: Three Years in the Life of a Horse Farm" and "Merryland: Two Years in the Life of a Racing Stable."

"Letters from Country Life" diverges from Pons' previous works as it intertwines his family's history with the broader narrative of the sport while imparting insights gleaned from letters and photographs left behind. As Pons delves into correspondence from his grandfather, uncle, and father's eras, he shares his journey with readers, striking a thoughtful balance between context and content.

"I had to position myself so that my presence would make the book distinct from a mere history," he reflected on his writing approach. "As a reader, you’re on this journey with me, learning just as I did. That was essential to the book's readability, which I prioritised."

Through both visual and written artefacts, Pons uncovers his grandfather Adolphe's journey; a child immigrant from France whose father worked as a chef for the August Belmont family. Adolphe later worked for August Belmont Jr. and participated in the famous 1918 dispersion sale where Man o' War was sold to Samuel Riddle. In 1933, during the Great Depression, he purchased the farm he named Country Life, and readers are drawn into the lives of the elder Pons and key figures in racing history as the narrative unfolds from the early 20th century to the era of his sons, Joe and John. As Josh—and, by extension, his readers—unearth relics from the farmhouse, he draws connections to contemporary challenges, highlighting his ancestors' resilience as a guide for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.

The inspiration for Pons's book emerged in early 2017 after the death of his mother. While organising family documents, he discovered letters from his grandfather, which prompted him to delve deeper into the basement archives. "The quality of what I was uncovering, along with the prominence of many names he corresponded with, made me feel like this is something that should be shared," he said. What began as a grandson's quest to connect with a grandfather he never met evolved into a broader narrative. "I wanted to tell a story that resonates beyond my family."

This intertwining of personal and collective investment in the sport allows Pons to weave a narrative that fosters appreciation for racing's rich heritage and the relationships that have shaped it.

The extensive materials that inspired "Letters from Country Life" represent just the beginning. Pons believes there may be even more stories waiting to be uncovered, hoping these archives will lead to further explorations of past eras. His work continues the legacy begun with his earlier titles and his BloodHorse column, creating a time capsule filled with valuable insights about life with horses.

From these glimpses into the past, Pons aims to instil in readers an appreciation for the dedicated efforts of those who came before them. He emphasises that racing is not a recent phenomenon fueled by wealth; if not for figures like August Belmont, who organised The Jockey Club in 1896, the sport would not have evolved into its present form.

"So many individuals have contributed to the sport, leaving a legacy for others to build upon," he noted. "They understood the responsibilities that come with it. Anyone passionate about racing will come to recognise and respect the efforts of previous generations."

The Pons family's enduring legacy of commitment and resilience serves as a bridge across generations, connecting his family history with the readers who cherish the sport, cultivating a profound respect for the past while inspiring a shared commitment to the future.