Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with Award-Winning Author, Devoted Teacher, and Legacy Equestrian, Patrick Smithwick, exploring the themes of his new book, War’s Over, Come Home, and the realities faced by those who love those who have served.
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Starting at the age of twelve, Smithwick began working with his father and mentor, the legendary steeplechase jockey, A.P. Smithwick. Patrick worked his way through college by exercising Thoroughbreds at the major East Coast racetrack and by competing in steeplechase races at Belmont Park, Monmouth Park and Saratoga, as well as at hunt meets, such as The Maryland Hunt Cup and the Grand National. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University in 1973 and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Hollins College in 1975. In 1988, he received a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University, and in 2000 his degree in Education for Ministry. A newspaper writer for several years, Patrick began teaching English, philosophy, photography, and journalism at both the high school and collegiate levels. In addition to his trilogy of memoirs–Racing My Father, Flying Change, and Racing Time–he has written The Art of Healing: Union Memorial Hospital and Gilman Voices, 1897-1997. Patrick lives with his wife Ansley, formerly the Associate Head of Oldfields School, on the Monkton horse farm where he was raised. In his latest book, War’s Over Come Home (TidePool Press, May 16, 2023), Patrick departs from the horse-centric themes and subjects of his Racing Trilogy and focuses on his family’s plight to reunite with his war veteran son, Andrew.
