A new book takes fans behind the scenes of one of the most popular television series in recent memory. No, not Game of Thrones. We’re talking about the sitcom set in Pasadena starring American showjumper and animal advocate, Kaley Cuoco.

The book is The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, a show that was massive blockbuster and ran for 12 seasons. Cuoco played girl-next-door Penny, and delighted viewers with her hilarious and often emotional performances. Cuoco’s follow-up project, The Flight Attendant, earned her Emmy nominations for acting. The star also developed and produced the series for HBOMAX under her Yes, Norman Productions.

Fans of the actress also are aware that in her off-set hours, she is a skilled equestrian show jumper who competes in the upper levels shows across North America. It’s this facet of Cuoco’s life that gets a bold type mention in the book, which is described as an “oral history” and includes interviews with the cast and creators. Entertainment Weekly  ran an excerpt recounting an incident in 2010 when Cuoco was riding and jumping one of her horses in Los Angeles. According to the excerpt, the horse spooked, Cuoco fell off, and the horse fell onto her left leg. She was rushed to hospital with her leg essentially torn open, leaving it vulnerable to infection, and as Cuoco was informed, possible amputation.

“Before I went into surgery, they made me sign something that said, ‘We don’t know until we get in there and see this leg, and it could come out that you don’t have it anymore.’ That wasn’t the case, obviously, but I had to sign something that said, ‘OK, you can,’” Cuoco says in the book.

Fortunately, her leg was saved and not only did Cuoco safely return to set for the series, she continued her show jumping career, including competing at Spruce Meadows in Calgary.

Besides the hit series, the affable actor’s devotion to her animals – dogs, miniature horses, rabbits, and horses – has earned her a massive secondary fan following. And in very recent happy news, Cuoco, 36, is expecting her first baby (a girl) with boyfriend Tom Pelphrey!

Buy the book on Amazon here.