Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)It's fair to say that I inhaled Lynn's book in just a few hours. I adopted my horse, Taj Mahal (nee Famous General) from Lynn almost two years ago. While impressed with her and her organization from the beginning, my admiration has only grown. For anyone thinking about buying a horse, spend a few bucks (some of the proceeds go towards LOPE) and read this book, and then consider adopting a retired racehorse. As Lynn points out, once the steroids and excitement of the track are out of their systems, Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses that have lived that life seem to easily (and, I believe for many of them, greatfully) give up that life and are happy to go on doing pretty much whatever riding discipline their new owners may choose. They are smart, they've got great characters, and I have found them (three of my own, plus many others) to be ready, willing, able, and, most important, happy to do whatever job you may have for them.
What I found particularly special about this book was Lynn's willingness to share her own fears, worries, and self-doubts as she started down the road of rescuing these horses. In my experience, many horsepeople, men and women alike, seem to have a need to "know it all" and show others how well they can ride. What many of them seem to ignore is the importance of horsemanship -- the ability to really understand their horses and their needs, and be willing to be humble and kind to these animals who are so willing to give us whatever they can. When I began riding as an adult, I often felt alone, distanced, and ashamed as the often snooty and arrogant teens and adults paraded past me and my TB and QH with their warmbloods and their gorgeous tack, perfect riding gear, and riding skills. Over time, though, I learned that it wasn't the riding itself that I so enjoyed, it was the sense of oneness I felt with my horse when we did a really good leg yield, or got to the jump perfectly -- or when he came up to me in the stall and nuzzled me, glowing from his good grooming and good care, and obviously seemed happy and relaxed. When I read of Lynn's experiences, I remembered those times all over again, and realized how far I've come and how greatful I am for having gone through all that and come out the other side with happy, healthy horses and a respect and delight for them that far transcends any "perfect" ride I ever had.
Thank you Lynn, so much, for highlighting the horses and yourself. Yours is a horse book unlike any I've read before, and I will make sure all my horse friends enjoy it as much as I.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Beyond the Homestretch: What Saving Racehorses Taught Me About Starting Over, Facing Fear, and Finding My Inner Cowgirl
After learning to ride horses as an adult, Lynn Reardon quit her office job in Washington DC and moved to rural Texas to open the racehorse adoption ranch LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers). Since then, LOPE has helped transition more than 750 thoroughbreds into new homes. In this riveting account, Reardon encounters dozens of unruly racehorses, all with special needs, unusual histories, and distinct personalities. She takes readers for a thrilling ride through the horse-racing world filled with offbeat horse people, colorful Texas culture clashes, veterinary melodramas, and surprising life lessons. Reardon may have saved these horses' lives, but they saved hers as well.
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