32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW, November 24, 2009
This review is from: Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses (Hardcover)
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.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An easy & humorous read and a good story, November 30, 2009
This review is from: Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses (Hardcover)
You might think this is about the horrors of saving unwanted horses, but it isn't. It is about a journey from Lynn doing a "career job" to doing a much more trying job that is her heart's passion. The characters are funny and quirky and that includes the horses. If you love horses, you will truly enjoy the indepth character analysis that each of the horses in the book get during Lynn's fostering. Its a good inside look at the trials of keeping up a horse ranch and a variety of horse sports such as racing, polo, etc. As Lynn trys to find the right life's work and adopter for each of her horses, she learns about the wide world of horses from show jumpers to tough cowboys and shares it all. You will learn alot right along with her and enjoy the journey almost as much as she seems to without having to actually schlep through muddy pastures and perform emergency vet procedures as she did. It is funny and uplifting and I was sorry when I came to the end.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!, December 29, 2009
This review is from: Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses (Hardcover)
I picked up this book at the book store, started reading it in the store, continued reading it in the car on the way home and finished it several hours later at home. I couldn't put it down. The book is very well written and holds you from cover to cover. I could relate to a lot of the horse antics in the book which had me chuckling out loud often. My 11 year old equally horsey daughter read the book yesterday and loved it too. My 14 year old son is reading it today. Great book for the whole horsey family. Don't hesitate to buy this book. It is well worth it. Tina in VA
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