Customer Reviews

Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I want to thank Lynn Reardon for being a voice for Off the Track Thoroughbreds - and letting people know that racers can be companions, competitors, best friends and teachers for us. I can safely say one of my OTTBs rescued me as well after my Eventing champion (also a TB) passed away suddenly.

This book explores the personalities (all different, of course) of the ex racers that make their way on to Lynn's ranch. In doing so, we not only discover things about their past, but what they'd be best suited for in their next career - eventer, trail horse, etc etc. Time and time again, OTTBs prove their athleticism, grace and loyalty, and yet they still have a questionable reputation. Lynn's book brings to light the fact that these horses are very different, and suitable to someone who connects with them.

I'm a trainer at a large Thoroughbred rescue in NY, and have purchased more than one copy of this book to loan out to clients and riding students. It gives them an idea of what these horses have experienced thus far in their lives, and that there is a "lid for every pot."

If you are interested in adopting an OTTB, there are many reputable organizations, much like Lynn's that can steer you towards the horse of your dreams. Read this book!

I especially enjoyed this book because of being in horse rescue myself. I bought it because of that. I certainly was not disappointed. She is a wonderfully entertaining writer. It was a most enlightening and enjoyable read! I certainly hope she will write more in the future.

This book by Lynn Reardon is heart warming, funny and inspirational. She is a true horsewoman. The book reflects her love of horses and her learning experiences with the OTTB's (off track thorobreds). It is a 'must read' for all horse people and those who would like to adopt an OTTB! Great book!!!

Beyond the Homestretch by Lynn Reardon

Discovering horses can change your life and for Lynn this included the realization she needed to find a new way to live. Life in a cubicle didn't allow for the time to ride and be with the horses, especially the big thoroughbred horses she would discover needed her help. Full of real life drama and love, the idea of Lope Texas has become bigger than the sum of its parts as the lives of people and horses meet in relationships that will last a lifetime.
Well written and honest, the book had me from the Introduction and I highly recommend this book to anyone involved with horses or not.
Bob Pruitt, CEO [...]

This is a terrific book, and not just for horse lovers. This inspirational book describes one woman's journey to confront a lot of fears in order to create an extraordinary life for herself and hundreds of thoroughbreds.

I learned a lot by reading this book, and once I started it I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!

I read this book based on Amazon's recommendation, and I wasn't at all disappointed. Reardon's story is intriguing and I was fascinated by her decision to leave her job in the office and follow her heart into the barn. It is a delight to get to know the horses' personalities and Reardon is adept at describing each of them. Like the horses she rescues, she has both courage and trust, and the combination is a winning one. I read the book in one sitting, staying up late to finish it, and then I loaned it to my riding instructor; of course, I never saw the hardcover again and bought the trade paper as soon as it was available. Reading it the second time around was every bit as satisfying as the first. This should be required reading for anyone comtemplating a midlife career change.

"the reality is that the horses saved me...from a dull, ordinary life lacking purpose, adventure & growth." Just finished this absolutely awesome book! One of those that you hate for it to end! Wonderful book by an amazing woman with the courage to answer her true calling & find her inner cowgirl! Love it! Hoping she will write another one & continue sharing her adventures...her life is anything but ordinary! Great book, highly recommend it for any horse lover!