Beyond the Homestretch by Lynn Reardon

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Equine Non-Fiction
To Purchase

Blurb: Reardon shares an unlikely story. In 2002, she quit her Washington DC–area office job and moved to Texas to open the racehorse placement program LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers). Though now the director of this high-profile organization that has helped transition more than 725 ex-racehorses into new homes, Reardon didn’t learn to ride until she was an adult.
At the LOPE adoption ranch, Reardon encountered dozens of unruly racehorses, all with special needs, unusual histories and vivid personalities. As she fumbled to help them make the shift to new careers, they returned the favor — by becoming her most memorable mentors in horsemanship and life philosophy. The horses themselves are a central focus of the book, with their fascinating racing careers, spirited natures and gripping veterinary needs. Reardon’s own story, that of a stressed-out office worker turned capable ranch hand, is told through her experiences with the horses.

Review: What little girl doesn't lay in her bed at night clutching her faithful stuffed pony to her chest whispering prayers to be blessed with horses? Pounding hooves and flowing manes. The brush of a velvet muzzle across her cheek. The soft puff of warm breath lovingly huffed into her hair. The intoxicating aroma of fresh hay and horse. Yeah, yeah, can you tell I'm a horse girl :)

When I found out Ms Reardon was writing a book about her ranch and the horses she has helped I was THRILLED!!! Who wouldn't be? Whether you are an owner, an equine professional or just a little horse crazy, this tantalizing tale gives a spectacular glimpse into the life of a race horse.

I laughed, cried, gasped and laughed a bit more. In the end when I breathlessly finished the book I was smiling and speechless. All I could do was close the hardback and run my fingers over the dust jacket. Ms Reardon has captured the magic, and there truly is a magic about horses. She has shown us a clear picture that all we need do to see it is open our hearts and minds.

Second chances are hard enough to come by, but when you are granted one sometimes the road you have to take can be painful, scary, filled with new friends and at the end of the yellow brick road hopefully love and a forever home :) *SNAPS* Lynn on such a fantastic job. Both on the book and the wonderful work that you do at the ranch. I don't know that I want to envision a world without a place like LOPE. Every deserves to be granted the ability to have a happy life :)

**Along with this review please drop by our interview site on Dec 13th thru the end of the year to read an interview from Lynn Reardon and be sure to leave comments on the review and interview. We will be giving a copy of this book to one lucky poster**