Beyond the Homestretch

Beyond the Homestretch:
What I Learned from Saving Racehorses
By Lynn Reardon

If you had told Lynn Reardon, who six years ago was working as a finance manager of a nonprofit in Washington, DC, that one day she would run a racehorse adoption ranch in rural Texas, she would have told you that you were crazy. In Beyond the Homestretch Lynn tells the story of her transformation from office drone to racehorse whisperer, from someone who didn’t learn to ride until she was an adult to director of an organization that has saved more than 725 thoroughbreds from uncertain fates.

In 2004 Lynn quit her day job, moved to Texas, and opened LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers). There were just a couple problems — she had little horse training experience and absolutely no farm management skills. To her shock, racehorses started arriving right away — nearly 40 the first year, 112 by the third year — all with special needs and vivid personalities, demanding her immediate attention. As the sole ranch employee, she had to teach herself to be a racehorse career counselor — and fast!

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.

Horses like Tawakoni, the son of a Kentucky Derby winner, and Endofthestorm, the speedy bay who required an emergency tracheotomy, give Reardon — and readers — an apprenticeship in facing fear and finding a new life. Her journey of seeing life through the eyes of an equine athlete has taught her more than she ever expected. In Beyond The Homestretch, Reardon takes readers along for the ride, one filled with fiery racehorses, offbeat horse people, colorful Texas culture clashes, veterinary melodramas and surprising insights.

Lynn Reardon is the founder and executive director of LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers), a nonprofit racehorse adoption organization. Prior to her position at LOPE, she worked in nonprofit finance and administrative management in the Washington, D.C. area. She and her husband live outside of Austin, TX and her website is www.lopetx.org.

Contact: Monique Muhlenkamp
New World Library
800-972-6657 ext. 15
Monique@newworldlibrary.com

Beyond the Homestretch: What I Learned from Saving Racehorses
By Lynn Reardon
November 23, 2009 • Animals • Cloth
$23.95 • 320 pages • ISBN: 978-1-57731-580-3

Horses with a Mission

Horses with a Mission:
Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service

Heartwarming and Amazing True Stories that Show How Horses Help Humans by Enriching, Inspiring, and Even Saving Lives

By Allen and Linda Anderson

Fascinating, mystifying, highly intelligent — horses have evoked awe in humans for thousands of years. The annals of history and literature speak of equines who made adventure, power and the fulfillment of dreams possible for individual humans and entire cultures. Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service focuses on an aspect of horses that remains unexplored in today’s utilitarian world: horses as vibrant spiritual beings, infused with purpose and intention.

Allen and Linda Anderson say, “If you’ve ever thought that horses only display their abilities on race tracks, in riding stables, in beer commercials, in movies, or as participants in sporting events, you’re missing out on their ever-expanding services as sentient partners and willing coworkers.”

In Horses with a Mission, readers will meet horses who have saved people’s and animals’ lives, welcomed novices into the horse world, brought joy and comfort to the brokenhearted, and made it possible for people to fulfill lifelong ambitions — all without expecting anything in return. These horses not only carry riders but messages of unconditional love and hope as well. Divided into five chapters with the following headings: Offering Service, Inspiring, Teaching, Healing, and Bringing Joy and Hope, the book includes 21 dramatic and true stories with black and white photos throughout.

Allen and Linda Anderson are authors, inspirational speakers, and members of the clergy. They co-founded the Angel Animals Network, dedicated to increasing love and respect for all life — one story at a time. They are the best-selling authors of Angel Animals, Angel Dogs, Angel Cats, and Angel Horses. They share their home in Minneapolis with a menagerie of pets and donate a portion of revenue from their projects to animal shelters and organizations. Their website is www.angelanimals.net.

Contact: Monique Muhlenkamp
New World Library
800-972-6657 ext. 15
Monique@newworldlibrary.com

Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service
By Allen and Linda Anderson
September 22, 2009 • Animals • Trade Paper
$14.95 • 288 pages • B&W Photos Throughout • ISBN: 978-1-57731-648-0

Horseshoes by Design

Equesse Portraits

Customized fine art portraits of you and your favorite horse!  Now, you can capture the beautiful spirit of you and your horse (and/or other animals) forever through this unique style of fine artistry using photographs and images that you provide.  Artist, Paul Bartoszek beautifully combines the essence of women and their horses in Equesse Portraits.  In addition, we will feautre the profiles and the stories behind each portrait here on Equesse.net.  Please email: admin@equesse.net for more details on how you can have your very own portrait created of you and your favorite horse.

Wayne Jason Jewelry

Now, you can wear your love for horses on your sleeve – or around your wrist or neck! Show the world how much you appreciate the beauty of horses by wearing an exquisite piece of Wayne Jason Jewelry. In business since 1987, Wayne Jason’s passion for horses inspired him to create a highly unique line of equine jewelry that is both extremely detailed and accurate. All horse lovers will admire the elegance and beauty of his designs.

As an experienced diamond buyer, and with many years in the business, Wayne has found the best sources for the high quality diamonds, colored stones and pearls that are used in his jewelry. Wayne designs most all of the jewelry himself, keeping his customer’s passion for horses in mind. In addition, all Wayne Jason jewelry is manufactured at his store in Pasadena, California which means he can offer unique, often one of a kind, top quality pieces at a price that keeps his customer’s budget in mind as well!

Most pieces can be made in any color gold, 18-karat or 14-karat, with any stones. Some items are available in sterling silver as well. Feel free to call or email anytime to find just the right piece of equine jewelry that is perfect for you and expresses your love for horses. Be sure to mention that you found Wayne on Equesse.net for additional consideration!  wjason@mail2.cheetah.net  or 626-795-9215

Touched by a Horse

What if you could actually experience what is in a horse’s heart? You could listen to the whispers of the wisdom held within and be inspired as well as touched emotionally by what was held inside. Through a lifelong relationship with horses and an extensive background as a psychotherapist, Melisa Pearce has created a fun and easy way to learn about ourselves through our interactions with horses. Inspired by the bold equine paintings of artist Jan Taylor, Melisa translated what the paintings portrayed and intuitively wrote the “message” the horses were expressing. The combined talents of these women brings to you an exquisite deck for your personal use or a wondrous gift. By using these cards daily, you will be inspired, enlightened, and encouraged to continue your journey a personal growth. It is the perfect time to be Touched By A Horse, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

An exquisitely crafted deck of 52 different cards featuring messages inspired from the loving, spiritual relationship with horses. Select one card that appeals to you in the moment and read the message on the back. Everyone will have their own interpretation of what the card’s message means to them. What you gain from the message is insightful, empowering, and yours alone. A gift from the heart for those you love and care about.