THE HORSE GAZETTE
Book Barn
beyond the homestretch:
What I learned from saving racehorses
Where Quality Service, and Customer Satisfaction are Always First
By Lynn Reardon
If you had told Lynn no farm management skills. To Reardon’s own story, that of
Reardon, who six years ago was her shock, racehorses started a stressed-out office worker
working as a finance manager arriving right away – nearly 40 turned capable ranch and, is
of a nonprofit in Washington, the first year, 112 by the third told through her experiences
DC, that one day she would year – all with special needs and with the horses.
run a racehorse adoption ranch vivid personalities, demanding Horses like Tawako-
in rural Texas, she would have her immediate attention. As the ni, the son of a Kentucky Derby
JAMES LAWRENCE - OWNER
told you that you were crazy. In sole ranch employee, she had to winner, and Endofthestorm, the
Beyond the Homestretch Lynn teach herself to be a racehorse speedy bay who required an
tells the story of her transforma- career counselor – and fast! emergency tracheotomy, give
All Types of Trailers for your Hauling Needs
tion from office drone to race- At the LOPE adoption Reardon – and readers – an
horse whisperer, from someone ranch, Reardon encountered apprenticeship in facing fear
who didn’t learn to ride until dozens of unruly racehorses, all and finding a new life. Her Lynn Reardon is the
Horse Trailers, and All-Purpose Utility Trailers
she was an adult to director or with special needs, unusual his- journey of seeing life through founder and executive director
an organization that has saved tories, and vivid personalities. the eyes of an equine athlete of LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Goosenecks or Flat Beds
more than 725 Thoroughbreds As she fumbled to help them has taught her more than she Place Ex-Racers), a nonprofit
from uncertain fates. make the shift to new careers, ever expected. In Beyond the racehorse adoption organiza-
In 2004 Lynn quit they returned the favor – by Homestretch, Reardon takes tion. Prior to her position at
Portable Buildings
her day job, moved to Texas, becoming her most memorable readers along for the ride, one LOPE, she worked in nonprofit
and opened LOPE (LoneStar mentors in horsemanship and filled with fiery racehorses, finance and administrative
Outreach to Place Ex-Racers). life philosophy. The horses offbeat horse people, colorful management in the Washing-
There were just a couple prob- themselves are a central focus of Texas culture clashes, veteri-
Ph. 830-997-9969 • Fax 830-997-6918
ton, D.C. area. She and her
lems – she had little horse train- the book, with their fascinating nary melodramas and surpris- husband live outside of Austin,
Fredericksburg, Texas
ing experience and absolutely racing careers, spirited natures, ing insights. Texas and her website is www.
5 Miles East of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290
and gripping veterinary needs.
lopetx.org.
horse happenings - 1 of 2
Wild Bill Harrison on Calgirl
spreading the ashes of the late
Eric Seeger (Have camera will
Another day at
travel) on the TexasStar Trail. Eric
was well known through out the
school.
Texas trail rider community and
was the photographer/Videog-
rapher of most of the Texas Trail
rides. He always said the Texas
Star Trail was his favorite annual
ride and I did it at the wishes of his
wife and family.
Alamo Ara-
bian Oc-
t o b e r f e s t
Opwn Show.
Left: Michael
Beasom on
Gypsy Gam-
Standing at Rainbow 1 for 2010
• Assist you to find the right horse
bler winner of • Peppy Sol Anson
• Training both you and your horse
Saddlebred
Five Gaited
• Red ID Surprise
}
Visit: Rainbow1Ranch.com
for more information on
these talented stallions. • Developing confidence
Open Class.
AI and Collection Services - 93% 2009 Conception Rate • Enhancing your showing skills
Right: West-
ern Pleasure
Receiving station for cooled & frozen semen
• Boarding (pasture & stalls)
C h a m p i o n
Mary Jo Lea-
hy on Tamar
Dave, Susan or Nita Fuqua
• Fitting for both showing & sales
Mata Hari.
830-996-1105 (Ranch) 210-218-4511 (Cell)
• Friendly, Fun Atmosphere
Visit us at: www.Rainbow1Ranch.com
• Hay (both Coastal & Alfalfa)
625 FM 52 - Arcola, Texas 77583
Toll Free: 888-546-1014 • Phone: 281-431-1014 • Fax: 281-431-4211
E-mail: ArcolaFd@aol.com • Shop Online at www.ArcolaFeed.com
Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com Page 7
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