It’s an undeniable fact that horses get hurt in racing - unfortunately, like any other athletes performing at the top of their game, there are injuries and sometimes even deaths. And when that happens, it’s devastating.
Should they be hurt, the horses are treated for their injuries and the lucky ones either carry on racing, or ‘retire’ to a second career. But some are not so lucky, and this is the story of one woman’s quest to keep ex-racehorses safe, healthy and even alive.
I expected a book about saving ex-racehorses to be ‘gritty’ but was delighted to discover that despite the honesty and realism with which Lynn writes, this was one of the most sensitive and humorous books that I have read in a long time.
By page 20 I decided I had to start riding again, I hadn’t realised I missed it so much. A couple of chapters later I was all for flying to Texas to help Lynn with LOPE, and by the end of the book I just wanted to do as much as I could to help her in her quest.
This is a charming book to read and the pictures painted by Lynn of the home that she shares with her wards are so vivid that you can almost hear the insects and feel the warmth of the sun.
The stars of the book are not the people we read about, although Lynn is frankly fabulous (despite her modesty) and the characters she met along the way are fascinating; the stars are the horses. With their enormous personalities, the way that Lynn describes them is captivating and at times hilarious.
Lynn changed her career a few years ago. Before she started LOPE – a charity to rescue ex-racehorses - she used to be accountant. She didn’t grow up around horses, but learned how to ride as an adult.
This is the story of her unlikely journey from suburban office-worker to experienced horse-handler, and of what she learned in the process.
It’s a story that should be read by anyone who is not currently ‘living their dream’ career-wise. It’s motivating, to say the least.
A large proportion of the royalties from this book will go towards supporting LOPE, which in itself is a reason to buy it.
The fact that it’s funny, sensitive, fascinating and immensely enjoyable are simply the icing on the cake.
Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses
