Riding with Reagan Audiobook By John R. Barletta, Rochelle Schweizer - with cover art

Riding with Reagan

From the White House to the Ranch

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Riding with Reagan

By: John R. Barletta, Rochelle Schweizer - with
Narrated by: Christopher Grove
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John Barletta was a Vietnam veteran and Secret Service agent who spent over a decade with the Reagans, poised to give his own life at any moment to save the fortieth president of the United States. His superior riding skills made Barletta the perfect choice to protect Reagan during his frequent visits to the ranch. Over time, he got to know Reagan as few others did.

In Riding with Reagan, John Barletta shares his one-of-a-kind memories of the President, painting a picture of a relaxed Reagan at his very best. Through his eyes, we see a rugged man who thrived outdoors, deeply loved his wife and children, and was a prankster at heart.

Barletta also recalls the sad times: watching a once-robust Reagan fade into the dark shadows of Alzheimer's disease, and the painful moment when he had to tell the former president that his days of horseback riding had come to an end.

Poignant and candid, Riding with Reagan is an intimate portrait of the man who remains one of the most popular presidents in our nation's history. A stirring ode to friendship, brotherhood, and the great outdoors, it celebrates a true hero whose life and spirit are the embodiment of what it means to be an American.

©2005 John R. Barletta (P)2024 Tantor Historical Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State Heartfelt
Genuine Friendship • Personal Anecdotes • Captivating Storytelling • Inspirational Relationship • Authentic Perspective
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The candid and honest storytelling by John. His sharing of emotions and anecdotes giving an amazing perspective of Ronald Reagan.

The amazing connection developed between John and Ronald Readan.

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This book surprised, educated, and made me appreciate both law enforcement and President Reagan more. It was a captivating story about how those close to the President entristed with his vare are constantly on guard. It also have examples of the President; the side the public did not know. I became involved in the stories and I'm so glad i listened to this audiobook.

Many Insights into Protecting a President

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I love the true friendship that they shared for many years and how they each respected each other and deep ways. Great book!

I loved the true friendship they shared.

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Great insight from a different perspective…the back of a horse. I consider Reagan a great president, so I was interested in this book. I ride horses, so that was also an incentive. I laughed, I cried and I learned a lot from this story. It took me a couple of chapters to get used to the narrator, but after that he seemed to get a better speech flow, or I got used to him. 😉
Either way, a great listen.

Great insight

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This is one of the best books I have ever experienced. this book will make you laugh, snort, and cry. Get it now!

MUST READ OR LISTEN TO

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The story was well written and kept my interest throughout. I felt as if I was riding along John and President Reagan listening and watching this intimate relationship develop over the years. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Excellent Read

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I’ve always liked Ronald Reagan when he served as President of the United States. Truly, he was a man of honor, hard work ethic, wit, wisdom, and integrity, despite how broken a childhood he had. He rose above all that was negative about his life and served those around him and the American people. Was he perfect? Is any man? Yet, he lived up to a high standard that he set up for himself and did his best to keep those principles intact, even when no one was watching. He truly was one to admire and declare a hero.
To hear about John Barletta’s service and friendship with the President (and the First Lady) is a remarkable story and I’m blessed to know about it. It’s a beautiful story of service, respect, and friendship,

Presidential Hero

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Enjoyed this story very much. I lived through the Reagan years, he made us all proud, gave us hope, and was a real American Hero. John knew him personally and I enjoyed listening to his up close view of the Reagans. What a blessing.

Heartfelt

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Mr. Barletta, was a Secret Service Agent, who because of his horse riding skills, was assigned to protect and ride with President Reagan, a position he held for the next 17 years. In the course of that time, he not only became very close to the President and Mrs Reagan, but also developed a keen sense of the sort of man Ronald Reagan really was... humble, kind, determined, and with a shared love of horseback riding. Much of the story takes place on President Reagan's Western Ranch, Rancho Del Cielo, ("Heaven's Ranch" in Spanish). Rancho del Cielo is a 688 acre ranch located atop the Santa Ynez Mountain range northwest of Santa Barbara, California. For more than 20 years, it was the vacation home of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Barletta and Reagan spent endless hours over the their years together riding the back trails of the ranch. Barletta also extensively traveled at the President's side as part of his protective detail. Being so close to the President for years enabled Barletta to not only understand Reagan as a man, but also to develop the many stories and anecdotes that formed the based of this great story. I highly recommend this booked be enjoyed as an audio book for best impact. President Reagan died in 1989. Barletta passed away in 2018. His ashes were spread over Rancho del Ceilo. The last horse that Reagan rode and Barletta' own horse were kept together on a 5 acre ranch in Santa Barbara. I expect they both are frequently riding together in Heaven to this day. This was a great story.

Views From A Horse Shared With A Great President

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The sincere tone that John shares about, not only President Regan, but also the way he treated his staff, secret service agents, and strangers alike.

Ronald Regan - The President, The Man, The Friend

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