Riding with Reagan

From the White House to the Ranch

By: John R. Barletta, Rochelle Schweizer - with

Narrated by: Christopher Grove

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

MUST READ OR LISTEN TO

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

Phenomenal story of President Reagan

Not only was the worth the read to learn more about the man Ronald Reagan, but to hear the words of an equally humble man who was as equally as phenomenal as the President himself.

I loved the true friendship they shared.

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

Many Insights into Protecting a President

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.

Views From A Horse Shared With A Great President

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.

Fantastic look into the Greatest President's life

I loved that this book really showed how Regan was at his core and what made him so great.

A wonderful book about two wonderful men.

I loved learning more about this fine president. I voted for him twice and wished there were more leaders of his caliber.

Absolutely wonderful 💜

Such a lovely look into a job that turned into a deep friendship. And a helpful glimpse into the lives of those who secure our Presidents and First Ladies. Truly a great book!

Heart grabbing and heartfelt

This book is a great listen, I’m just getting into history and you can tell this was a genuine friendship tale. You get to understand RR as a person, rancher, rider and not a politician.

Great follow-up to the recent movie.

Very interesting book which gives a look a President Regan as a regular person. Be forewarned it is heavy into equistrine lingo. So if you or a loved ones is into horses then you will definitely enjoy this book.