They Called Her Reckless -- A True Story of War, Love And One Extraordinary Horse - Softcover

From the moment she heard about Reckless, Janet Barrett knew she would write this book. Her experiences as a horsewoman gave her a particular appreciation of the tight bond that developed between Reckless and her fellow Marines, from which the story springs. She has loved and been fascinated by horses all her life, and for 25 years almost obsessively rode, owned, and cared for them. For a time, her company, Horses for Courses, booked horses for print and TV ads.

Barrett is the author of On The Fence: A Parent's Handbook of Horseback Riding. She has written about health, sports, and education, and the people therein for a host of specialty publications, first as a staff writer and later through her own company. As well, she has written for TV, radio, and the public relations field. Barrett also operates Designed 4 Paws, creating clothes and accessories for dogs, and items for the folks who love them. She was raised in New York, graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Communications, and now lives with her husband in Connecticut.

Janet Barrett has written a book about the relationships forged between Reckless and the men she claimed as her own. Reckless bonded with the Marines and helped them survive physical danger and the psychological damage of fear and isolation. The story of Reckless comes alive from the numerous interviews collected by Barrett over 20 years and expertly crafted in descriptions of how Reckless was found, purchased, her exploits in battle, and her retirement.

The chapter on Reckless' most significant battle, for Outpost Vegas, is riveting and the reader wonders whether or not physical prowess was Reckless' major contribution to the Korean War and to her men. It is true that her achievements in battle earned her a promotion and medals. But Barrett expertly weaves the real story throughout the chapters. This amazing horse gave her men stability, friendship, and solace. These were her greatest gifts and those parts of the story, retold by Barrett from the interviews of the men who knew her make the book come alive and impossible to forget. --Angele McGrady, Ph.D., university faculty and mental health counselor

A lot of us heard about Reckless when we were in Korea. That little mare was something--a real warhorse. I wish she had been with our regiment! How she and those guys were able to function together was incredible. Janet Barrett has done a terrific job of bringing together her whole story. It's a riveting book--you will laugh, you will get a lump in your throat. Mostly you will understand why the Marines love her still. --Jerry Vilbig, Weapons Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment, Korea, 1952-53.

You, dear reader, will finish this book with a smile and being in awe of how a horse always remains fully present in whatever moment at hand. Take a lesson from Reckless and her Marines: Always make an effort to live in the present and affirm the enjoyment of being together. The wonderful biography of Reckless is a gift to us all. You will find yourself protecting this little book. --Jess Maghan, Ph.D., author and professor.