Riding with Reagan

Personal moments with an American legend . . .

It is an image etched in the minds of a generation: Ronald Reagan perched atop his horse, riding through the dusty trails and canyons of his California ranch with his beloved wife, Nancy, at his side. But what most of us did not see was the man who always rode just a few steps away.

John Barletta was a Vietnam veteran and Secret Service agent with a lifelong passion for horses and a deep respect for the nation’s new president, Ronald Reagan. After he was chosen to lead the president’s equestrian protection team in 1981, Barletta became the president’s riding partner on the dusty trails of his California ranch, at Camp David, and even at Windsor Castle.  During their nearly twenty-year relationship, Barletta would come to know Ronald Reagan as few others did—as a loving husband and father, as a man of courage and conviction, and as a friend and confidant.

Filled with heartwarming stories, humorous anecdotes, and history-making events, this is a moving, intimate portrait of a great man whose heart, wisdom, and all-American spirit continue to inspire.

“A unique perspective of President Reagan—both in and out of the saddle.”
—Judge William Clark, former National Security Advisor and Secretary of the Interior

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs