Description:

Reagan Ronald 1911 - 2004 Ronald Reagan pens an incredible letter to a little girl who wants a horse.

2pp ALS inscribed entirely in the hand of future 40 th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) and initialed "RR" at bottom of second page. Undated and unlined cream stationery paper written in black ball point pen, circa 1967-1975. In fine to very fine condition without any paper folds. An isolated pin prick and minor toned spot to right paper edge in no way affect the text. Page measures 6" x 9".

Ronald Reagan likely acting as Governor of California consoles a little girl whose father has refused her a horse. Adopting a kind tone, Reagan writes in a way that "Carol" would understand. Reagan points out the practical reasons for not owning a horse, and then assures his young friend that she will own a horse someday very soon. Reagan concludes his letter by reminding her that fathers only want what is best for their children.

Spelling and grammatical errors are untouched below:

"Dear Carol,

I certainly can understand how you feel, Horses have been a large part of my life and I love them as much as you do. But your father has brought up a very important point. They can't be stored away in a garage like a bike until you feel like going for a ride and there is an ongoing expense day in & day out. Unfortunately we have had to sell our ranch so I can't be of help in the way you suggested.

But let me make some other suggestions. First of all not owning a horse needn't keep you from riding and learning about horses. As a matter of fact in the cavalry (which is where I learned to ride) you weren't assigned a single horse of you own until you'd learn to ride on many different horses - a different one every day.

You have many years ahead of you to enjoy riding & to have your own horse. Indeed you'll know too the sorrow of saying goodby because we do outlive our horses. Now and for the next few years why don't you go to a stable - (you probably ride at one now). Ride many horses, learn to know their differences & learn all you can about their care. Then when you are a few years older you might discover you can have a horse of your own and you'll know better the exact kind of horse you want. At that time you can very probably make an arrangement with some one or some stable so that you can board or pasture your horse in return for helping with this. You'll know enough about the care of horses so that you'll have something to offer.

Being a father myself I know how very much your father would like to be able to help you realize your dream but sometimes we have to wait for the good things. If it will help to know this I didn't have a horse of my own until after I was grown up. You'll do better than that so keep on riding & studying.

Kindly,

RR"

Prior to the 2016 election, Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was the only U.S. President with ties to the film and television industry. Reagan was a B-list actor who starred in World War II era romantic comedies and westerns. He entered the political arena during the 1950s, initially self-identifying as a Franklin Democrat, but then transitioning to conservatism. From 1967-1975, the period when this letter to a young constituent was most likely written, he was serving as Governor of California.

Clearly, the "Great Communicator" had already developed an effective public relations approach before ascending to the presidency. Reagan showcases his highly attuned communication skills by relating to Carol personally about their mutual love of horses. Fiscal conservatism, a hallmark of Reagan's later presidency, is well-illustrated by his comments about the expense of owning a horse; so too is Reagan's "everyman" friendliness.

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