Show Notes
“It’s a great little taste of what it’s like to use the engine of the horse.”
Heather Wallace and Natalie Keller Reinert catch up on the realities of riding horses in fall weather, horse training, and the realities of building a creative career. They chat about everything that moves, from horse behavior in changing weather to the behind-the-scenes work of getting books into the world. They also share a few personal wins, including riding progress, new covers, and meaningful reader feedback. Key topics Heather Wallace and Natalie Keller Reinert compare notes on how horses change with the weather, especially when fall air makes them feel lighter, more forward, and easier to collect. They discuss the difference between a horse being hot because of weather versus being hot because of tension or frustration—and why that distinction matters for riding and safety. Natalie shares that she has started cantering on purpose again, and Heather describes similar progress with Ferrous as both riders work back toward fitness and confidence. The conversation gets into how smart, anticipatory horses need variety in training, with repetitive exercises often making them bored or too clever for their own good. Heather explains how IEA riding shaped her as a rider because it forced her to adapt quickly to different horses, and how that experience still influences her confidence and horsemanship. They talk about the value of riding school horses and unfamiliar horses as a way to improve, and Natalie considers getting back into that format next year. They discuss reader support, reviews, and the emotional boost of hearing that a book or podcast episode mattered to someone. Natalie shares frustrations about Goodreads reviews and the idea of a book “breaking containment”—reaching readers who expected something else and judge it unfairly. Heather and Natalie reflect on writing for specific audiences, including younger readers, horse girls, and cozy romance readers who want comfort and familiarity. They wrap up with updates on Equine Affaire, new paperback editions, upcoming releases, and the importance of bookstores and libraries for horse books.
Links: www.adultingwithhorsespodcast.com Instagram @adultingwithhorsespodcast Twitter @AdultingHorses Facebook Group, The Clubhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adultingwithhorsespodcast/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast Thank you for being a little weird with us, horse girl! If you like what you hear make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your player of choice, join our Adulting with Horses Clubhouse on Facebook where you can become part of the show! Also, it’s a great place to meet other horse crazy women. Thanks and see you next time! If you like what you hear but want a little more, become a Patreon member for extra bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content with video, and more! https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast
More from Adulting with Horses
Ten Things We Will Never Do With Horses Natalie Keller Reinert and Heather Wallace kick off with storm prep, sleep deprivation, weather chaos, and horse life before turning the conversation into a playful but surprisingly practical list episode. The main focus is on the horse-related things they refuse to do, from unsafe riding habits to poor welfare choices, with a mix of personal standards, trainer ethics, and a lot of honesty. In this episode, Natalie and Heather each share five things they will never do with horses, and they explain the reasoning behind each one. It is part comedy, part horse welfare conversation, and part “we are absolutely serious about this.” Links: www.adultingwithhorsespodcast.com Instagram @adultingwithhorsespodcast Twitter @AdultingHorses Facebook Group, The Clubhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adultingwithhorsespodcast/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast Thank you for being a little weird with us, horse girl! If you like what you hear make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your player of choice, join our Adulting with Horses Clubhouse on Facebook where you can become part of the show! Also, it’s a great place to meet other horse crazy women. Thanks and see you next time! If you like what you hear but want a little more, become a Patreon member for extra bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content with video, and more! https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast
On this episode of the Adulting with Horses podcast, Heather and Natalie talk about Hormonal Rage, Cancellation Policies, and the Perks of Living Apart Together
Hey horse girls, happy bonus day! In this episode of AWH Clubhouse LIVE, we (Heather Wallace, Natalie Keller Reinert, and Ashley K. Winch) dive into the whirlwind of life that comes with juggling responsibilities, friendships, and, of course, our beloved horses. Heather shares the chaos of her kids starting school, with sports activities colliding in a perfect storm of scheduling madness. We're joined by special guest and IRL author and podcast bestie, Sarah Welk Baynum! Introducing the Not So Safe Word Before bringing in their guest, the trio introduces a fun twist: a not-so-safe word. "Our not so safe word for today's episode is bestie," Ashley announces, prompting laughter and a toast. Every time the word is mentioned, a sip is taken, adding a playful element to the discussion. In a world where life can feel overwhelming, this episode serves as a reminder to cherish the moments of joy, laughter, and companionship. Take a moment to unwind, sip your drink, and join us for this delightful chat. Until next time, keep celebrating the beautiful mess that is life! For more hearty laughs and engaging stories, tune into the full video episode on our Patreon! Links: www.adultingwithhorsespodcast.com Instagram @adultingwithhorsespodcast Twitter @AdultingHorses Facebook Group, The Clubhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adultingwithhorsespodcast/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast Thank you for being a little weird with us, horse girl! If you like what you hear make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your player of choice, join our Adulting with Horses Clubhouse on Facebook where you can become part of the show! Also, it’s a great place to meet other horse crazy women. Thanks and see you next time! If you like what you hear but want a little more, become a Patreon member for extra bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content with video, and more! https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast
Heather and Natalie dive into the unexpected challenges of equestrian adventures, particularly during Heather's recent trip to Iceland. From tech mishaps to the trials of riding a particularly wide horse, their conversation is both humorous and relatable. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted exchange about the absurdities of AI giving personal advice to Natalie. Heather describes her recent tour in Iceland, where she found herself leading a group of riders of all skill levels. "It was like an adrenaline rush, such a good group of people," she shares. However, day two brought unexpected challenges when she encountered a horse that was a bit too wide for comfort. The Dangers of Riding a Potato Heather humorously refers to her horse as a "potato" due to its wide saddle, which led to some intense muscle spasms. "I was struggling to breathe... my muscles locked up," she recalls. The conversation shifts to the broader issue of horse breeding, with Natalie chiming in about the discomfort that wide horses can cause for riders. For more stories and insights, tune into the full episode where laughter and learning abound! Links: www.adultingwithhorsespodcast.com Instagram @adultingwithhorsespodcast Twitter @AdultingHorses Facebook Group, The Clubhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adultingwithhorsespodcast/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast Thank you for being a little weird with us, horse girl! If you like what you hear make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your player of choice, join our Adulting with Horses Clubhouse on Facebook where you can become part of the show! Also, it’s a great place to meet other horse crazy women. Thanks and see you next time! If you like what you hear but want a little more, become a Patreon member for extra bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content with video, and more! https://www.patreon.com/AdultingWithHorsesPodcast
Join Heather and Natalie in this episode presented by Farnum Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control as they battle the heat (and the hum of the emergency AC unit) during Natalie's trip to New Jersey. Ferrous gets a fan club of one, Natalie confuses the horses, and Heather makes Natalie question whether she might need a barn family of her own. To be fair, she is quite good and getting people to question their lives. In this episode: Heather's unexpected guest (a.k.a. her horse Ferrous) and their humorous antics The hilarious misunderstanding about horse names and personalities Pony meeting tales and the surprises of horse personality quirks Behind the scenes of a Maryland book signing and the vibrant local market scene The charm and chaos of pet care, including cats' independence and horses' sensitivities Practical tips on managing animal health and environmental concerns The joy of sharing farm and horse life with friends and future plans Lighthearted banter about household chores, laundry fails, and favorite adulting wins The episode concludes with garden fantasies, flower updates, and estate zonings