Adulting with Horses

“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

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

Natalie Keller Reinert and Heather Wallace cover everything from respecting time and cancellation fees to the very practical realities of running a life, a business, and a family at full speed. What starts as a rant about a client trying to game a schedule turns into a bigger conversation about boundaries, burnout, hormonal chaos, travel, and what kind of partner actually fits into a busy life.
Key topics
Natalie and Heather break down why freelancers and independent contractors need cancellation fees, card-on-file policies, and clear onboarding rules
The conversation widens into a broader rant about people not respecting other people’s time, especially when they know better
Heather talks about being exhausted, burned out, and close to a breakdown after weeks and months without a real day off
Natalie and Heather discuss how they both tend to stay busy on purpose because slowing down makes room for thoughts and responsibilities they would rather avoid
The chat turns playful and candid as they talk about hormones, PMS, spotting, and how much mood can change with timing and food
Heather explains why she is not interested in dating right now, especially if it would require giving up autonomy, travel, or solo time
They land on a shared preference for unconventional relationships, including living apart together, separate houses, or arrangements that preserve independence
Natalie shares that she’s deep into writing a sweet cowboy romance and prefers sensitive men in fiction and real life
Heather describes the kind of man she finds attractive: protective, emotionally aware, and supportive without being controlling
The episode ends with lighter banter about travel, cruise planning, vacation anticipation, and Heather’s accidental concert ticket predicament

For our special bonus episode on trailer horror stories that really happened, make sure to join 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

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

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