Adulting with Horses

Show Notes: The Canter Is a Four-Letter Word

This episode is brought to you by pure chaos, cruise dreams, and the emotional journey back into the canter.
Natalie and Heather kick things off with the kind of live, slightly unhinged energy only horse people can sustain before coffee fully kicks in. They share big news about their upcoming “Hijinx on the High Seas” cruise, a five-night adventure packed with theme nights, happy hours, games, prizes, and all the shenanigans a horse-loving adult could want away from the barn.
Then the conversation turns to the real beast of the episode: cantering. Why does it suddenly feel scarier in adulthood than it ever did before?
Natalie and Heather unpack the mental blocks, balance issues, fitness struggles, horse behavior, and the deeply relatable experience of feeling like your body and your brain are both negotiating terms with gravity. They also remind us that sometimes the horse is doing exactly what they should be doing, and we’re the ones falling apart at the seams.
In this episode:
Cruise announcement: “Hijinx on the High Seas”
Why cantering feels harder as an adult amateur
Balance, confidence, and rebuilding riding fitness
Adulting wins: AC survival, dinner mishaps, and bargain burgers

If you’ve ever thought, “I used to love this gait, why am I suddenly terrified of it?” this one’s for you.

Upcoming Events:
July 15, 2027 Impressions of Saratoga with Natalie. Learn more.
August 1, 2027, Equestrian Book Market and Fair with Natalie and Heather. August 1, 2026 from 11am to 2pm. Rutledge Ridge Farm: 2301 Rutledge Road, Fallston, MD 21047. Join us and other amazing authors!
November 12-15 Equine Affaire, MA. Adulting with Horses Podcast booth in the Better Living Center.
August 20, 2027 "Hijinks on the High Seas" Cruise with Heather and Natalie. Register here. (Horse husbands very welcome!)
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

Behind the Scenes of a Writer’s Life: One Coffee Spill at a Time

Ever tried writing a novel between horse quarantines and housekeeper surprises? Welcome to the anthology of chaos, caffeine, and creativity! In this bonus episode of Adulting with Horses, you’ll learn how two authors navigate the wilds of writerly life — from the perils of distraction to the magic of whimsical garden spaces.
In this episode, we discuss:
How daily distractions — dogs, housekeepers, and the ocean — fuel or hinder writing progress
The importance of hobbies outside of writing, from craft projects to garden adventures
How to carve out those rare, precious two-hour writing blocks in a busy life
The mental and physical toll of juggling multiple projects, from books to Cruise Ship gift exchanges
The power of whimsy to keep creativity alive when life gets real
Real talk about the grind, including timelines for books and the realities of editing and revisions

Upcoming Events:
July 15, 2027 Impressions of Saratoga with Natalie. Learn more.
August 1, 2027, Equestrian Book Market and Fair with Natalie and Heather. August 1, 2026 from 11am to 2pm. Rutledge Ridge Farm: 2301 Rutledge Road, Fallston, MD 21047. Join us and other amazing authors!
November 12-15 Equine Affaire, MA. Adulting with Horses Podcast booth in the Better Living Center.
August 20, 2027 "Hijinks on the High Seas" Cruise with Heather and Natalie. Register here. (Horse husbands very welcome!)
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

Ready for a wild ride through the mundane and the magnificent? In this episode, Heather and Natalie explore everything from garden surprises to the joys (and chaos) of horse shows. Plus, how to survive the wild world of adulting without losing your mind. Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and plenty of equine insights sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor.
Key Topics Covered:
The joys of chaos gardening and accidental plant discoveries
Real talk about horse show anxiety and the magic of persistence
Balancing responsibilities, passions, and social lives as adult horse enthusiasts
The surprisingly meditative nature of horses' daily routines
Why daydreaming about trips and horse shows is actually good for mental health
The absurdity (and necessity) of braiding and show prep
How to manage anxiety, expectations, and maintaining authenticity around horses
Offbeat insights into the lives of cats, dogs, and other beloved companions while traveling

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

Ever wonder what your horses really think? Or how a trip to Alaska turned into a real-life reality show? Buckle up, because this episode is part confessional, part how-to, with a healthy sprinkle of "wait, did that really just happen?"

In this episode:
The power of authenticity and ditching "book event Heather" for your real self
The wild, weird, and wonderful world of horse care, from hoof drama to boundary setting
The importance of book cover control and keeping your sanity in the horse world

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why the first words out of your mouth matter more than you think
00:10 - From Patreon to OnlyFans: the weird world of online content
00:45 - Authenticity wins: lessons from trips, conferences, and real life
01:55 - How I turned a tired horse trip into a confidence booster
05:52 - You’re not a celebrity, but you can feel like one (sometimes)
09:05 - When books, booties, and beefy men all collide: the art of cover veto rights
11:00 - Shopping, leather jackets, and feeling fabulous (horse included)
13:00 - Alaska adventures: wildlife, native tribes, and being Raven or Eagle in the clan
15:00 - Land clearing chaos: the truth about debris, permits, and wildlife disturbances
17:00 - The surprising mental health benefits of a simple 20-minute walk with your horse
19:30 - The crazy stalker stories that remind us: horse world is full of surprises
22:00 - Horse care horror stories: hoof abscesses from crazy weather and fill-in vets
24:00 - How to handle unresponsive farriers and landmines in your schedule
28:00 - Why regulation matters and how to maintain control over your horse’s image
33:00 - The race for the perfect horse cover (with a pee picture to prove it)
37:00 - Protect your horses from chaos: the importance of boundaries & leadership
42:00 - The dark side of horse community: stalking, abuse, and the need for better rules
48:00 - Rethinking horse training: the importance of rest, recovery, and smart work routines
54:00 - Liberty work fun: making your own rules and avoiding overcomplication
58:00 - Building trust through consistent signals and energy—no fancy gestures needed
63:00 - How to handle naughty or anxious horses—chances are, they’re just trying to tell you something
66:00 - Why a good horse is a reflection of a good human

And remember:
Be authentic, set boundaries, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed “Whoa”!
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 embrace the chaos of modern life: they dish on everything from DVDs on a nostalgia kick to the madness of Kentucky cross country and barn cat obsession, all with their signature wit and humor.
The lost art of DVDs and the nostalgia of physical media.
Generational shifts: Elder Millennials, Gen Z, and the decline of patience.
The wild world of Kentucky cross country — rain, retirements, and unruly dogs
The chaos of balancing book launches, vacations, and pet rescue missions.
Social media authenticity vs AI-generated content — how to stay real in a digital age.
Kentucky's trade fair finds — from quirky product finds to the latest in equestrian gear.

For our special videos episode and bonus content, 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