The Jump

by Natalie Keller Reinert

From the author of the popular Eventing Series, a brand new standalone hardcover, set in Florida horse country and featuring a fresh set of unforgettable characters

Brooke Haskell’s got big dreams . . . and she’s running out of time. The equestrian life Brooke craves has always been just outside her reach, but, like every horse girl, she believes that pluck, heart, and hard work can catapult anyone into greatness. Unfortunately, her horse Roxie doesn’t seem to agree. After her most disappointing horse show to date and with only one more year before graduation and real life take over, Brooke is finally upset enough to do something rash. She decides to ditch her college plans and her parents’ wishes, risking everything to apprentice with one of the country’s most famous equestrians, Eddie O’Neill.


As she plunges headfirst into the breakneck pace of a top training stable, Brooke finally feels like she belongs. Her fellow working student might be a trust-fund Instagram star, but they bond over their shared love of horses. And sparks fly with a colleague who seems to love this version of Brooke. But when Roxie goes from steady improvement to angry rebellion, Brooke realizes Eddie’s reputation for training winners may come at a steep price. Brooke is finally poised to have the life she always wanted—but at what cost? Will she discover an uncomfortable truth about her idol, and what is she willing to give up in order to defend the sport she loves?


Set in the equestrian community of Ocala, Florida, this never-before-published standalone novel expands the world of the Eventing Series, introducing a new and endearing cast of characters. Against a riveting high stakes backdrop, Reinert explores the passions which drive us, the love affairs which fuel us, and the partnerships--both animal and human--which help us thrive and find ourselves.

Genres: Fiction, Horses, Adult Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Natalie Keller Reinert is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Eventing series and Briar Hill Farm series. Drawing on her professional experience in three-day eventing, working with Thoroughbred racehorses and mounted patrol horses, therapeutic riding, and many other equine pursuits, Natalie brings her love of equestrian life into each of her titles. She also cohosts the award-winning equestrian humor podcast Adulting With Horses.

Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.

Reviews

[Mary C. Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to be invited by my favorite author to be able to read and advance copy of her new book. It certainly did not disappoint. Natalie tackled one of the biggest current ethical issues in the equestrian world, of what is an abusive training method vs. point in time picture that is taken out of context. Very relatable story about working with horses and what happens when your idol and your dream job are maybe not as perfect as you originally imagined.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Keller Reinert’s ‘The Jump’ says everything that needs to be said and more about the horse abuse scandals that top Olympic trainers get ensnared in! It follows the fate of broke horse girl Brooke and her OTTB mare Roxie as they get sucked into the harsh realities of the horse world.

Reinert’s protagonist is a complex, relatable heroine that gives us a fascinating perspective. She is naive, unsure of herself, inexperienced, though her gut instincts often rebel against what she tries to tell herself. She is so many of us holding the book, making her the perfect narrator for this story. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what happened to Brooke next, hoping things would work out for her. Her desire to bring out Roxie’s potential, paired with her love for her mare, makes her even more endearing. Roxie is a mare in every sense of the word, and as someone partial to mares myself, I absolutely loved her. She is a horse with spunk and personality, as sure of herself as Brooke is unsure of herself. They make for a dynamic and complex pair with plenty of issues to iron out over the course of the book.

The characters rounding out the tale are just as compelling in their own rights. I absolutely loved Brooke’s social media hero and unlikely friend Lenox, who gets a working student job in Eddie O’Neill’s barn alongside Brooke. It would have been so easy to make Lenox a typical, Instagram-perfect, wealthy horse girl, but Lenox is anything but. I so enjoyed Brooke discovering Lenox’s layers over the course of the novel, concluding in the end that she will never truly understand her! Likewise, Eddie’s barn manager Anise is jaded and cynical, but still has a love for her horse that exists deep under her hardened exterior. Given her complicity in Eddie’s training and business practices, it would be so easy to make her a villain but she isn’t. She’s a complex character who makes questionable decisions, as so many people really are. Hans is more than a Dutch dressage superstar’s son, trying to find his feet out from under his mother’s shadow. His failure to understand so many aspects of American culture provided for some much-needed humorous moments! Brooke’s boyfriend Jacob (and to a lesser extent, her parents and Aunt Pickle) provides the horse-industry outsider voice of reason, even when Brooke doesn’t welcome that perspective. I appreciated that Jacob isn’t just ‘non horsey boyfriend’ - he’s got interests, goals, and dreams of his own and he’s pursing them with the same courage Brooke shows. Cat Trujillo makes for an interesting foil to both Eddie and Brooke - one there watching Brooke, having been in Brooke’s shoes, and waiting for the inevitable reckoning. We get some much gentler training methods and advice from her lips - demonstrating that not all top-level competitors put their ambitions before their horse.

Even the controversial trainer himself is handled carefully. The philosophy underpinning his practices, his manipulation of his horse-owning clients, and his own riding is absolutely appalling. They were difficult to read, though ring sadly very true. And yet, he has a gentler facade that pulls people in - that likability is exactly why he gets away with what he does for so long. His personal issues manifest as a destructive coping mechanism that clouds his judgment to the point that horses get seriously hurt. It is understandable while simultaneously being absolutely inexcusable.

The settings of Virginia and Ocala are beautifully rendered on the page. The barns, the apartments, the arenas, and the competitions (Lucille the cross-country starter was a delight) are so easy to picture. The settings live and breathe with bratty clients, high-spirited horses, and cuddly barn cats. You want to live in this world, despite its warts!

The pacing is perfect - it gallops along with all the drama of a white-knuckle cross country round. It was difficult to put down, because I just had to know what happened next! Everything came together to create a thrilling, serious, and action-packed horse story. We don’t get enough looks into eventing at this level, especially in fiction (see Brooke’s obsession with the cheesy eventing film Sylvester).

This book checks every box - it is a must-read for all horse-obsessed readers and even for those who aren’t. When it comes to what you’re willing to do to make it to the top, this books is a perfect precautionary tale. Anyone wanting a story exploring this concept is going to find plenty to love in ‘The Jump.’ Highly, highly recommended!

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW was this book relatable. As a former working student at a big show barn, I related to every detail of Brooke’s working student life (minus the rich working student). Especially the never ending hours of work. Natalie nailed it.
Really enjoyed this book. As a die hard Eventing series fan, I was very excited to get an advanced copy. This book is fun, engaging, accurate, and very in tune with the current state of the competitive horse world and allegations of horse abuse. I was impressed with how well the story laid out how easily “training tactics” can be justified, and believed, and made to sound like proper corrective actions, when in reality…
Great storyline, I liked every single character (minus the big bad trainer, but he was such a well blended version of all the traits and characteristics of both good and bad top trainers), I love the personality that developed as we got to know Brooke’s mare more, and I loved Heather’s cameo (podcast listener!)
If you liked the Eventing series, I think you’ll like this too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie has written yet another fabulous book about the horse world. A lot of equestrian fiction is cheesy but Natalie has a knack for writing stories that are a glimpse of the horse world. The characters are relatable because you see yourself in them or other people. She also touches on abuse which is a very real and unfortunately happens at all levels. However, there is so much more to the story than the abuse that sometimes happens behind closed doors. I would have read this in one sitting if I could have but life got in the way.

[Caroline Von]

Yet another fabulous book by Natalie Keller Reinert!!! I just can’t put her books down once I start them and this one didn’t disappoint!! I’m hoping we’ll hear more about Brooke, Lennox and Anise in the future!!!

[Catherine Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! Those 6am barn chores were extra hard after staying up until 3am to finish this book, but it was so worth it. I was actually writing down quotes to show my non horsey hubby that THIS is what horse girls think!
The plot is so timely in light of ongoing welfare issues/ #weridetogether and the characters so touching. If you are in any way affiliated with the horse industry, you need to read this book!

[Mary Ansell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting Well-Written Tale
Although I'm not an expert on horses, I enjoyed this story about a young woman following her dreams and finding her way in the world. The characters are interesting, and I appreciated the way the book addresses themes such as overcoming adversity, dealing with ethical issues, and learning to trust oneself.
Thanks to the author for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[David Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading a whole lot of novels from this talented author. The Jump may be the best of the best so far. I found this tome so hard to put down. An engaging plot along with captivating characters made reading such a pleasure. I felt no fluff, only worthwhile words throughout. Kudos!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new book from Natalie Keller Reinert and it's very timely given the current climate of horse welfare issues. It felt very different from the author's other books in that the main character is very naive about horses and riding but I appreciate that it feels more like an outsider's perspective on the equestrian world.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this book as advanced copy- this is the first book I have read of this author! I have to say that I loved the story! I used to own a horse back in my teenage years and I kept thinking of all the times I felt like the main character of the story, of what one would do for the love of a horse! As I was reading, I went back to the time when I had a horse of my own and what that felt like, the relationship with my horse. Brought back many happy memories for me!

[Rachel Maybury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story from my favourite equestrian author! New characters to learn, new situations to explore and a whole new series of adventures to look forward to.. can't wait for the next episode - thank you Natalie for allowing me the early opportunity to read and enjoy x

[Aranrúth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review copy from Edelweiss*

A "horse-girl" book for grown-ups (and teens). Clearly written by a horseperson, it is both accurate, yet accessible for those who are not. Characters and plots are true-to-life, with stakes high enough to be realistic rather than the starry-eyed dreams found in the pony books of youth.
An exhilarating ride of a book.

[Tiffany Crum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I knew very little about equestrian life coming into this book, and the world of eventing has absolutely come alive for me! I loved following Brooke through the risks and hardships she endures to make her dream come true. It’s a beautiful coming of age story with a few well timed surprises along the way. I highly recommend!

[Dale Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of Natalie Reinert's latest book is absolutely on target, but it gives away a lot of the plot. I didn't read it before reading The Jump, so I suffered a lot of anxiety as Brooke begins to realize that her "dream job" is not what she expected. She is slow to admit to herself that her boss, the idol of the eventing world, has a dark side. And the tension mounts, thanks to the author's fine writing. I found myself mumbling to Brooke, "C'mon girl, open your eyes!"

It will be easy for readers to identify with Brooke. If you're reading horse books, there's a chance you had dreams of making it to the "big time" in your sport. Maybe you did make it. Or not. But either way, you know the hard work, sacrifice--and luck--that it takes. Brooke has a brief conversation with a rider who has wealthy parents, a pricey horse, and is a social media star. The two exchange messages online and suddenly Brooke is invited to be a working student for a top trainer and the social media princess is her new roommate. Pure luck!

Brooke is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed with her moody mare, Roxie. But Roxie is getting worse, not better, and Brooke is getting frantic. She's getting pressure from people she has put her trust in, but things feel wrong. Roxie ultimately makes the decision for her owner, which is a delightful scene that had me cheering. Leave it to a mare to take control of the situation.

If you've read other books in the author's Eventing Series (and others), you will delight in the new characters she's brought to life in The Jump. Reinert opens readers' eyes to what it's like behind the scenes in some top training stables where there is constant pressure to stay on top, sell expensive horses, and attract students willing to pay big bucks for lessons and horses. People can lose sight of what matters the most, the well being of the horse. Unfortunately we've recently seen this uncovered in the real eventing world, and I applaud Reinert for writing about it.

The Jump is a cautionary tale with some grim moments, but it's also a fun look at a goofy, starry-eyed girl who's working her butt off, learning new skills at a frantic pace, and not giving up on her dream for the horse she loves.

[Madison Feldhahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie Keller Reinert has been one of my favorite authors for years and I was thrilled when the traditional publishing world finally caught on to her and her cast of characters. The Jump introduces us to Brooke, a struggling equestrian who has just stumbled into a working student job with one of the top eventing barns in the country with trainer Eddie O'Neill.

As is the case with all of Reinert's novels, we get a first hand look into the elite world of horse showing. She doesn't shy away from both the positives and negatives associated with the world. Brooke is timid and inexperienced and was the perfect character to introduce non-horsey people to this world. Brooke and her OTTB mare Roxie are struggling with a partnership throughout the entirety of the novel and it was so interesting to see what O'Neill thought would solve the problem.

Characters are one of Reinert's strongest elements in her writings. She brings in a closed loop of characters and each of them drive the story forward in their own way. I thought this particular cast was great and was quite different from Jules and Co. of Reinert's Eventing and Briar Hill Farm series. The one thing I felt that The Jump lacked in was horse characters, unfortunately. Outside of Roxie and Claudette to some extent, we don't get a ton of time with any of the other horses. This is a little atypical of Reinert's past works, but I can also recognize there is a difference between horse books for horse people and horse books for horse people + the general public.

All in all, Reinert wrote another excellent book, and I truly hope anyone who had even the smallest of horse phases picks this one up.

Thank you to Natalie Keller Reinert, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reinert has done it again. While set in the familiar world of three-day eventing, The Jump (a multifaceted title if I've ever seen one) features entirely new characters from her other books, which are set in Florida horse country in and around Ocala. This book's setting is split - it starts out in the Middle Atlantic in late summer and early fall, then transitions to Florida's winter equestrian competition season in Ocala, focusing on a working student for a famous horse trainer. The plot is very different from those of her other books, but it is just as deeply engaging as all of the others - I resented having to put the book down to go off to do something else.

Like her other series, you become almost immediately invested in the characters and their problems and goals. The book's protagonist is sympathetic - you want to see her succeed despite all of the roadblocks in her path. You want her to be able to navigate the ins and outs of this new world she's entered.

Reinert offers tantalizing glimpses into the book's possible antagonist - is he or isn't he? Can the protagonist take the other characters at face value - or are they hiding something? Are they friends, mentors, or enemies? The reader will enjoy finding out.

One last word - will there be a sequel? It's a guaranteed purchase for me.

[Gail G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story about a young woman and her horse. Brooke got her dream job after years of trying to make it in eventing with no money, little support, and a strong-willed, off-track, TB mare, Roxie. Brooke’s training journey in the high stakes eventing world, the making of friends and learning about herself and her mare was a great read. Her anxieties and her growth as a trainer and an owner was worth reading. The ending was unexpected and just perfect.

This author knows horses and she can paint a picture of the long hours and back breaking work around horses. Her book made me feel the heat and the muscle aches and the worry about training errors and then the happiness of feeling the horse in that perfect movement. This book show that the love of the horse and the love of riding are why so many people put up with the hard work and nerve wracking feat of sitting on the back of a 1000 plus pound prey animal who is not always cooperative. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or someone who lives with a crazy horse person.

I was asked to review this by the author through NetGalley and my opinions are my own. NetGalley was quite difficult to work with but I was able to read the book despite the website sign in problems.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an exciting story about a girl who wants to work with horses more than anything but has limited means. It did a masterful job of showing the excitement of a horse girl getting to work for her idol, and also the reality of how working students are often treated and the difficulty of leaving when you don’t have the resources to go anywhere due to the nature of a working student position. Also very realistic in showing how some top riders love their horses while some use abusive practices to get ahead, and that the talent or success of a rider doesn’t necessarily mean they treat horses or people well. My only gripe is I’d have liked to see more accountability for Anise since she not only looked the other way with the things Eddie did but helped and enabled it. Then again, that is pretty realistic to the current state of affairs as well so I can’t be too critical!

[Erika Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when one of my favorite authors brings in a new character. This book does not disappoint. I could really identify with the main character, a horse girl growing up in a family that doesn’t really understand. The story was engaging, and the characters were well developed. The plot line follows situations going on in the horse world today with an honest and realistic look at some of the more challenging parts of the sport and those involved. As always, the equine related aspects are portrayed realistically, and with deep understanding of how horses and writers work together.
I really hope there is a follow up with these characters coming in the future. Can’t wait to follow their stories!

[Cathy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love the realism, the accurate horse content. I'm a mare person so I love Roxie, her moods, her spunk and fire. Love that the horses' personalities are so well described, I can just picture them. Good story with well developed characters, eventing action and a bad guy. Brooke takes a big chance to live her dream--working and training with a top eventing trainer. But it doesn't work out as she expects. She finds there's a dark side to the horse world but makes new good friends and learns to connect to Roxie the way she dreamed of. Loved it! Highly recommended.

[Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a ride. The journey Brooke and Roxy had was like riding a roller coaster. I have never wanted to hurt someone as much as I wanted to hurt Eddie and I am so happy about what happened even if it wasn't enough. Getting the insight into the life of a working student was eye opening and makes me with I could go back in time and try it for myself. Natalie did it again, bringing the world of eventing to life for those of us not familiar with it. She has opened up the vibrant and slightly insane equestrian world to us and let us feel a part of it and it is wonderful I can't praise this book enough

[Vanessa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!
In this story we meet Brooke, who decides she's ready to make the jump to work in the horse world, and the sacrifice it will take to get there, both for her and her horse, Roxie, who she wants to give the opportunity to achieve her potential. I couldn't put the book down, i kept wanting to know what happens next. (Not to mention i hope this isn't the last time we get a story from Brooke and this crew!)
This is classic NKR- well developed characters, a great story, and plenty of horses. While being a horse lover is why i read her books, the story and the characters are so well written that even a non-horse-love would enjoy it.

[Selina Hornblow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see a new series by my fav equine author and this book did not disappoint! So so realistic about the world of equestrian grooming I found the situation so relatable. The pacing of the book was fantastic with the action really thick and fast towards the end which worked so well amping up the tension. I really hope that we get more books set in this world as I loved all the charachters. You can just tell Natalie's horse knowledge and I found the addition of the social media side of things with influencing was a great adition in todays world, especially showing the "perfect picture" mentality. This book was difficult to put down and the cause of a couple late nights!

[JoAnn Manor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jump – Review

I’ve read many of Natalie Keller Reinert’s books, and The Jump does not disappoint. The character development is as thorough and engaging as it was in my favorite of her series.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of The Jump. For me, Natalie Reinert Keller’s books feel like being welcomed into a friend’s cozy den— the fireplace blazing, a cup of the best tea in hand—while she personally tells me about her latest adventure.

Brooke, the protagonist of The Jump, embarks on a journey I’ve often imagined taking myself. Imagine having the opportunity to ride with one of the best eventing trainers in the USA, taking a year off from what everyone expects you to do in order to explore your passion and pursue your dreams of becoming a better horseback rider. Brooke arrives at a Disneyland-like facility filled with beautiful horses and a cast of characters you’ll learn to love, hate, or perhaps feel something in between.

Throughout the story, Brooke is challenged not only in her current level of riding, but also in her problem-solving abilities and her belief in herself. The growth she experiences feels authentic and deeply relatable.

Come along and enjoy the journey with Brooke and her mare, Roxie, as they experience a life-changing year at Eddie O’Niell’s farm.

[Kelli Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie has once again done it again in this new coming of age equestrian novel! Brooke is a young woman who decides to breakout of the roles her parents expect of her and heads out to see if she can actually make it in the Eventing world by becoming a working student to a big name trainer. In this newest novel, Natalie is not afraid to tell us about the darkside of the horse world and what sometimes happens behind scenes. The novel Jump, is a wonderful coming to age tale and also a story about following both your heart and your head.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Keller Reinert does not disappoint with this novel. Another thrilling equestrian tale, that brings horse lovers for another amazing ride. I love the way this book like her others feels relatable to the main characters life struggles, fears and need to fulfill a full life and prove the doubters wrong. For me its not just a story of a horse and rider, but also a reminder to keep chasing dreams no matter how challenging or scary the jump. Will be adding this adventure to my favorites from this author. I can't wait for the next ride, I will be sure to have my helmet and boots ready. 😉

[Kathy Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie always writes true to life books about the horse world and Jump is no exception. Brooke is following her dream and in the process she finds out that the people she looks up to don't always turn out to be who she thought they were. Brooke ends up having to make what she thought were tuff choices. but in the end were easier to make than she first thought when she puts the wellbeing of her horse first. I hope this is the first book in series.

[Miranda Mues · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Much like Reinert’s other equestrian novels, this story is very realistic and relatable. If you’ve ever worked with horses, aspired to be a working student, or just wanted to be immersed in horse lifestyle you’ll be able to connect with the characters in this book. I truly hope this becomes a series and we get to read more about Brooke, Lenox, and Anise.

[Debby Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

After suffering withdrawal from finishing the author's eventing series, this stand-alone novel hit the spot! I love how there are parallel plots involving horses and people. I especially loved how the author developed the "is he a good guy or bad guy?" plotline. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

[Firn Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely phenomenal work by Natalie Keller Reinert. With vivid prose drawing you in and likeable, nuanced characters who keep you on your toes, this story will keep you entertained, questioning, and guessing to the very end. Brooke's compelling journey challenges us to face real-world issues even as we enjoy the escapism of her world. Highly recommended.