Grabbing Mane

Grabbing Mane #1

by Natalie Keller Reinert

"Buy a horse, they said. It will be fun, they said."Casey Halbach's life was perfectly on track. She had it good friends, loving boyfriend, decent job with her very own cubicle.

Then, she met Sky. Riding instructor, barn manager, and whirlwind of energy, Sky effortlessly launches Casey back into the saddle. After fifteen years behind a desk, Casey was a little rusty... but the more time she spends at the stable, the more she never wants to leave.

Friends are confused, the boyfriend is concerned, and Casey is conflicted -- but when she decides to take the plunge and buy a horse of her own, she realizes that she was just dabbling in the shallow end before. Now, Casey's pretty sure she's in over her head, but the crazy thing

She thinks she likes it this way.

Can anyone balance life, work, and horses? Casey's going to give it a try. Indeed, she's pretty sure she doesn't have a choice.For anyone who has ever loved a horse, dreamed about their very own pony, or simply clock-watched their way through another boring day at the office, Grabbing Mane is our story. Testing the boundaries of who we think we are, adjusting to strange new realities, and (hopefully) bringing our partners along for the balancing real life, and equestrian life, isn't easy.

Grabbing Mane is Book One in a new series about adult amateur equestrian life, from award-winning author Natalie Keller Reinert.

Early Reviews for Grabbing

"Natalie has done it again and with all new characters! I loved getting to know Casey, Brandon and of course the lovely James! I especially liked the fact that Casey was just like all of us, bitten by the horse bug but having to make her way in the real world, with all the conflicts and confidence issues that haunt horse-girls everyday."

- Kathleen Edwards, Goodreads

"It is relatable and extremely well-written. Anyone who has been into horses and has walked away for a while will understand."

-Jo, Goodreads

Genres: Horses, Audiobook

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2020

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

[Natalie]

Writing this book was such a pleasure (even the three massive rewrites - okay, could have lived without those!) and I'm thankful for my Patreons for supporting it all the way from conception to publication! Returning to horses after time away is a common story for so many equestrians, and I hope that Casey's story is relatable, gives you a little hope, and helps you come back from that horseless time... or plan for the future!

[Kathleen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie has done it again and with all new characters! I loved getting to know Casey, Brandon and of course the lovely James! 😍 I especially liked the fact that Casey was just like all of us, bitten by the horse bug but having to make her way in the real world, with all the conflicts and confidence issues that haunt horse-girls everyday. Thanks for the introductions, Natalie, my literary horse friends are growing and I can’t wait to read more about them!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors

You gotta know it is going to be a good day when you download the newest release from Natalie Keller Reinert. Superb main characters that love horses and are just a little bit flawed, but that is what makes them so relatable and loved. Can't wait for the next book in the series, or any other book by Natalie Keller Reinert.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just over a day, the fastest I've read a book in YEARS!

Have you ever read a book that makes you feel like its based on yourself? This is this book for me. I will cherish this book forever and reread it until it falls apart, and then buy it again, over and over again. I need a sequel asap 😂
This book is everything to me ❤

The ONLY thing I would say is there are 3 sentences which seem to have been skipped with editing (missing a word etc) however that doesn't change my opinion of this book.

Now my dream of owning a horse has become dangerously more of an obsession than it already was 😂

[Elizabeth Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute horsey book. I loved how relatable the author made the book for fellow equestrians. I giggled numerous times about specific scenes all horse girls experience.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbing Mane follows the story of Casey as she re-enters the horse world as an adult. It is relatable and extremely well written. Anyone who has been into horses and has walked away for a while will understand.

I can't wait to read more about Casey's adventures into her new life!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who’s found or reignited a passion later in life. It makes me incredibly nostalgic. I am Casey, and Casey is me.

Once again, Natalie captures all the feels with Grabbing Mane. In this book, however, there is a more matter-of-fact attitude where some other novels might go for the lofty goals and the path we wish we’d taken. It’s grounded in a realism that you seldom get from a fiction novel. I can make parallels between Casey and every single adult re-rider at my barn, no matter their riding level. It made for an incredibly fun and relatable read.

I found Grabbing Mane to be a fairly quick read, as well. Partly because I couldn’t put it down, but the style makes it perfect for a rainy day when you’ve called out of work (or you’re home because #pandemiclife). Natalie’s writing gets better and better with every new release. If you’ve liked any of her books before, you’re going to love this one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Catts · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY - a book about the world of horses that isn't geared to the juvenile/young adult age group and which is written by someone who actually knows what she's talking about! I loved this book. The characters were well-developed and the story-line of a 30-ish year old amateur owner/rider felt real.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adulting... with horses

I almost gave up this book during the first half-dozen chapters. I am SO GLAD I stuck it out. I realized the pacing of those first chapters echoed the tedium that Casey's life as an adult had become. It wasn't until Casey started to ride again and bought the young, off-track Thoroughbred horse that the story really picked up as riding James brought Casey back alive.

Casey had to face some difficult decisions in this book when her boyfriend was offered a promotion and his dream job, but several hours from their home. Should she break up with him and stay here? Or should she just follow him and find a new job? Should she sell yet another horse she has grown to love, or move her horse to a new city? By some miracle, can she find a way to have everything she loves? It was fascinating to watch Casey maneuver through the intricasies of adult responsibilities while spending significant time each day with horse-crazy teen girls who see every question with stark black and white answers. Welcome to an experience in adulting. With horses.

I purchased a copy of this story and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I think horses wreck your life, and you're just supposed to enjoy the ride." If you've spent any time in the horse world you learn this real fast! I loved following Casey on her roller coaster ride of jumping back into the horse world. Natalie Keller Reinert once again does an excellent job of portraying all the joy and turmoil that horses bring into you life. This story captivates you and leaves you wanting more! I can't wait to see where Casey's horse girl journey takes her next.

[Helen Kwong]

It was a very enjoyable nostalgic read for the path yet to be realized. Even though we may not always follow our childhood dreams, it may not be too late for those dreams to be realized.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ☆
A great representation of adult life with horses. Natalie Keller Reinert writes the best horse books!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to move back to Florida even though I say I never want to live there again! Spot on description of the weather and planning rides around the afternoon thunderstorms. My lessons were typically at 7am cause any later and the heat would make me dizzy. Adorable relatable storyline, as an adult amateur myself I want to quit my job and work with horses full time at least a couple times a year!

[Md · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of a re-rider and return to the world of horses. I want to be barn buddies with Casey!

[Bobbi Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Blue Ribbon Round!

Yet again Natalie brings another great character to life and has us hanging on wanting to know more! Plus one all us Ammy Owners who showed as kids can relate to!! Bravo!!

[Gayle Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Another amazing book from Natalie. The story was very realistic, l can imagine being in the same place choosing between horses, job and partner,

[Dale Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers of Natalie Reinhert's books have learned how good she is at accurately capturing the atmosphere and people involved in different equestrian disciplines. Her main characters (each masterfully created and memorable) are professionals in their chosen sports. They are dealing with events and circumstances that ring true--things that make those of us who have lived in those sports nod our heads in sympathy and eagerly turn the pages. In my opinion, Natalie is one of the best writers in equestrian fiction, with a diversity of knowledge and creativity no one else has.

In Grabbing Mane Natalie explores a different side of the horse world, telling the story of a woman who gave up horses for college, a career and a "normal" life, then is drawn back into stable life. I know Natalie's books appeal to young readers as well as those of us who are, shall I say, "longer in the tooth." The teen-aged "barn rats" are well represented in this book and I think young readers will easily identify with them. They will enjoy their dramas and, in some cases, displays of wisdom well beyond their years. True to type, the kids roll their eyes at the thought that THEY would EVER give up horses, and they are naturally curious to watch the progression of a returnee to life with horses.

Casey, the main character, is at a good place in her life, with a loving boyfriend and a solid job in marketing, but feels that something is missing. When she delivers a marketing proposal to Sky, who runs a boarding stable, Casey's life begins to change, with a lot of self doubt and angst involved. It's a scenario that many readers will find familiar, because legions of people who rode and competed in their youth do return to horses after they've raised their families and retired from their careers. Readers will be happy to know that Casey and her adorable boyfriend return in Flying Dismount.

[Laura Holt-Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book's protagonist, Casey, spent her childhood and adolescence obsessed with horses, eventually becoming an accomplished rider and owner of a Thoroughbred named Wilson. As she entered her senior year in high school, she felt pressured to "grow up". She had to focus on getting into a good college and launching a sensible career. Horses didn't fit into these expectations for her future. As the novel begins, Casey is 32, hates her job, and hasn't thought of horses for a long time, until her boss sends her on an errand that reignites her passion for horses. What starts out as a onetime riding lesson leads to a very different life from what she'd planned for herself.

I'm a lifelong horse person, but, like Casey, I experienced a long period in which I rarely had the opportunity to ride. Getting back in the saddle isn't as easy as one might think or expect. I related to her fears and frustrations, her sore muscles, and her determination not to look like a complete novice. But perhaps even more, I resonated with Casely's struggle to figure out what kind of life she wants to live. How do we find a balance between our passions and "reality"? Can an adult really follow their dreams? What if doing so means making choices that interfere with the expectations we (and others) put on ourselves? The novel kept me guessing what would happen and what Casey would ultimately choose.

The novel is very horse centered, and assumes the reader is at least familiar with horse terms and the basics of riding and caring for horses. If you aren't, this book probably won't be for you. But if you grew up as a serious rider, or have gotten into riding as an adult, you're in for a delicious, horsey treat.

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, delightful story about a very relatable re-rider who finds the juggling act of balancing work, commuting, riding, and her various side hustles to support her horse just as challenging as actually getting back in the saddle. Any adult getting back to riding or learning to to ride will understand Casey's struggles and how just one riding lesson a week can quickly spiral into a very expensive maelstrom.

This isn't a fairy tale, but I certainly wish the barn I had begun riding at as an adult was as warm and nurturing as the one in this story. The conflicts many amateur adult riders experience--including dealing with non-horsey friends who cheerfully advise you to "pursue your passion" but are then mystified when they really learn how much effort the horse world demands--are also realistically but humorously detailed. Casey's horse James is neither a saint or a rogue, but has many of the common issues OTTBs struggle with as they transition to their new careers, and the ways in which Casey's quarter-life crisis mirrors his learning how to be a riding horse also ring very true to life.

The perfect summer horsey read, and very reminiscent (on an adult level) of Jean Slaughter Doty's Summer Pony and Winter Pony, about a young and relatively inexperienced rider learning about herself with a less-than-perfect (but still appropriate) horse!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nostalgia for Sure

For me, this book was a lot of old home week, which, I’m sure, influenced my review. Reinert either was a “horse girl” or knew one intimately because she nailed it. I was never a part of the rarified world of horse shows, lessons, and the other expensive parts of horse ownership, but the horse part — absolutely.

Reinert doesn’t do as good a job with making the soul-sucking cubicle life or the weekend drinks-and-brunch lifestyle believable. That could be because I don’t already identify with either one. I also thought that, other than Casey, the characters weren’t really well developed. And the book desperately needs a good copy editor. Many garbled sentences are evidence of careless rewriting and editing. It always helps to have someone else read your work. Failing that, at least read it out loud to catch the most egregious errors. I’ll probably try another of her books just to get another horse fix.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

On of my favorite things about Natalie's books are her characters, I want to hang out with Alex, take lessons with Grace, and Jules, I just love to see which way she is headed next!

Now there is Casey, and man do I feel Casey. The place Casey is in reminds me why I have so stubbornly clung to my horses all these years. Even when there was no extra money to do anything, the last thing I wanted was to be 40 getting back in the saddle for the first time 15-20 years. I

I enjoyed this story as well because I was 100% prepared for it to end with heartbreak in one form or another, but it didn't. I like an unexpected happy ending.

I remain a big Natalie fan.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for when you need a lighthearted, feel good, make-you-smile book. There were so many moments as I was reading that made me stop and question if this was truly a book about my life:

Love of horses? Check
Stuck in an office at a 9-5 that really makes me question my life choices? Check
Attempting to find a work-life-horses balance? Check
Absolutely floundering that balance and ditching get-togethers with friends for the barn? Check

Casey felt like me. It felt like I was reading a book about my life and where I'm at in it. There was something so comforting in that.

[Heather Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first time in awhile I really felt like this book was following my own life experience with horses. It was amazing to finally see a returning adult equestrian as the main character and follow her personal journey. Not only did I resonate with the non-horsey partner (my husband hasn't been to the barn in over a year) but also the amount of overthinking everything when I need to just trust myself and my horse. I cried at the end (no spoilers) because I was nervous for our heroine and her horse and I cannot wait to see what happens next and how they grow together.

[Zoe Bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for adult horse lovers!

This book is beautifully written for anyone who grew up reading horse books and wonders what happens next, for those of us who didn't go to the Olympics and instead wound up as a working adult. I loved watching Casey's character find herself as she balanced all the various elements of her "real world" life (boyfriend, job, social life) with the reemergence of the horse girl passions of her youth.

[Tonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo relatable. In the end note the author mentions wishing it had been a little funnier so I just want her and prospective readers to know I found myself highlighting quite a few delightful segments that were so relatably funny (like the dad deciding on whether to reach for center-table food during a tense conversation). Thanks so much for writing a book that is relatable / has quite the real life concerns for people who are trying to balance horses, work and family!

[Sandra Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like my real life- sort of....

I found this novel on Facebook, and the blurb sounded good and interesting. It hit a little close to home- once a ballet student turned horse - crazed girl when I was 12, and giving up horses for college gal. Now, as a teacher, mom, and wife making all that balance out has been hard. Loved the book. Loved James. It's a great story, totally realistic, at least in my case!

[Naomi F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never have too many expectations when reading a book about horses. There were grammar and editing issues, which I can look past. The story was cute. So relatable as an adult rider trying to juggle work, home and horse life. I found some parts to be a bit repetitive. I didn't like how Casey seemed so whiney and immature. She got mad a lot, she waved down waiters which is gross imo, idk... her attitude about some things just stunk which irritated me lol.

[Carly Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. As an adult equestrian who returned to the saddle after selling my childhood horse, I can totally relate to the main character, the learning curve she experiences coming back into the horse world, and the pains of corporate life she experiences. As always, Natalie's writing about horses and the equestrian world is spot on.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the actual horse stuff. A little too pat of an ending. I had a horse from age 11 to age 17 but had little in common with the "horse girl" teens in this book so it was hard to relate to the whole premise of the book. I will be reading more by this author though as I like horse books and there are not so many of them for adults.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that I related to a little too much at times. I would’ve given it 5 stars except Casey got a little annoying towards the end and sounded a lot more like a whiny teenager butting heads with her parents simply because they were the ones stating the facts than a 32 year old woman. Either way, I’m looking forward to the next book!