Tired of novelists who throw in a horse or two for good measure, but inevitably botch even the most basic rules of riding? With her newest novel Ambition, Natalie Keller Reinert has truly written a horse book for adults. This time Natalie delves into the world of eventing from the perspective of Jules, a rider for whom nothing has come easy:

Jules Thornton didn’t come to Ocala to make friends. She came to make a name for herself. Young, determined, and tough as nails, she’s been swapping stable-work for saddle-time since she was a little kid - and it hasn’t always been a fun ride. Forever the struggling rider in a sport for the wealthy, all Jules has on her side is talent and ambition. She’s certain all she needs to succeed are good horses, but will the eventing world agree?

This story hit close to home. I was the rider who cleaned stalls and tack for saddle time, who watched friends buy and lease show horses while I had to be content with whatever lesson horse wasn’t being used that day. While I never aspired to the competition career that Jules yearns for, I certainly know what it’s like to wish for respect and security in the sometimes brutal equestrian world.

Natalie’s strength as a writer lies in the fact that she is both a storyteller and a horse person. Natalie weaves the story of Jules, her horses, and their uncertain road to the upper levels of eventing with realism and detail. Her firsthand experience with horses is evident, and she uses that experience to develop both the human and the equine characters.

Perhaps best of all, horses don’t play a supporting role in this novel – rather, the novel centers around them. Horses are on every page, but the plot moves quickly. Richly detailed, a rider can’t help but nod her head in agreement with some of the comments and musings that Jules narrates. The situations are familiar grounds for so many riders.

Which brings us to one of the book’s only downfalls: While it’s highly accessible for riders, I don’t know that the same can be said for readers who have little to no horse knowledge. And that’s fine – shouldn’t equestrians have some novels intended just for them? – but I feel compelled to warn you that even though you may adore Ambition, your non-horsey friends and relatives will probably find themselves lost after the first chapter or so.

I found Ambition to be a little bit on the short side; I would have liked it to follow the adventure a little bit further. However, it definitely hints of another story to come – perhaps a sequel following Jules as she moves up to the big-time?

Ambition provides a lively account of the challenges of the horse world, the dedication and sacrifice that are standard characteristics in so many competitive riders, and the riders’ drive and desire that, if they go unchecked, can border on the destructive. This is all balanced out by moments of humor, making Ambition a fun and compelling read.

You can buy the e-book of Ambition on Amazon, and learn more about Natalie’s work through her website. Be sure to check out The Equine Insider’s own interview with Natalie as well!

I have arthritis. And carpal tunnel. And nerve damage. And a whole bunch of other issues. I have these problems in my wrists and my hands, and sometimes, when the weather fluctuates or I’m too stubborn for my own good and insist on doing too much typing, too much practicing (I play the flute), or grooming my horse for too long (yes, there is such a thing), I pay for it.

My mom gave me Back On Track’s wrist braces in hope that they would help relieve some of my pain. I had worn all sorts of braces and wraps, but none had really been effective. Back On Track products take a different approach, though – according to their website, Back On Track products are made with “state-of-the art, ceramic powder-infused Welltex fabric, which works with your natural body warmth to provide a gentle warmth. The ceramic powder reflects your own body warmth as a far infrared wave, a form of energy that has documented pain relieving effect.” I figured it was worth a try.

The braces definitely help my wrists. Wearing them seems to result in a greater range of mobility and comfort. After wearing them while sitting around the house a few times, I decided to put them on while I rode. I found it easier to hold the reins, and the pain in my hands and wrists, while not gone, was reduced.

The Back On Track wrist braces are comfortable and flexible. They fit snugly, but I found that the fit didn’t bother me after a few minutes. I like the fact that they’re black, so they can fit discreetly under most outfits. They’re a bit warm, so they probably wouldn’t be the most comfortable during hot summer rides, but the improvement I felt while and after wearing them has convinced me to keep up the practice of using them during rides whenever possible. I’d be interested to try Back On Track’s riding gloves and may have to pick up a pair in the future.

For more information on Back On Track’s products (they have large product lines for humans, horses, and dogs), visit their website.