7 Equine Authors Worth Reading, Gifting, and Listening To
From page to audiobook to podcast, these horse‑world storytellers travel with you.
Horses carry us through landscapes, but they also carry us through stories. The equestrian world is rich with voices that capture the bond between horse and rider, the humor of barn life, and the lessons learned in the saddle. This season, I’m spotlighting equine authors whose work deserves not only to be followed online, but bought, borrowed, read, and gifted.
These are writers and creatives I personally know or have followed for years—each one brings something unique to our horse‑loving community. And no, my list of seven isn’t ranked—horses may love a herd pecking order, but I don’t.
Heather Wallace
Books (nonfiction & fiction): Confessions of a Timid Rider, Adulting with Horses, Girl Forward, her Green Mountain Romance series, Back Door Horse, and Shadow on the Mountain
Known as The Timid Rider, Heather has built a robust platform by turning vulnerability into strength. Through her award‑winning blog and books like Confessions of a Timid Rider, she blends humor, honesty, and practical advice, reminding us that courage in the saddle often begins with acknowledging our fears. Her writing champions inclusivity and authenticity, encouraging riders of all levels to embrace imperfection and find joy in the journey.
Beyond the page, Heather is a certified equine and canine massage therapist, bringing a holistic perspective to horse care and rider wellness. She also co‑hosts the Adulting with Horses podcast with Natalie Keller Reinert, where she, Natalie, and fellow equestrian voices tackle the lighter—and often hilarious—side of horse life. Whether she’s writing, podcasting, working hands‑on with horses, or lovingly mothering her children, Heather’s message is clear: vulnerability is not weakness—it’s the gateway to growth, connection, and courage.
Rae Rankin
Books: Cowgirl Lessons, Cowgirl Christmas, Cowgirl and the Ghost Horse, Boys Ride Too!, and Trail Ride Rescue are only a sampling of all Rae has on tap.
Often award-winning, Rae’s children’s books—like Cowgirl Lessons and Cowgirl Christmas—are beautifully written and illustrated, celebrating inclusivity and joy. Her stories capture the everyday magic of young riders, making them perfect gifts for horse‑loving families. Beyond the page, Rae actively engages with her community on social media and serves as an editor and creative force for her local horse club, sharing her creative journey and encouraging kids to follow their passions. Her work not only entertains but also inspires confidence, responsibility, and connection—values that make her books a staple in classrooms, libraries, and gift lists alike.
Carly Kade
Books: In the Reins series (In the Reins, Cowboy Away, Show Pen Promise, Beyond Eight Seconds)
Carly’s Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast
With nearly 125 episodes under her belt, Carly Cade has become the Jimmy Kimmel of the horse‑book world—hosting the spotlight where equestrian authors get their moment to shine. Carly’s own fiction captures the romance and grit of Western horsemanship, with storylines that resonate deeply with equestrian readers.
Natalie Keller Reinert
Natalie is known for multiple series, including The Eventing Series, Grabbing Mane Series, Show Barn Blues, and The Alex & Alexander Series, which includes Claiming Christmas.
Audiobooks: 11 titles available on Audible, making her one of the most accessible equine authors for listeners.
Natalie’s fiction captures the grit, drama, and heart of horse life—from the backside of the racetrack to the challenges of competitive eventing. Her prolific output and audiobook availability make her a go‑to for equestrians who want stories that ride along with them. Photo credit: Kacy Brown Photography
Susan Friedland
Susan’s books include Horses Adored and Men Endured, Strands of Hope, Marguerite, Misty and Me.
Susan writes with warmth and relatability, weaving memoir and horse culture into narratives that feel like conversations with a barn friend.
Be sure to visit Susan’s Ultimate Equestrian Gift Guide.
Hope Ellis‑Ashburn
Books: Always Hope: Adventures in an Appalachian Horse Farm, Kimbrook Arabians: How an Unlikely Beginning Shaped a Breed
Hope blends her background as a journalist, educator, and lifelong horsewoman into stories that celebrate heritage, resilience, and the deep bond between humans and horses. Her LinkedIn presence makes her especially easy to follow for updates, collaborations, and professional insights.
Raquel Lynn
Books: Stable Style: Barn Inspiration for All Equestrians and Stable Style: Barn Inspiration for All Equestrians, Volume II, with Volume III coming in 2026
Creating HorsesandHeels almost two decades ago and expanding to Stable Style, Los Angeles-based Raquel brings the equestrian lifestyle to life through design inspiration, barn tours, and chic horse‑centric living. In addition to all the divine items to shop for, I love looking for the tres soignée Raquel with her pinto mare, Fira, Mango the Pomeranian, and a clutch of Silkie chickens.
Feed What You Love
Buy: Support equine creatives who preserve and expand horse culture.
Read: Enrich your own horsemanship and sense of connection.
Gift: Share stories that inspire riders, trainers, and horse‑curious friends.
Borrow: Visit your local library or use apps like Libby (by OverDrive) to discover and enjoy equine books. Supporting libraries keeps these stories accessible to everyone and strengthens the community around them.
Why Borrowing Matters
Libraries aren’t just for borrowing—they’re hubs that keep horse stories alive for future generations. Every time you check out an equine book, you’re not only discovering new voices, but you’re also helping your library recognize the value of these titles and keep them in circulation. Supporting libraries ensures that horse‑world storytellers remain accessible to everyone, from seasoned riders to the simply horse‑curious.
Join the Conversation
Which equine authors inspire you? My “back in the day” reads include those by Walter Farley, Marguerite Henry, Dick Francis, Mary O’Hara, and Anna Sewell. More current writers who have given me the horse-girl swoon are Elizabeth Letts, Charlie Mackesy, Jojo Moyes, and Nicholas Evans. Share your favorites in the comments, and tag Arabian Horse Travel on Substack, LinkedIn, or Instagram when you post photos of your horse‑themed bookshelf or gift haul. Let’s celebrate the voices that keep our horse world vibrant.
Stories, like horses, carry us farther than we imagined. May these and other horse-story authors ride alongside you all year long.
Love this roundup! The Timid Rider's approach to embracing vulnerability is somthing that doesn't get talked about enough in equestrian circles. I've been meaning to check out Natalie Keller Reinert's audiobooks since they seem perfect for barn commutes, and the fact that she has 11 available is wild. The library tip at the end is clutch too becuase it's easy to forget how much horse lit actually circulates through public systems. This list is going straight to my gift planning notes.