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Alex and Alexander #2
Other People's Horses
It’s the dream of a lifetime — and Alex should be thrilled, taking six horses to Saratoga for the storied racing meet. But circumstances are less than ideal. With her husband, Alexander, abroad, the racing community is suspicious of her credentials. And to make her even more uneasy, Kerri, her naive assistant, is a little too friendly with the trainer next door.
Ignoring the outside world, Alex throws herself into her work. Then she notices a new filly on the track — a filly with a problem she’s sure she can fix.
If only Alex owned that filly.
From training track gossip to tack room confidentials, OTHER PEOPLE’S HORSES continues the story of Alex and Alexander — two Thoroughbred trainers trying to do the right thing — that began in THE HEAD AND NOT THE HEART.
Ignoring the outside world, Alex throws herself into her work. Then she notices a new filly on the track — a filly with a problem she’s sure she can fix.
If only Alex owned that filly.
From training track gossip to tack room confidentials, OTHER PEOPLE’S HORSES continues the story of Alex and Alexander — two Thoroughbred trainers trying to do the right thing — that began in THE HEAD AND NOT THE HEART.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2013
105 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Keller Reinert
53 books544 followersNatalie 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.
Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 18, 2013
What a great book! I stayed up last night until midnight finishing it. This is a horse story for grown-ups. The Black Stallion for adults. Seabiscuit for women. Not only does the author dispense with all the generic "explaining" of horsey terms to outsiders, she just assumes you understand, jumps right in and hustles you along as Alex (she's a young horsewoman) takes a string of horses to Saratoga at the opening of that prestigious horse racing meet. Although those interested in horses and horse racing will adore this book, there is a lot here for anyone.
Ever been a woman knocking your head against the wall of the good-old-boys club? You'll appreciate this novel. Ever fallen in love-at-first-sight with an animal (in this case a bright chestnut filly) which you realize is a totally gut-driven, emotional, irrational choice, but you can't help yourself? You'll completely understand this story. Ever played second-string to a popular, successful husband and can't find any recognition of your own talented self? There is much to love in this fast-paced novel about Alex's attempt to prove herself as a trainer, all the while keeping her marriage to Alexander intact. This book is the sequel to The Head and not the Heart, Ms. Reinert's first novel. But this one is definitely a stand-alone novel in its own right, and I'm happy to see how Reinert has grown and matured as an author. Can't wait to read her next work.
Ever been a woman knocking your head against the wall of the good-old-boys club? You'll appreciate this novel. Ever fallen in love-at-first-sight with an animal (in this case a bright chestnut filly) which you realize is a totally gut-driven, emotional, irrational choice, but you can't help yourself? You'll completely understand this story. Ever played second-string to a popular, successful husband and can't find any recognition of your own talented self? There is much to love in this fast-paced novel about Alex's attempt to prove herself as a trainer, all the while keeping her marriage to Alexander intact. This book is the sequel to The Head and not the Heart, Ms. Reinert's first novel. But this one is definitely a stand-alone novel in its own right, and I'm happy to see how Reinert has grown and matured as an author. Can't wait to read her next work.
March 21, 2013
This is a much anticipated sequel to "The Head & Not The Heart" and Alex has grown as a racehorse trainer. She is now champing at the bit to be given more of a free rein.
This story tells us what happened - and you will get no spoilers from me!
I actually read this book in one sitting as I found it impossible to put down; beautifully written, by someone who obviously knows and loves horses. Natalie Keller Reinert guides us expertly through the processes involved in training race horses, in informative, jargon free narrative that has very human story-lines woven in.
Her principal characters are utterly believable, and the "background actors" are summed up in concise, deadly accurate phrases. One gets the feel of the shedrows and gallops and her descriptions of the actual races are gripping.
This is a book with a great story line that will appeal as much to non horsey people as it will to the horsey.
I can't wait for the next one!
This story tells us what happened - and you will get no spoilers from me!
I actually read this book in one sitting as I found it impossible to put down; beautifully written, by someone who obviously knows and loves horses. Natalie Keller Reinert guides us expertly through the processes involved in training race horses, in informative, jargon free narrative that has very human story-lines woven in.
Her principal characters are utterly believable, and the "background actors" are summed up in concise, deadly accurate phrases. One gets the feel of the shedrows and gallops and her descriptions of the actual races are gripping.
This is a book with a great story line that will appeal as much to non horsey people as it will to the horsey.
I can't wait for the next one!
March 16, 2013
An excellent book that captured my imagination and had me feeling as if I was walking along with Alex on this journey.
The horsemanship and subtle ways Alex trains the horses is so very much appreciated by me. The horse racing is great, the storyline is fabulous and takes us deep into thinking about the importance of friendships, relationships, and the journey we call life. For those of us who love horses, we know that every so often a horse comes along that will make us a better person...either we learn about ourselves or others through the lessons from the horse.
You are going to love Luna Park...once you get to know her, and in this story you are might just find that you have walked in the shoes of one of the characters that Natalie brings to life.
The horsemanship and subtle ways Alex trains the horses is so very much appreciated by me. The horse racing is great, the storyline is fabulous and takes us deep into thinking about the importance of friendships, relationships, and the journey we call life. For those of us who love horses, we know that every so often a horse comes along that will make us a better person...either we learn about ourselves or others through the lessons from the horse.
You are going to love Luna Park...once you get to know her, and in this story you are might just find that you have walked in the shoes of one of the characters that Natalie brings to life.
August 21, 2013
Excellent! This author tells of the life on the "backside" of the Racetrack; the tragedies and victories, the love of the horses. Woven in the storyline is the love of a young woman "Alex" and the owner and trainer of a large successful
Thoroughbred Farm "Alexander". The author paints a true picture of the life of the horse that was chosen to run the tracks for speed and money. She follows the horse lovingly from birth to death. This book will appeal to those who want to read about true love as well as horses. Once you read her books you will never view a Racetrack without thinking of her characters, they and the horses will be with you. I have been there and every letter of her story is truthfully the way it is at the farm and the track. This book brought back many great memories!
Thoroughbred Farm "Alexander". The author paints a true picture of the life of the horse that was chosen to run the tracks for speed and money. She follows the horse lovingly from birth to death. This book will appeal to those who want to read about true love as well as horses. Once you read her books you will never view a Racetrack without thinking of her characters, they and the horses will be with you. I have been there and every letter of her story is truthfully the way it is at the farm and the track. This book brought back many great memories!
August 30, 2016
Reading it now! As a racehorse person, I am taking the backside scenes in stride, no pun intended. Lots of seedy characters here, though happily I have not run into many in real life. What I'm loving most about this book is the writing. It's fluid, it's fun. I'm also loving the main character's (Alex) strengths and frailties. She is most at home on the farm back in Florida and we are privy to go along with her on her maiden voyage to Saratoga as a trainer. Okay, back to reading...
Finished it in a day! Loved it! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Finished it in a day! Loved it! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 15, 2013
Even though I'm not familiar with horse racing, I enjoyed this book.
January 13, 2021
This is Book 2 of a too-short series. I am loving Ms Reinert's ability as an accomplished author. She is obviously, to my delight, a horsey person. She enables me to vicariously become involved in a life I only imagined for myself. I loved being around and on horses as a younger person. As I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I didn't have a lot of opportunity to imbibe in horse time. Later on, I was able to enjoy riding with my brother and his two Arabs not far from where I lived.
I thank Ms. Reinert for bringing some joy into this old farts life, especially during this pandemic we are all living and dying in. I will, of course, continue to Books 3 and 4, as well as all of her other works. Bring it on!
I thank Ms. Reinert for bringing some joy into this old farts life, especially during this pandemic we are all living and dying in. I will, of course, continue to Books 3 and 4, as well as all of her other works. Bring it on!
January 25, 2020
Oh, this was so good. Better than the first book. It's an incredibly realistic look at the racing community and the hopes and dreams that go with it. If I had the choice to do anything in life, it would be to work with racehorses in some way. Since I can't do that, books like this give me a window to that world- including all the glory and the unsavory bits as well. 100% recomend to any older teen or adult horse lover.
16+ for some content and language
16+ for some content and language
June 27, 2022
Have you ever been so close to reaching your final career goal only to have people talk behind your back and say you didn't deserve it? How about face these challenges when your partner is on a different continent?
Well that is exactly what Alex is going through in this book and it will keep you hooked from start to finish. It is a great book and beautifully written. Another great read from Natalie Keller Reinert.
Well that is exactly what Alex is going through in this book and it will keep you hooked from start to finish. It is a great book and beautifully written. Another great read from Natalie Keller Reinert.
January 19, 2019
The second in a series, Other People's Horses is a fun read with sufficient detail, horsey info, and tension to make it a good read. The theme of the title reappears with regularity. Makes us wish we had a horse (not!-too much work and $$). I enjoyed the descriptions of Saratoga, NY and racetrack culture.
January 12, 2020
Other People's Horses
I would recommend this book to teen and adult horse lovers! I enjoyed this, the second book in the series, even better than the first instalment! So happy there are already 2 more books written in the series
I would recommend this book to teen and adult horse lovers! I enjoyed this, the second book in the series, even better than the first instalment! So happy there are already 2 more books written in the series
February 20, 2018
Great read
If you want a good love story and coming into your own, with all the dark and dirty this is a great book
If you want a good love story and coming into your own, with all the dark and dirty this is a great book
July 14, 2022
A great read about Alex growing as a person and a trainer.
July 5, 2023
Great read
I enjoyed reading about the Ocala racing world. I could picture where she was since I'm Ocala on a regular basis.
I enjoyed reading about the Ocala racing world. I could picture where she was since I'm Ocala on a regular basis.
October 7, 2023
Another good one from Natalie!
February 11, 2025
I love this series so dang much (but could do without the foul language)
This is authentic racetrack storytelling. It’s clear Reinert spent time on the track and knows her stuff.
So good
This is authentic racetrack storytelling. It’s clear Reinert spent time on the track and knows her stuff.
So good
February 16, 2014
Other People's Horses is a book written by a horseperson, which is my favorite kind, no matter the genre. I enjoyed how Ms. Reinert manages to have horses so central to the story. So often, the horses or the stable are just backdrops for the romance or the mystery, and the horse's really have no personality, or the horse information is just wrong (causing me to roll my eyes and possibly fling the book across the room).
If you want to read a story that has real horse people dealing with real issues in Thoroughbred racing, like leaving Florida and going to Saratoga for the race meet there, then read this book, and nod your head as you ride and train and race right along with them. The story rings true, and I've been a backstretch worker. :)
That's my two-cents worth!
Debbie Curtis
If you want to read a story that has real horse people dealing with real issues in Thoroughbred racing, like leaving Florida and going to Saratoga for the race meet there, then read this book, and nod your head as you ride and train and race right along with them. The story rings true, and I've been a backstretch worker. :)
That's my two-cents worth!
Debbie Curtis
March 26, 2013
I'm usually a little funny about sequels, especially if I really liked the first one. Other People's Horses absolutely exceeded expectations. Once again, Natalie has accurately captured the emotions of the horse world - the stress, the passion, the hard work...and the drive that it takes to keep going. I'm not a racehorse person, but this book is not just about racehorses. It's about the business and the emotional involvement. It's about people as much as it is about horses. I read it in a day.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
February 12, 2015
Fluffy and silly in terms of character development (the characters are womp womp womppppp as far as I'm concerned - Alex makes me want to punch a wall...), but it's obvious that Reinert knows her fair share about horses.
Because horse books are few and far between, I snapped this one up. And let's be honest, if she writes another, I will probably read it, silly as it may be.
She gets the being in love with horses thing.
Because horse books are few and far between, I snapped this one up. And let's be honest, if she writes another, I will probably read it, silly as it may be.
She gets the being in love with horses thing.
February 28, 2016
Second book in the Alex and Alexander series..., this book was as good as the first. I liked learning about the Saratoga track that I knew very little about. I liked seeing Alex grow up a little and slowly start to bloom with her own horses. Like real life..., she made mistakes.., sometimes trusted in the wrong people. I enjoyed being surprised at where the story headed some of the time. Five stars seems a bit much but it was a great horse book and I wanted to recognize that!
April 20, 2016
Set in my home state of NY, this great next book in the Alex series is fast paced, relatable and you cheer the heroine home. Keller Reinert has a knack for creating girl-next-door horsewoman characters and you can't wait for the next development as soon as you finish this book. I read this book non stop and it was the perfect travel escape. Looking forward to the next new edition from this author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews