We have all been there, the burnout, where doing what you love becomes so difficult you feel like taking a break or quitting all together. It often happens in the equestrian world. Here are some experiences that may lead to equestrian burnout.
Boarding at a stable with poor care. No matter what the price all barns should include water, good hay, daily cleaning, and adequate turnout. When you arrive at a new barn for the barn tour look at things like water in the turnouts, look for clean stalls, and look at the overall health and happiness of each horse. If the barn is missing one of those important aspects of horse care, don't board there! They don't want your business anyways if they made no attempt to even "hide" their laziness for one barn tour.
Missing a basic feeding, watering, turnout, or poor cleaning situation could just be an honest mistake. If you notice it happening on a regular basis bring it up to the barn manager. If they make no attempt to fix the problem and you find it happening a few times after that, just leave. In horse health there are no second chances, especially with water and food. If your horse's health is compromised he will be stressed and if he is stressed you are stressed. If you find yourself complaining about the barn and what they "forgot to do", take a step back and reconsidering being there. A miserable horse will cause you to be stressed and will lead to your burnout.
Being too social, or not social enough. A few years ago I boarded at one facility with many college kids and high end clients, all which rode during the day. I rode after work, 6pm, and never saw anyone. Not to mention I was single and lived on my own with no roommates. Because I knew no one there I wasn't loyal to the barn and I felt like fleeing to some place where there were people! The winter month completely wore on me. I found myself avoiding the barn and started to feel really guilty about not being with my horsie baby.
The other aspect is being so social is sucks you dry every time you go up the barn. You spend so much time talking to everyone that you spend very little amount of time with your equine. This situation is easier to fix, just excuse yourself and be with your horse.
Before moving to a new barn get a feel for the clients there to see if it's your kind of atmosphere. If you give it a try and it isn't for you it's okay to move on. Trust me there is a barn out there for everyone in just may take some trial and error.
A bad trainer. Need I say more. A bad trainer could be no show to lessons, abusive towards horses, or verbally abusive towards riders. These things make it hard to show up and enjoy your horse because the trainer has created an unhealthy environment at the barn. People are hard to change so unfortunately most of these situations may result in a barn move to avoid burnout.
Financial distress. Don't overextend your finances to be at a barn. Sit down and do some number crunching. If your horse is a priority and you really want to be at a specific barn start cutting down on other finances, things you can let go. I have done this and all those stupid things I gave up I don't even miss, but I know I would miss my horse if I had to give him up. My most current adjustments to be at a barn I love:
- Gave up my smartphone. My pre-paid phone is $35 a month!
- I do my own pedicures, manicures, eyebrow waxing, you get the idea.
- I cut my own hair. Seriously, I learned it on youtube! It's so easy.
- I gave up my gym membership. I bought weights and pilate dvds I do at home. I also run and ride a bike. For the winter months I have a spinner so I can still enjoy a good cardio workout. No gym commute = less time in the car and more time with the pony!
- I wash my own car. Hose and shopvac = done.
- I ride my bike to work and save some gas money.
- I make most of my coffee at home. I have a Mr. Coffee latte machine, Keurig, and Silk vanilla ice coffee on hand and it tastes so much better because I make it how I like it.
- I buy almost all my horse stuff used or on sale. Higher end items second hand is affordable and still looks good. Gotta love ebay.
- Refinanced my car.
- Sold some tack to pay off some credit cards resulting in less money I owe monthly.
If you are at a barn and need to move due to change of finances, that is okay. Don't be ashamed, you should be proud of yourself for making the right decision. Most horses would be happier in a pasture anyways and usually you can get one of those for much cheaper!
Horse health issues. If you horse is unhealthy this will wear on you. If it's something you could avoid by changing barns then please do so. If its something like lameness you are going to have to deal with it. The key is to find some other balance to not being able to ride. Reorganize you tack, clean all your horsey things, sell some old items, watch or volunteer at a horse show, or read this blog. :) In addition, all riders should have some additional activity besides riding, so go for a run or take some Pilates classes.
Being a know it all. Stop giving advice when no one is asking for it. Horse people do this all the time and it can be a burnout not only for you but for other people. Everyone has a different way of doing things so just let it be. If someone wants to know something they will ask, if the sentence doesn't end in a question mark then bite your tongue. If you want to do something that helps just listen and engage yourself in the conversation. Sometimes people just need someone to listen and understand.
Gossip. There is some gossip that is good, for example, bragging about someone's horse. But negative gossip should be avoided at all costs. Knowing too much wears on a person and you start to loose focus of why you are there...duh, the horses!
Too long of a commute to the barn. Another one that may be of personal opinion, but a long commute to the barn will make you tired and less likely to even show up to the barn. Some people maybe stuck with the commute and some may not mind it. If you are stuck with the commute try to make it very enjoyable (coffee, books on tape, scenic route, catching up with a friend, etc). I know coffee will get me out the door!
Balance in life. Remember to balance your friends and family with the horse. It doesn't have to be weekly but at least once a month try to do something with people that are important to you. The horses may be the biggest piece in your life, but it isn't the only piece.
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