competing and babies (the child variety!)

[nickyb]

can they go together, the time is looming where i can't keep putting mother hood off for too much longer, my main worry is trying to keep my horse eventing, at present i work full time to fund said eventing and will keep on working with said child but how does everything fit in? not so worried about the schooling side of the riding but what about the faster work. are any of you in this position or have been that could give me some ideas.

 

[kenco]

Hi Nicky

I've been in exactly your postion and it is tough but possible to combine the two if you have good back up. I had my son last summer and my horse had only just started at Intro but luckily my sister took over the competing and training for me whilst I couldn't.
This season I have competed him at PN level but again with help from my sister. I fit in riding around my work, looking after our son and my husband's work. It normally involves me riding very early morning as my husband gets our son to nursery and then if he is ever home before it gets dark I rush off and ride then. I think I do struggle to keep him fit enough and certainly our schooling has suffered but I only do it to enjoy myself really so I don't beat myself up that we're not performing to our best.
Sorry for the essay but I just really wanted to say that if you and your partner are flexible and realistic it can be done but it's tough but also good fun!

K

 

[Silgram]

Hi

I have two children and have managed to continue eventing and work but have had to make some compromises along the way. After my first child I cut down the hours I worked to 30 a week and I continued to ride 6 days a week with the help of a very understanding OH and an indoor school (I tend to ride in the evening so need indoor school in the winter). Eddy also went into full livery so that I new whatever happened with the children Ed would be looked after. After the second child it became increasingly difficult to ride six days a week so I found a sharer to ride a couple of times a week. I also cut my working hours down to 5 a day to fit in with school hours (childcare costs were getting to much). I have made several adjustments to my life along the way but have always managed to carry on eventing. You need an very good OH to make it work.

 

[clipclop]

This season I have just had to play around (and have thoroughly enjoyed) doing Trec and Dressage.

I now have found a very good girl who wants to ride and she will do some hacking for me through the week. I can then focus on Schooling and jumping when I get to ride. Approx 3-4 times a week.

I also have a wonderful OH who lets me disappear to comps.

I have just taken it easy this year. To be honest I didn't have the desire to go for it every weekend but getting out every few weekends is a welcome break.