Lack of Motivation

[Sophie07]

Hey everybody, sorry for the soppy post but I really need some advice. All I want to do is ride, yet I have absolutely no motivation to actually go and do it. I’ve been riding my whole life and have never lacked motivation, however this last 6 months I’ve really been struggling. Due to covid I’ve had no lessons in about 2 years, nor have I done any competing. I have 2 ridden ponies, and 4 that need backing. This is putting major pressure on me which I think is adding to the lack of motivation. I feel as though I’m letting down my horses and my mum and I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to give up riding at all, I just need someone to give me a kick up the ass to get back out again as this is really starting to eat me up inside.
Sorry for the long and unorganised post, and TIA as any advice will be appreciated so sooo much ?

 

[Baywonder]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

COVID has had an impact on everyone in so many different ways. Before the world went into lock down, I was really getting into learning something new, and I was getting pretty good at it. Now, however, I have lost my motivation too, and I am dreading going back to it because I know I have regressed so much.

If you really want to ride, would it help if you arranged to ride out or maybe share a lesson with someone else? If you did this, it would not be so easy to pull out of riding or change your mind last minute if someone else was in the equation. Don't try and set the world on fire to begin with; maybe just a simple short hack along a pre-planned route and build it up from there.

I don't know if my suggestion will help you at all. If not, you may get more replies if you post this in The Tack Room, as there is more traffic there.

Good luck.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I felt like that just before Christmas I hate January and February anyway and just didn't ride for 2 months, my horses don't really mind but they were looking a bit too well and it did sort of push me into starting up again, I did book 2 half hour lessons a week and a friend of mine wanted to ride so we would share a lesson as well, and that really helped me get off my arse and get back into it.

I think after a break you do really get into a rut and struggle with the concept of riding I know I did, I often start with a bit of lunging as well and try not to put too much pressure on my self so it doesn't feel like a chore. The warmer weather definitely helps me want to get out and start doing something, although it's turned bloody freezing again this week

 

[PurBee]

It’s understandable if you feel you have to ride 2 of your ponies and have 4 to back, that the pressure from that work is off-putting and makes it hard to know where to begin.
Am i understanding correctly that its you alone who has to ride and back the horses?

I’d draw up a manageable plan. From monday - saturday (give yourself a day off at least!) make some ideas for what to do with each day. All the ponies cant be ridden, and the others all trained on the same day, so split up the tasks between day plans.

I’d have half hour training sessions, so i could do 2 a day. Then the next day, the other 2 get their half hour training, giving set 1 a day off to absorb what theyve learnt. Then that could free up time, alongside everyday horse chores, to also ride, just 1 horse. They also get 1 day off.
Obviously im not aware of the details of your plans for the youngsters to be backed/ridden ones, their specific needs etc...but just giving an example of breaking down the work into manageable bite sized chunks.

Sometimes, having written down a rough schedule, it’s easier to work from than keeping it all swirling in the mind and randomly choosing tasks for the day.

Once a rough schedule is decided and written-up, the next bit is to start the ball rolling. But having written a plan out will make that start easier, than having a huge work-load but not knowing specifically where to start. All we see is a huge mountain of work, but a written plan shows us the first step up that mountain.
I promise, once you get the ball rolling, doing a bit each day, you’ll feel the progress happening which will compel you to keep on with your plan.

I have huge projects im always juggling, so i can relate to motivation being an issue.
Take on daily what you know you can easily manage - dont over-do yourself. The sense of achievement we personally feel when we decide what to do on a day, and get it done, is a fabulous motivator in itself. It’s better than feeling like we’re failing if we decide on a really busy schedule and only get half done by the end of the day. Truly, start small...increase workload if you feel you can manage it, once the ball is well and truly rolling.

Also, post pics and keep this forum updated with progress! It’s great for motivation if you have the support of a horse forum and people wanting to follow your progress. Sharing our personal journeys can help the work be a pleasure too. No pressure tho...just an idea!?

 

[marmalade76]

I totally get how you feel, I've been like this for a few years now so it's not covid for me, but I suspect that it is the case for you. I would suggest trying to find someone to ride with and help you out, there nothing better than having someone else around to chivvy you into doing things (that's partly my problem, I have a yard to myself so it's just me most of the time, but on the odd occasion I have mates around, they *make* me do more).

I've struggled to get back into it since having children and various things have prevented me, initially issues with my horses' health & soundness, then a loss of confidence through not having ridden enough and now on top of that a lack of motivation and whilst covid is not the cause, it's certainly not helping. I love looking after them, but I just CBA to ride half the time and I am wondering if I should just admit that it's time for me to retire to just keeping them as pets with the occasional plod.