Losing interest in horses?

[HettieTheHorse8]

So I'm 16 and been riding horses since I could walk. I'm not a girly girl I don't get distracted by boys or anything, I'm more concerned about getting my education and getting the job I've had my sights set on for a very long time. But recently I've found that I'm losing interest in horses. It's more a case of going up to the yard and getting everything done as fast as I can so that I can get home. I'm not riding nearly as much as I used to (even though I know your supposed to ride nearly every day). And I've been contemplating this for a while now and I'm thinking of all the time I'd have and the money I'd save! But then I think of summer and holidays etc, what do I do then? I'm not a very social person lol. What should I do? I love my horse so much and it would break me to sell her but if I don't decide to do it now I'll have to do it in 2 years time anyway cuz I'll be going to university. Help 😢 (I live in the U.K. btw in case that helps?)

 

[Cahill]

aww decisions decisions.
i am sure if you ride well there would be lots of offers to ride for other peoples horses if you didnt have your own .x

 

[ROMANY 1959]

If it is becoming a chore rather than a pleasure, then a break could be in order..if you can't bear to sell then what about full loan for a while...
My 18 year old son has ridden since age 5, we have had 4 ponies and horses over years, but in the spring he decided as uni was looming it was best to find a new teenager to take on his horse...he played Polocrosse full time in the summer..
So we sold his mare, and he is ok with it...cash from her sale bought him a car for uni , he can always come back into his sport after uni is done..it's a hard thing to do..but we did best for the horse, she needed more riding than he could do.

 

[Myloubylou]

My horse had to be sold when I was 16 as we moved & I couldn't have afforded to keep her at the local place. I went to university & got established in my career & during that time rode other people's horses occasionally or went trekking. When I was settled I bought my mare that I have now owned for 11 years. I think the break from horse ownership did me good & it sounds as you are not enjoying it as much as you should.

 

[paddi22]

looks at people take a break to concentrate on college/work. could you stick your horse out on loan for a few years if you didn't want to sell?

 

[Merlod]

I know some nights can feel very much a like a chore - just getting horses done so you can get home, especially in the winter but that's not a crime Also, I wouldn't feel so guilty about not riding, I only ride 3/4 times a week, it's just too much with work and other commitments but once you take that pressure off yourself it's much more enjoyable, even if you don't fancy riding you can just spend some time grooming or treating your horse when you have time to do so.

If you're not 100% yet, could you loan her out or even get a sharer to see how you cope without her?

 

[indiat]

Certain times in your life can make horse ownership harder, I wouldn't beat yourself up too much. As others have pointed out, you have options, share, loan or sell. Don't feel guilty, whatever you do, and if you simply want to groom while you concentrate on yourself for a few months, I am sure your horse won't hate you for it! When my children were very small I had health problems and took almost two years off riding. I was lucky I could still afford to keep my mare as she was getting on a bit and I didn't want to sell her. As Merlod said, once I took the pressure off myself to ride, we just enjoyed each other's company. She really didn't mind the holiday and we just started from scratch when I was able to get back into the saddle again. Lots of people experience times like this, do what is best for you and your horse.

 

[Chloeap]

I come from a non-horsey background - rode from approx age of 10 in a riding school, persuaded my parents to let me have a horse share at the age of 14ish, had her till I started my A Levels then gave up as I wanted the time to focus on my studies, see friends etc.

I started riding again after finishing Uni at 21, started with 3 months of lessons, then took on a lovely loan horse for a year and then finally bought my first ever horse

I think the break did me good, I was able to get a good education and went to a top uni. I spent time making friends and enjoying my other sports.
I'm now 23 with a good job that allows me to afford to keep the horse at a lovely livery yard and have just bought a lorry so we can start getting out

There are ways to still ride even if you don't have your own. If you end up going to uni they do have riding teams (I didn't go but my friend did and loved it).
Or look into getting a sharer for your horse?

 

[mytwofriends]

I think you're very sensible. You're prioritising your life and planning ahead.

If I were you, I'd probably bite the bullet now and sell to an appropriate home unless you feel very sure you'll want to come to it after uni, then I'd say full loan. What if you jump straight into a career, for example? You might find yourself in a similar situation.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Sukistokes2]

Remember that are out there are people like me with three rideable horses who would bite the arm off a young person who wanted to ride every now and then or like once a week. So some where near you there will be someone who wants horse exercised. I currently pay for this ...............