Taking a break from horses

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whiteclover

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Ive decided to sell my lovely horse as Ive completely lost interest in horses and riding. Im just wondering if youve ever had a break from horses, how long and why. Im hoping Ill get my enthusiasm back at some point.
 
I worked with horses and it became a job and not a hobby, so I decided to do A levels and go to Uni. I went abroad for a year and did my A levels there, so essentially stopped riding. I then went to uni for four years, then straight into a job which had me travelling a lot. I moved down south, and shared houses with colleagues in cities and towns, so never really saw many horses. After a bad break up many years later, I finally moved back up north and to the countryside where I grew up, and my old riding instructor told me about a horse that she thought would suit me!! Curiously I went for a look, didn't like it, but got the bug again, had a few lessons at a good Eq Centre, and started horse hunting. Six years later, I've my own yard and three horses! Married a horsey bloke, and am just as muddy as I ever was!

Take a break if you feel like it. I don't regret my non-horsey years, and did some great things - lived abroad for four years etc. Its always there to come back to (although everything has changed!) and it makes it more fun somehow.
 
I bought him half hoping Id get the bug again after a year off and hes lovely but its not come back and its not fair on him. Although he is a little stressy hes a lovely jumper for someone just not me currently.
 
There is a girl on my yard, who is giving up riding she.s only 26, but has had enough personally I don't get it she has an amazing eye for horses and producing to a good level. She isn't quitting entirely going more into breeding. And I keep saying ooh if you get a good one you might want to ride again. She,s adamant she won't.

Better to be honest about what you do/don't want from life, than just bumbling along.
 
I gave up a year ago for financial and work reasons. Sold my horse to a lovely woman off this forum who had been riding him for me. To be honest I went through a divorce, I work shifts and he was starting to be more of a chore than pleasure. I do miss him very much especially in autumn, love hacking through crinkly leaves! I have tons of horse owning friends and I am always being offered the chance to ride but for some reason I always put it off. Perhaps in a few years I will try again but for now my new JRT pup is keeping me active!
 
You must do what you feel like, of course! If you have lost interest there is no point at all in forcing yourself.

My mum keeps saying why dont u take a break from horses, as got a lot going on atm, full time job and all, but I really cant imagine life without them, I would be so bored! So i drive here there and everywhere to competitions and lessons etc

Who knows in the future, i may want a break when i decide to have kids, but they are far too much a part of my life at the mo

Do whats best for you, we only get on life so live it :D
 
I'm in the middle of an unplanned 6 month non riding break. In the last 6 months I've been through a lot and at times fancy a break from it all but its in my blood. I find it so hard to relax but when able to ride I just switch off. I'm recovering from a broken back so can't ride until October though!
 
Im not even interested in riding and its a bit of a chore to be honest. It would be nice to get the bug again at some point.
 
Take a break,but try to stay involved in some other way , maybe helping a friend at shows or even getting someone else to ride your horse for a while .I didn't ride much for a couple of years but still went out to events etc. Now doing more and enjoying it again. Do what feels right and don't feel a failure if you do give up,find something else to spend all your money on.
 
well join the club lol. I left the UK in 89 to live in Germany,then in 91 married an NON HORSEY american and in 95 we moved to the USA,lived there for a total of 8 years.(didnt see many horses) Kids and I came back to UK in 2003 and hubby followed in 2004,in 2005 got my cobby and a little section A (company for cobby). Still have them,not ridden much recently,but I will get there. Hubby isnt horsey,so its harder as it isnt his thing.
So if you want to take a break,then go for it,and for how ever long you need.
 
Thanks for your replies everyone. I dont know whether to sell my horsebox as its hardly being used and just standing there, also the saddles Ive got and rugs etc. or should I just keep them in case??
 
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