Too much for my age?

Get those boys helping around the house, it'll make a huge difference.

Mine are 2yrs (nearly 3) and 5yrs old, they have chores to do already, mean mummy! They both tidy their own rooms, youngest loads the washing machine (after I've sorted the washing), both of them hang the washing out (youngest does the socks :D ), eldest hoovers, both lay the table etc, etc. They don't do all of the laundry, and I've hoovered beforehand, it's all very small things they do but start as you mean to go on and as someone has mentioned, they are someones husband in training ;)
 
well i think its to much for any age, if your're at every day you'll go down one these days, what if your're ill?

no i think you will make yourself ill, do you get a proper holiday? even so its too much for anyone.

mind you get some equimats, they saved me one winter, took me five minutes to muck out the lot, well ten minutes.


its the mental drudgery that finishes you off, same thing day in day out
 
I am 46 work 3 to 4 part time jobs including working weekends as my main job is monday to friday. I walk my two dogs before and after work, and look after my 4 horses (one recovering laminitic, two oldies and a youngster) before and after work. My children have left home but still visit and have to look after my partner who is not very good at cooking and household chores. I as well have had no car for a while so have cycled and walked to the farm a couple of miles away. I am knackered most of the time and have good and bad days but i love my horses and wouldnot change them. it keeps me fit though!!!
 
Get the kids to help!

Just read they're teenagers (was thinking maybe they were young). I'm sure they can learn to cook, clean, do dishes or put on washing machines and hang out laundry :)
 
I think we all dread the winter...and the way things are going I suspect this winter is going to be a loooong one.

I feel for you. I'm 55 and have three ponies, 12 hairy dogs and two pigs at home. It was OK until last year when I had a serious injury and I've never quite made it back to full fitness. Some days I feel like giving up or at least cutting down, but then I imagine how empty my life would be. No, better to enjoy every minute of life whilst we can. You are a long time dead, plenty of time for resting then!!
 
I think it does get harder as you get older. I work full time, and also have two voluntary jobs, two sons (one away at Uni but still stuff to sort out for him!), 3 lurchers, and 2 horses. Sometimes I feel absolutely knackered, but I also have a thyroid disorder which makes me really tired.

But as YasandCrystal said, I love being with the horses and my dogs, and so the good stuff outweighs the bad. :)
 
49 is hardly past your prime!
If caring for 8 horses is your job (as I understand it), then you are doing pretty much what plenty of other people are doing. I am 56, teach infants full time, am also a member of the school management team and also work voluntarily for my union. I don't have children but run the house, keep 3 (usually 4) horses at home, which of course also includes land/wall maintenance. I am also on the management committees of a local RDA group and of my local RC.
TBH, I think that you should consider yourself lucky that you can organise your own time during your working day but If you don't like it, change it!
 
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Good tips from everyone but I think, as a sufferer of SAD, that this summer has been so dire with hardly any sun that a lot of people are feeling down. I feel drained when there is no sun and energised when it shines.
I wish you all the best.
 
spottydottypony said:
I am 46 work 3 to 4 part time jobs including working weekends as my main job is monday to friday. I walk my two dogs before and after work, and look after my 4 horses (one recovering laminitic, two oldies and a youngster) before and after work. My children have left home but still visit and have to look after my partner who is not very good at cooking and household chores. I as well have had no car for a while so have cycled and walked to the farm a couple of miles away. I am knackered most of the time and have good and bad days but i love my horses and wouldnot change them. it keeps me fit though!!!
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Wow! Now I feel lucky. At least the horses are on my door step and I don't have to walk the dogs as hubby and the boys do that. I really don't know how you do it. You need a medal. :)
 
jendie said:
I think we all dread the winter...and the way things are going I suspect this winter is going to be a loooong one.

I feel for you. I'm 55 and have three ponies, 12 hairy dogs and two pigs at home. It was OK until last year when I had a serious injury and I've never quite made it back to full fitness. Some days I feel like giving up or at least cutting down, but then I imagine how empty my life would be. No, better to enjoy every minute of life whilst we can. You are a long time dead, plenty of time for resting then!!
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Yes, it is the possibility of injury or illness that fills me with dread. In the year I got pneumonia, I remember trekking down the fields to break the water on the troughs and collapsing at the bottom unable to breath, my lungs in agony. I was alone and thought I would die there. It took me half an hour to finally drag myself to my feet and stagger back to the house. Thankfully, the following day was the school holidays and my husband took time off.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
49 is hardly past your prime!
If caring for 8 horses is your job (as I understand it), then you are doing pretty much what plenty of other people are doing. I am 56, teach infants full time, am also a member of the school management team and also work voluntarily for my union. I don't have children but run the house, keep 3 (usually 4) horses at home, which of course also includes land/wall maintenance. I am also on the management committees of a local RDA group and of my local RC.
TBH, I think that you should consider yourself lucky that you can organise your own time during your working day but If you don't like it, change it!
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Thanks. It's posts like this that make me realise that I am not alone and can manage. :)
 
Thanks so much to everyone who has responded to my thread. Yes, I need to get my boys doing more. The problem is, it is almost as much work nagging and reminding them than it is to do it myself, even though I pay them for everything they do!

I have managed to arrange with one owner not to ride her horse during the winter and just teach her instead. I used to do at least half the riding in the lessons as she didn't want to ride for very long. I have arranged with another client to lunge her horse half of the time rather than always school as this will save me some energy.


I have allowed another livery to go on assisted DIY so it is one less stable to muck out.

I already have automatic water in all stables and the fields, though last winter it was next to useless during the month of the big freeze. I have rubber mats in each stable and use wood pellets so they are quick and easy to muck out.

But I need to give myself a kick up the backside and just get on with it. Thanks everyone. :)
 
I'm 49 with two horses (one that needs exercise most days and the other retired) and a full time job with a 90 minute commute. I leave home at 5 am and am rarely home before 8 pm.

I'm completely exhausted by the end of the week and every year it seems to get harder but somehow I keep on going. I totally sympathise with you!
 
martha said:
I'm 49 with two horses (one that needs exercise most days and the other retired) and a full time job with a 90 minute commute. I leave home at 5 am and am rarely home before 8 pm.

I'm completely exhausted by the end of the week and every year it seems to get harder but somehow I keep on going. I totally sympathise with you!
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Years ago I had a 'normal' full time job and kept my horse at part livery 40 minutes away. I was in my 20's and it seemed easy. But I would hate to do it now. Mind you, keeping a horse on part livery is much easier than DIY. At least I finish the main part of my work by 5 pm and only have to hay up and feed/skip out after that. Just wish I was 20 years younger and I'd be loving it!
 
where are you i'll come help :) i actually miss not getting to bed til late and aching as soon as you stop feel fair to lazy and unhealthy these days. Ditto the spanish siesta idea long leisurely lunch and a nap work wonders just don't take on the whole spanish ideal and fiesta until 8 in the morning :P just an idea but you could try and find a foreign groom/ au pair type if you have room for room and board not quite sure how the money goes in this country but the other way around i did it and really didn't get paid much but worked for the riding and the chance to experience new culture and learn another language.
 
I think you do incredibly well and take my hat off to you! I'm 28 and have a 1yr old baby with 2 horses and 2 dogs and some days it's tough! Don't know how I'm going to cope this winter as daughter doesn't want to be restrained in her buggy for long now! lol! My partner works away all week too so I don't get any help and I'v got no family close enough to be able to help either! I'v had to make lots of adjustments, such as I'm changing their bedding from shavings to straw to save me time, bought in loads of haynets and going to fill them at the weekend when my partner can look after my daughter for an hour or so! Also looking forward to not having to cut the grass this winter, cut hedges, spray fields, just watch them get trashed!! Could you cut down on the riding? I'v basically had to come to terms with the fact that it's impossible for me to get the time to ride! Another idea, do you live near an equestrian college? Could you not offer places for work experience? Don't really know how this works but I remember working like a dog for my local riding school and not getting anything in return, maybe just a quick ride on the naughty ponies! At least with a college, they'd be able to help in the week! I know that's a cheeky suggestion but I know of many places who do take these students in and they're literally used as free grooms!

I do hope you get something sorted, compared to you I have it easy but it's not! With winter looming it's not a nice thought!
 
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cloball said:
where are you i'll come help :) i actually miss not getting to bed til late and aching as soon as you stop feel fair to lazy and unhealthy these days. Ditto the spanish siesta idea long leisurely lunch and a nap work wonders just don't take on the whole spanish ideal and fiesta until 8 in the morning :P just an idea but you could try and find a foreign groom/ au pair type if you have room for room and board not quite sure how the money goes in this country but the other way around i did it and really didn't get paid much but worked for the riding and the chance to experience new culture and learn another language.
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Unfortunately I am miles away from you - in the Midlands. Good idea about the au pair/groom. May look into that.
 
bumblelion said:
I think you do incredibly well and take my hat off to you! I'm 28 and have a 1yr old baby with 2 horses and some days it's tough! Don't know how I'm going to cope this winter as daughter doesn't want to be restrained in her buggy for long now! lol! My partner works away all week too so I don't get any help and I'v got no family close enough to be able to help either! I'v had to make lots of adjustments, such as I'm changing their bedding from shavings to straw to save me time, bought in loads of haynets and going to fill them at the weekend when my partner can look after my daughter for an hour or so! Also looking forward to not having to cut the grass this winter, cut hedges, spray fields, just watch them get trashed!! Could you cut down on the riding? I'v basically had to come to terms with the fact that it's impossible for me to get the time to ride! Another idea, do you live near an equestrian college? Could you not offer places for work experience? Don't really know how this works but I remember working like a dog for my local riding school and not getting anything in return, maybe just a quick ride on the naughty ponies! At least with a college, they'd be able to help in the week! I know that's a cheeky suggestion but I know of many places who do take these students in and they're literally used as free grooms!

I do hope you get something sorted, compared to you I have it easy but it's not! With winter looming it's not a nice thought!
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Ah! I remember the days when I thought I could plonk my baby in the buggy and park him near the arena while I rode. :rolleyes: Never quite works out that way, does it? :(
 
Lazy teenagers may not be interested in anything but they should be helping out.
To be honest, why are you doing all this, if you are not in profit and can't pay staff, and are frightened of losing one livery, the business is running you not the other way round.
Sorry, but what is your partner doing that he needs to be at work 12 hours a day, most people work 8 hours a day, five days a week..
Two people working their butts off should be making a decent income, otherwise there is no point in it.
What are you going to do if your health breaks down, or even if you get older! :eek:
 
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Evergreen said:
Ah! I remember the days when I thought I could plonk my baby in the buggy and park him near the arena while I rode. :rolleyes: Never quite works out that way, does it? :(
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Nope! Thought it was going to be so easy! By the time I'v done all the mucking out etc she's screaming hysterically and I feel in need of putting my head in a pan of boiling water! Roll on school!! The travel cot/playpen isn't much use in the winter either!

My partner never had to do anything when he lived at home, his brother still doesn't and it makes me so angry! Their mum has done it all and she hasn't done them any favours! In the 6 years I'v been with my partner he now does all his own ironing, ( I don't iron or buy anything that needs ironing! After doing it constantly in the army I'd rather roll my fields with a pencil!). He also ocassionally cooks tea at the weekend, yeah it may be a salad but it's a help! He can clean although seems to take him ages but he's getting there!!! It's been a 6 year battle though of me saying no, you do your own ironing etc, I'v got enough on my plate, so as others have said get your son trained ready!!
 
I'm 52, have three horses in full work and run my own business (with my partner). In the old days it used to be that 3 horses in was a full days' work for one man (not true nowadays, I know). I've worked full time with horses since I was 14 years old and it's only in the last 2 years that things have caught up with me - joints in hands, elbows, shoulders starting to go, so now I change the way the horses are managed and how much physical work I do around them. No, they're no longer spotless and gleaming, but still helthy and well-cared for. And I can sit at night and not have my hands go numb.
 
classicalfan said:
Hands up every woman who feels that she has too much on her plate!

I was knackered in my 20s, knackered in my 30s and will probably stay knackered until the day I die.

At 49 years young with 8 horses and a family of four to look after, no wonder you're thinking that it may be all too much. But I bet you would be thinkig the same if you were in your 30's! Sometimes we all wonder if anyone really appreciates us!

Is there anyone who can take the load off a bit, even for just one afternoon a week?
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Agree. I am not that age yet but I am realising being happy is the most important thing. Iw ould try and cram so many things into my day and then feel totally run down. I now do slightly less but fell happy that I get some time to myself.
 
Brilliant household tip.
Always keep several 'Get Well' cards on the mantle....so if unexpected guests arrive, they'll think you've been sick and couldn't clean!!

On a serious note, are you menopausal? It can play havoc with your moods and energy levels :)
 
Cortez said:
I'm 52, have three horses in full work and run my own business (with my partner). In the old days it used to be that 3 horses in was a full days' work for one man (not true nowadays, I know). I've worked full time with horses since I was 14 years old and it's only in the last 2 years that things have caught up with me - joints in hands, elbows, shoulders starting to go, so now I change the way the horses are managed and how much physical work I do around them. No, they're no longer spotless and gleaming, but still helthy and well-cared for. And I can sit at night and not have my hands go numb.
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Totally agree. I'm 45 with 7 horses. They are happy, healthy and fit. My stables aren't mucked out to BHS standard in the week (I leave my house for work at 7am) and I don't change rugs at night. When I ride I brush off face and saddle area. They always have fresh water feed and adlib hay though. I think its all about taking a look in the mirror and what is important. I must admit I had a similar wobble the other day when riding as I was too stiff to sit the canter very well - solution was to whip away my stirrups next time and 'man up'. Just a phase I'm sure you'll be fine:):):)
 
I think we can all feel a bit downhearted this time of year, with winter approaching, the weather turning and the evenings getting darker (and I'm only 27 with one native pony and a small dog so can imagine this is x10 for you!).

I've got sharers for my pony this year, for the first time ever, and it's amazing the difference a bit of extra help makes. How many of these horses are your own, and could you look into sharers for them to help you out a bit?

See how you feel this winter, could you change everyone to full DIY for next winter? You might lose a few liveries but if you can offer value for money you'll probably fill the spaces.

Take very good care of yourself RE the pneumonia, you might find some of the tips here useful: http://www.lunguk.org/you-and-your-lungs/you-and-your-lungs/lungs-in-cold-weather
 
I am sure there are loads of good suggestions made on here already...but can recommend taking Berocca on a daily basis - vit c and b...great for energy levels when yours are on the slump. It is not a miracle cure but it helps me as I too have a manic none stop life and have periods of massive lack of energy...these take the edge off and keep me going. Also, make sure that you are drinking loads of fluid as if you are dehydrated, as a lack of fluid will not help your body function at its best...I sound like a doctor, I am not, but I know what helps me!
 
Well firstly I would have a life review

Sit down and work out how much money you are making per hour after all costs (and I mean all costs!!

Then make a decision on whether you can afford to get someone in to help, whether in fact you'd make more money working at Macdonalds and adjust your lifestyle accordingly

I spend most of my time knackered and looking forward to a rest, I work full time 8-6pm, try and exercise 4 horses, but gave up and now got 3 going. Every weekend I am away in the lorry - but my luxury is a housekeeper for 2 hours per week, helps on washing, chores etc and I'd rather spend money on her than getting someone to ride, as my housekeeping is rubbish, whereas everyone else's riding/ husbandry isn't up to my standards!!!
 
Just a general comment: obviously health is a major factor, but age does slow one down, also when one gets older, one is less selfish, and "mum" or other adults are not going to fill in and support with no complaint.
When I was 21, I was a student, always went to bed after 1.00 am, and got up at 6.00 am to exercise ponies, or work in dairy school [part of my course]
So, when I was 22, I could work 40 hours per week, look after my horse, before and after work, hunt three days a fortnight, hack ten miles to farrier, go out to hunt balls and all social things, plus dinner parties, and attend Saturday lunch parties, Saturday pm auctions, then Sunday morning sherry, I think I had a Sunday afternoon "free": pickled walnuts and all the country things, baked bread, made marmalade, butchered half a Swaledale, froze it, looked in to see elderly neighbours, dug garden, fed tomatoes, went up on the moors for a walk, went to local pub with dog, home by 7.00pm, TV............London Palladium, sleeeeeep
I had a cleaner for the house.
 
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