Would you take a break after being with horses for 30 years

[NELSON11]

Not a self idulgent post, just wanted to hear some stories from others. Have had horses in my life for over 30 years now. Worked professionally with them (still do as physiotherapist) but not sure whether to still have my own in my life.

Had a horrible run of bad luck which has span the last 12 years where my last 4 horses have either been written off at very young ages or lost them. Not competed any of them even once due to injury/serious career ending injuries etc etc. (you know the usual stories)
Just a bit fed up of being just a nursemaid constantly

After waiting for my last boy to grow up from a foal for the last 4 years, he also has been dealt a crushing blow, won't go into his veterinary history but my dreams ended with this boy when I spent 5K having him produced and he came home with juvenile arthirits after being at school 8 months. Still battling with him.

So I have been thinking could I bear in the future to actually take a break. Horses are my work, my social life etc etc but I am tired.

I have started to think about, is there more to life, instead of what feels like a constant ball and chain. I have thought about holidays/different outdoor activities/shopping and just curious as to life outside of horses.

I work 7 days a week with my physiotherapy practice and my days start at 7am doing my boy and generally end 7pm so not much room for anything else.

So just wondered for those who did have a break/give up their own, did you find something else to fill the gap in your life? Can anythign else make you have the same feeling??

My mother keeps harrasing me as I am now single and have been for 6 years as all I know is horses/work. Just feel like my life may be passing me by as 37 this year.

I don't need a kick up the rear end, not wallowing, just interested in what else you guys do. Thanks xx

 

[jules9203]

after 27 years working with, and owning, horses I had a break. It lasted 6 weeks and I was stir crazy by the end. I now do a different job but still own and compete a mare I bought as a youngster after the 6 weeks! Didn't take me long to discover much as sometimes they feel like a ball and chain I definitely cant be without them.

 

[POLLDARK]

I had a 30 year break, 18 until 48 !! Children & funds situation. I regret those lost years but I'[m having great fun now. Bought a young mare when I was 48 (a good while ago) & just got on with riding again, it was as though I had never been away. I try not to think of what I missed but if you need a break, take it You will soon pick up the reins again when you want.

 

[Birker2020]

Nelson11 is my best mate. As you know Nelson I had a break from the age of 17 when my first horse, a mare nearly killed me on numerous occasions until the age of 25 when I had what I class as my 'first real horse'. In those 8 years in between I had lots of drinking binges, lots of stop overs in pubs, lots of laughs and fun and fellers, left home and moved back home and never thought about horses or having another one once (well maybe once or twice but that was all).

Ask me now if i could bear to be without a horse and I honestly don't think I could. As you know with the losses I have encountered with my horses I have often thought about whether I'd ever have another one if you know who (trying not to tempt fate) passed over and my answer is always the same, I cannot imagine life without a horse in it, as having a horse IS my life.

I honestly don't think you could too. But that is not to say you shouldn't try. But like anything that you are passionate about, it is difficult to call it a day.

I think horses are like a drug. We get withdrawal symptoms when we are away from them and when we are with them, we need them more and more. I do think you have been dealt some incredibly cruel blows, and I don't blame you for thinking like you do.

But I think you should think about going away for a holiday or something. Hopefully if I get my job we can go away somewhere hot for a week...... but then we have the problem... who do we get to do the horses????

 

[Theocat]

If you feel like you need a break, have one! Sometimes it's all you need to put things back in perspective and discover either that you miss the horses and want them back in your life ... or sometimes that (shock horror) there are others things in life than horses, and you'll be happier if you readjust the balance.

I have had a couple of breaks in the past - enough to confirm that I do want horses in my life, but I need other things as well. I'm pretty happy with the balance now

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I used to livery with a couple who were police officers. The wife was an experienced rider and her husband had come to horses later in life and was definitely a novice.
He got a post in the mounted branch as he had decided he liked horses so much. He only spent a few years in mounted before going back to the traffic division because he said he wasn't enjoying his own horses after being at work with them all day.

Perhaps part of your problem is that you just don't get a break from them anywhere?