23/09/2025
The harsh reality of a new career path.
The last few months have been very quiet for me on the riding front.
For multiple reasons,
○ Time
○ Finances
○ Burnout
○ Joy
Whilst I began my new job as we headed into summer, I felt I was able to still "do it all", the days were long and I was determined to prove I could.
But, realistically. It just isn't possible, there really aren't enough hours in the day when you are required to be in an office 8am til 5pm, Monday to Friday.
I do love this new career path I'm on. But I miss the freedom of working to hours of my choice. (Spoiled I know!)
Financially, it has been incredibly strained and difficult. My horses welfare is always top priority, so I won't cut corners there. Which ultimately means there isn't much left over for luxuries such as competition and training. My affiliated membership ran out in July and I simply haven't been able to renew it- yet!
Physically and mentally, I had reached that burnout point. I don't understand the culture we have where if you're not killing yourself and working every hour under the sun, you aren't trying hard enough?! This is something I still struggle with as I feel I need to give everything 110% even when I haven't got it in me.
I stopped loving it, because I was so tired and it IS hard work. Riding isn't easy, my horses are not easy to ride either, so when I am already exhausted I don't feel it benefits either of us to get into a potentially argumentative situation.
I genuinely love my horses, feel blessed to have them, and couldn't imagine a life worth living not having them in my life.
Heading into winter with a taste of how challenging it is going to be makes me really nervous, especially with all the new changes.
But my goal is to finish 2025 back in the ring, doing what I love most. To finish a really fantastic year and ensure 2026 continues the same way. ♡