06/12/2026
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about whether I should say this, but I think it’s important to be honest, and clearly there's alot of things that get lost in conversation.
I started Sullivan Quarter Horses because I love horses, I love teaching, and I love helping people build confidence and enjoy the animals they care so much about. I never wanted this to be just a business. I wanted it to be a place where people could learn, grow, and feel supported.
It's never made me money, the only financial goal I have is to break even with the cost of having said horses. I usually can get close to that goal.
Because of that, I’ve bent over backwards for people. I’ve offered discounted training, extra free lessons, flexible payment plans, and opportunities to work off costs because I truly believe finances shouldn’t always be the reason someone loses out on their passion.
This year alone, I’ve given away over $18,450 in training costs, leases, and lessons through grace, discounts, and unpaid time. I didn’t keep track, and I never expected anything in return other than appreciation and understanding when things are less than perfect.
—I did it because I cared. The only reason this number was tracked down now was in light of recent events.
Somewhere along the way, I realized that constantly giving and rarely receiving the same level of respect or consideration back has taken a toll on me. Generosity has too often been mistaken for obligation, and kindness has been mistaken for weakness. The more I try to help everyone, the less I’ve been able to enjoy the thing I built because I loved it. And for me to love something so deeply, and watch as others half/heartily move forward, is increasingly difficult. I've spent many hours on the backs of horses, entirly unpaid. It's always been my choice, from me wanting to help bring upward a dream for someone who may not have the financial means to get there, and justifying it because "I just have to break even" or "it will help them out" and even "it comes back on me if this doesent go well" when I'm tired and over it.
The truth is, I’m exhausted. I’m frustrated, and im tired of the endless supply of excuses. I am especially tired of all the lies. Lately, I’ve found myself wondering if I even want to keep doing this at all.
I work a full time job in construction, a physically taxing job that wakes me up at 2 in the morning. I run double lessons and squeeze to many horses in for a ride at night, just to keep the ball rolling. I do what I can with what I have, and my goal is always to build more from less, because in the grand scheme of things, people appreciate something built way more than something given, and I like to build.
I'm not mad, just disappointed and maybe a little hurt.
I’m not posting this for sympathy, and I’m not directing it at any one person. I’m posting it because I need to be honest—with myself and with the people around me. Going forward, there will be more boundaries. I can’t continue pouring from an empty cup, and I can’t keep sacrificing my own well-being to keep everyone else happy.
To the people who have respected my time, supported my program, and appreciated the work that goes into every lesson, ride, and late night at the barn: thank you. You’re the reason I’m fighting so hard not to lose the part of me that fell in love with this in the first place.
