I was speaking to someone on a discovery call last week and some of the things she said really made me think. After reflecting on our conversation I wanted to share my thoughts.

Us equestrians are passionate individuals dedicated to the world of horsemanship and getting the best out of our horses, so it’s only natural for us to set high standards and constantly strive for excellence. This is not just for competitive riders, It can be seen in all areas of the equine world.

But it’s not just when it comes to our horse. This need to do “more” can often be seen in many areas of our lives. We can easily take on a half tonne animal so why would anything else be different?

However, I believe it’s crucial for us to take a moment to recognize and give ourselves the credit we truly deserve.

When talking about the things we do with our horses, or the time spent riding it seems like we always feel like we could be doing “more”. This is without taking into account the amount of other responsibilities that we have in our lives as amateur equestrians. In order to do more of one thing, something else is going to have to take a back seat.

It’s important to acknowledge that we are only human, (we may be a special breed of human but human all the same) and even the most dedicated equestrians have their limits. We often find ourselves pushing the boundaries of our capabilities, juggling multiple responsibilities within the realm of horsemanship, but also in our private lives outside of horses too. We want to work more, join committees, exercise.. The lists are endless. 

While ambition is commendable, there comes a point when we need to assess whether we are being fair to ourselves.

Taking on too much can lead to burnout, impacting not only our own well-being but also how we show up for those around us, be they friends, family, or our equine companions.

As we strive for excellence, it’s crucial to find a balance that allows us to enjoy life and maintain a sustainable pace. This may involve reassessing our goals, prioritising self-care, and acknowledging that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We have all heard the saying “you cannot pour from an empty cup” and as much as we would like to believe otherwise, equestrians are no different.

I suggest that we take a step back and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Let’s recognize the dedication, passion, and love we bring to the equestrian world, but not only that, the world around us too. 

Additionally, let’s be mindful of our limitations and make a conscious effort to delegate tasks, seek support when needed, and allow ourselves the space to breathe.

Of course there will be times in our lives when things get busier and that is ok too, but what we don’t want is for this to be a constant in our lives. It may feel like an achievement now to be able to do “everything” but it will slowly wear you down both Physically and Mentally.

Remember if you are feeling run down it is ok to say “no”. “No” is a complete sentence, you do not have to explain why you are saying it. Often by turning down one thing that we are doing for someone else, we give ourselves a chance to achieve something that we truly wanted, and this is something that is far more important.

Our journey as equestrians is marked by numerous accomplishments, from conquering challenging jumps to nurturing strong bonds with our equine partners. We have dedicated countless hours to honing our skills, learning from both successes and setbacks.When you have spent so much time doing this for your horse, it can be hard to put yourself first, but if you don’t do it from time to time it can truly suck the joy out of the thing that you love.So if you find yourself heading this way take half an hour today to sit down. Look at your schedule, and see what needs to change for you and for you only. What can be delegated, what is no longer serving you but also what are you most proud of, what achievements did you not acknowledge until now? Make sure to celebrate them and commend yourself for doing such a great job, no matter the achievement!