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Veteran
Posts: 103
| I've had horses forever and have barrel raced about that long.
I have 2 nice ones now but am having a hard time getting motivated.
Bottom line is I am totally burned out with racing, taking care of horses, taking care of my place/property, etc. - all the responsibility.
Thinking about selling everything, taking a break and starting over later (if I decide to.)
Has anyone else done this? How did you decide to do so? How did it go? | |
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Location: my piece of paradise | Yep... lasted about 6 months. Then I was bored and had to start all over again! From experience don't sell the stuff. Just take a break, its easier and more cost effective. lol | |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
   
Location: Kansas | yeah I have, I haven't barrel raced in like 4 years. It's nice. I do not have my finished mare any longer, only babies right now. I couldn't go without horses completely | |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
Location: Kansas | Do what you feel is right for you. Horses are a lot of work and expense. There comes a time when the fun just isn't there anymore.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
| Yes and it was almost 10 years...I went to college, got married, bought house...horses just didn't fit. I was also burnt out. I was showing horses for my dad and it had started to strain our relationship...I just couldn't do it anymore, so I walked away. When I got back into it, it was on my own terms and I enjoy it much more now. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 599
| In 2006, I sent my 3 horses to a friend for consignment and sold all of my tack and trailer. When I quit, I was a confident rider and would step on to ANY horse.
I was horse-free until spring 2015. It took about a year and a half of going through a handful of horses and a significant injury from a bucking spree before I finally found a horse I love and trust.
Now I have 3 again (only 2 are riding age). I have what I consider my “school master” and then I have a younger horse with a great mind - a babysitter for me as well. I’m a timid rider and have been holding my horses back in every run until very recently.
It’s now becoming more fun than work.
I took the break to raise my kids. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1515
Location: Illinois | Nothing wrong with wanting a break. I get burnt out all the time, but it's from where I'm at in the sport. I get a lot of flack for this but I went from a 1/2D horse to a 3/4D horse and the feeling just isn't the same. I've still done pretty well, managing to get about $7,000 and a couple saddles on the slower horse, but I can tell the speed difference and the adrenaline rush of those 14-18 seconds just isn't the same. I keep staying in the same place because he's my heart horse and I've been making do with what I have, but I do have to take breaks sometimes. I board so I'm lucky enough if I don't want to go out for a week I don't have to. I don't run from November-April and don't ride at all so I tend to get my reset button hit. Lately though I have gotten to where I feel like I would be ok without horses in my life. So I know how you feel. I've had to really force myself to do things with my 4 year old & she's my ticket back into the 1/2D I think. I've had a few friends who have gotten out for awhile and they all regretted selling a few key pieces of equipment. I'd never part with my saddle and a couple headstalls I looked everywhere to find. I've only found 3 of these headstalls in the 20 years I've had horses. If you've got a saddle you really love or other equipment I'd suggest keeping it through your break, but that's just me | |
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | I feel your pain…. I have 5 horses, 3 of them are pasture ornaments due to age or injuries. My gelding is getting up in age now and had had a hugely swollen hock the last couple of weeks. I have a young horse, prettiest horse you will ever find, but it looks like she does not enjoy running barrels. She basically does not enjoy doing anything fast….
I have never in my life sold a horse as they are family to me and I’m just very soft hearted when it comes to that. Not that I could sell the three crippled ones anyway. It is so frustrating…. It costs so much money, time and energy and just when you think you are getting somewhere something else goes wrong.
I might just take a break from racing and ride whenever I feel like it. Remove the pressure…..
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456
Location: SW MO | BrightEyes - 2018-06-28 1:32 AM
I've had horses forever and have barrel raced about that long.
I have 2 nice ones now but am having a hard time getting motivated.
Bottom line is I am totally burned out with racing, taking care of horses, taking care of my place/property, etc. - all the responsibility.
Thinking about selling everything, taking a break and starting over later (if I decide to.)
Has anyone else done this? How did you decide to do so? How did it go?
I did it last year. I had not been able to compete much for a couple of years and I was so beat down and burnt out. I had a gelding I sunk thousands of dollars into trying to make him sound and one day at the vet I just said, "Stop. I am done and I am going home." I sold him to my aunt and he is a wonderful husband horse now. I sold my paid for truck and trailer, all of my saddles and tack. 6 months later I bought another truck, a smaller trailer, and another horse. I couldn't do it. I am still struggling with finding a horse and soundness issues on the prospect I bought today but I would not go back to having nothing to do with horses for the world. I wish I never would have sold my things. | |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | I haven't been to a barrel race since September and have ridden my horse maybe twice since then. I just don't have the drive to do it right now. No specific reason, just don't feel like it. Not gonna lie, there have been lots of times where I've thought about how nice it would be to not have the responsibilities of taking care of them, but I know I'd regret it if I got rid of everything. Everything is paid for, so there's no way I could afford to replace everything. Besides, there are times where I'll feel like trail riding so it's nice having everything for the occasional ride, lol. My horses are fortunately super low maintenance, so they really don't cost a ton of money to take care of.
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Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | Gunner11 - 2018-06-28 9:42 AM I haven't been to a barrel race since September and have ridden my horse maybe twice since then. I just don't have the drive to do it right now. No specific reason, just don't feel like it. Not gonna lie, there have been lots of times where I've thought about how nice it would be to not have the responsibilities of taking care of them, but I know I'd regret it if I got rid of everything. Everything is paid for, so there's no way I could afford to replace everything. Besides, there are times where I'll feel like trail riding so it's nice having everything for the occasional ride, lol. My horses are fortunately super low maintenance, so they really don't cost a ton of money to take care of.
And they cost a lot less if they are not actively running!!! | |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | GoMistyGo - 2018-06-28 9:45 AM
Gunner11 - 2018-06-28 9:42 AM I haven't been to a barrel race since September and have ridden my horse maybe twice since then. I just don't have the drive to do it right now. No specific reason, just don't feel like it. Not gonna lie, there have been lots of times where I've thought about how nice it would be to not have the responsibilities of taking care of them, but I know I'd regret it if I got rid of everything. Everything is paid for, so there's no way I could afford to replace everything. Besides, there are times where I'll feel like trail riding so it's nice having everything for the occasional ride, lol. My horses are fortunately super low maintenance, so they really don't cost a ton of money to take care of.
And they cost a lot less if they are not actively running!!!
Ha ha, right?? I've been lucky to just do the basic maintenance on mine  | |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I have stoped barrel racing, life just got in the way of that for awhile and now that I can start again I just dont have the want to any more, but I will never sell my horses are tack, my horses are a part of who I am, I have had horses most my life and I just cant see my life without them. I enjoy taking care of them and when I want I just saddle up and go putt around the barrels are go ride in the pastures. Heck I never know I may just one day get the bug again and go to a few local races, but no way on selling my buddies..  | |
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 Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530
Location: OH | Our situation is a little different---we started a small breeding program years ago with one mare. Now it has grown to where we drop 10-15 babies a year and we love it, BUT---it has gotten to where it owns us. We have trouble getting away to even go to shows till after all the foals hit the ground and mares are bred back. I gotta say---we have considered quitting in the past then one of our babies jumps up and does well somewhere and it makes it all seem worth it. | |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| I sold all the horses, didn't sell the truck, trailer (TRIED but couldn't) or tack, a year later, have a horse again. I wouldn't sell all the "stuff" it's TOO expensive to replace unless you are SURE. | |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| Mighty Broke - 2018-06-28 11:28 AM Our situation is a little different---we started a small breeding program years ago with one mare. Now it has grown to where we drop 10-15 babies a year and we love it, BUT---it has gotten to where it owns us. We have trouble getting away to even go to shows till after all the foals hit the ground and mares are bred back. I gotta say---we have considered quitting in the past then one of our babies jumps up and does well somewhere and it makes it all seem worth it.
I SOOOO understand this! I was just thinking yesterday that my new DTF is nice, but I could turn her around for what I got her for easily, sell all but the two I can't, and maybe feel free(ish) again. I left home for 24 hours and my almost well sick baby came up with poo butt again!! Ugh! And then I see a video of my stallions son Jax getting it on a pattern and I just can't quite quit. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I've been down to one horse for over a year after having many horses for over 20 years. I'm just tired of spending so much money to run, giving up weekends etc and I got very involved with saving rescue dogs and I just don't have the time. Plus I'm trying to save up to travel the world which I've started doing and feel more fulfillment with that.
We still have land and a horse facility so 5 years ago I started boarding horses. my boarders often pay me to ride them. So I'm saving a lot of money and making money plus I still get to be around horses, a win win!
IMO: take the break! horses are way too expensive to have if you're not totally loving it. You can ALWAYS buy another horse. Go try some new things you never did before, that's what I'm doing, saving dogs, developing speaking skills by joining toastmasters and Rotary, giving more back to my community and learning new languages. There is so much out there besides just horses I've discovered lately. :) | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 206
Location: Downsouth | I did!! I'm 49 and have been very few days of my life that I didn't own a horse, or two. I haven't barrel raced in a few years, due to time and lack of motivation. BUT, I still fed 2x a day, cleaned stall, changed water, turned fans on/off, winter blanket on/off, paid vet bills, paid farrier, struggled to find enough hay for the winter, paid insurance on truck and trailer, bought tack off fb from time to time, rode once or twice a week, or month, couldn't go fishing for the weekend because I had to feed, couldn't go on vacation because they were my responsibility and I hated to shove it off on someone else, cranked truck once or twice a month to keep it alive, and I'm sure I'm leaving a few things off. Last September I sold it all. and I mean all of it. I may have a hoof pick or two, a few brushes and a halter left in the barn. My barn is sitting in the corner of my back yard so I see it every single day. I figured it would be depressing but its not. This winter we will park the boat and the jet ski in it so it will still serve a purpose. I had been thinking about it for several years. It had turned into a job that didn't give much back. I came home form work one day, got out of the car and listened to all the critters that were ready to eat. Barn cat meowing, patio cat meowing, inside cat sitting in breakfast room window, meowing, horse walking fence row and talking every step and I knew husband was hungry too. I walked in and told him that I was selling it all. I think he choked on his tea and then he laughed and said "yea right" . Within 3 weeks, it was all gone. I have zero urge to ride. My only regret is that I didn't do it a few years ago. I will never own another one. I had thought about it enough that I knew without a doubt I was making the right decision. It's been so nice not having to worry about a horse during this heatwave.
I have real money in my savings and a sporty new car that gets 33 mpg. Life is good. | |
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  Independent Cuss
Posts: 3977
Location: Dearing, GA | I've been out of it for just over a year now. I took a job in a not very horse friendly part of the country, sold EVERYTHING- truck, saddle, horse, all of it. Now I'm living closer to the country and am starting to itch for it again. But I'd really like to lose some weight, regain some core strength, and be able to financially be comfortable before I buy again. Its hard to be patient now, but until I moved back to Georgia, I enjoyed my time without horses. I found out if I liked any other hobbies, saved a little money. | |
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Regular
Posts: 93
| I think I'm kind of at this point, but like others have said I don't think I could live without horses totally. I've got a 2yo at the trainer right now and have my finished mare listed for sale and heading out on trial this weekend. I think that will be my true test on whether I can live without her or not. If she sells, I'll work with my colt or buy an older trail horse to ride around or ranch sort on until I get the drive to run barrels again. | |
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Regular
Posts: 89
| I did not by choice but I think it was a blessing in disguise. I didn't sell my horse but basically just turned them out. But even before I had quit riding as much or really not at all. I haven't barrel raced in gosh over a decade. Right before I had to quit I did buy a 4yr old to start back but then life happens still have her. Hubby mostly took care fo them yes it was still an expense. But I wasn't consumed with them. Just feed, trims, and vet plus 2 of the 3 were so old I was afraid to sell them because of where they might end up. But it was nice to have one I could literally crawl up on and just walk around the pasture sometimes once every few months or maybe once a year. God, I love that horse because she did take care of me.
But the time all did allow me to discover new things and re-discover old things. I think sometimes you just got figure out where you're at in life and sometimes horses just don't fit in your plans at the moment. One thing I have learned is to enjoy the "moments". Go try new things, go try old things. Different things bring us peace at different times in our lives. Who would ever think I would read and edit books for indie authors... not me but reconnecting with an old friend started that. And never thought I would get my cameras back out and find something everyday positive to take a picture of and how much I missed working in a dark room and watching the pictures coming to life. Yes, I take it old school from time to time :)
But now that I'm able to ride and my 10 yr old horse crazy daughter has come back from horse camp lol I know I send her to horse camp when I got 3 sitting in a field ... I've kind of caught the bug again still trying to find her something to ride she's all legs and her pony is 27... I have a feeling we'll be going again just got to get my butt in gear, along with my mare been fighting soundness issues with her but we'll get it figured out.
Take a break never know what you might find and the horses and stuff will be there if you decide to come back to it.  | |
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 Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24138
Location: Carpenter, WY | We have sold down but not sold everything. It's just too expensive to get back in if you want to. Still have tons of tack, 3 good mares, frozen semen, trailers and truck :)
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Regular
Posts: 79
| thank you for posting what you did...I've not sold anything but am definitely in a break due mostly because I don't have any horses to ride. But, I've taken up running over the past two years and it has taught me some valuable lessons about discipline,etc. for when I return to horses...my two I have are 32 and 36 and totally retired. For a while I didn't miss being in the saddle but over time, I realized the desire is still there ... I'll be more ready when I return due to the break | |
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 Peecans
| I sold my finished horse and young prospect and most all my barrel racing specific tack, Saddles included about 6 years ago.
I am currently working really hard to barrel race again. I do really miss my finished horse because I could just get on and go, I don't like seasoning, but had I kept him I would have never bought my 3 year old Superstakes filly that I LOVE, I never would have put a pattern on my horse in the avatar, for nothing special ... Shes going to be a jam up barrel horse.
I miss that door I closed some days because it was easy ..... But I do not regret it, It gave me the chance to come back with better, stronger faster horses. Its hard but so very worth it. And it let the good guy find a family of little girls that will love him until the very end, he's won them so much in the youth and that's amazing to sit back and watch too.
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 The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | lazytdickens - 2018-06-29 8:04 AM
I did!! I'm 49 and have been very few days of my life that I didn't own a horse, or two. I haven't barrel raced in a few years, due to time and lack of motivation. BUT, I still fed 2x a day, cleaned stall, changed water, turned fans on/off, winter blanket on/off, paid vet bills, paid farrier, struggled to find enough hay for the winter, paid insurance on truck and trailer, bought tack off fb from time to time, rode once or twice a week, or month, couldn't go fishing for the weekend because I had to feed, couldn't go on vacation because they were my responsibility and I hated to shove it off on someone else, cranked truck once or twice a month to keep it alive, and I'm sure I'm leaving a few things off. Last September I sold it all. and I mean all of it. I may have a hoof pick or two, a few brushes and a halter left in the barn. My barn is sitting in the corner of my back yard so I see it every single day. I figured it would be depressing but its not. This winter we will park the boat and the jet ski in it so it will still serve a purpose. I had been thinking about it for several years. It had turned into a job that didn't give much back. I came home form work one day, got out of the car and listened to all the critters that were ready to eat. Barn cat meowing, patio cat meowing, inside cat sitting in breakfast room window, meowing, horse walking fence row and talking every step and I knew husband was hungry too. I walked in and told him that I was selling it all. I think he choked on his tea and then he laughed and said "yea right" . Within 3 weeks, it was all gone. I have zero urge to ride. My only regret is that I didn't do it a few years ago. I will never own another one. I had thought about it enough that I knew without a doubt I was making the right decision. It's been so nice not having to worry about a horse during this heatwave.
I have real money in my savings and a sporty new car that gets 33 mpg. Life is good.
Interesting, as I am approaching 49 soon as well. I have been thinking about this too. How did you fill your time when you didn't have horses to take care of? Did you pick up new hobbies? I literally have had horses my whole entire life. I am not sure what I would do without them. Would I be bored, would I regret selling them? Can I actually do something else with my time?? It sure is a pain trying to plan a vacation when you have animals that need tending too..ugh! | |
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Veteran
Posts: 103
| Thanks everyone for the replies so far.
I'm just worn out from taking care of everything and need a break. Glad to hear I'm not alone.
One of my horses is a workaholic and really wants to be used more than I want to ride right now. The other is lazy and just happy to exist.
Maybe just keep the lower maintenance one to have fun on when I feel like it? | |
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Assistant to the Braun..
Posts: 1249
Location: Texas | Last June I did. What I did not sell I turned out. I had become so obsessed that I was making mistakes that I would not normally do and it was costing me and my family, not only financially but emotionally and physically. I stepped back from all of the junk that I had created within my life and started cleaning crap out. I sold so much of the tack that I had collected for over 30 years, then I went through all of the equipment that I had and started selling off what I was not or had not used in forever. I went through anything that I could find horse related and sold whatever I was not, had not or would not use any longer. I then sat down with my husband and talked about our farm and what he wanted to do since he had stopped riding the year before I started the clean out and he told me he was tired of taking care of the farm but he would continue for me. I did not want him to do that and not be happy so we cleaned our place up, sold the horses along with his and kept two of mine. Our place sold 7 days from the time we put it officially on the market and we closed in Oct 2017. We moved 1/4 miles away from my big town to a house with 3 acres and made a small place for my two horses. I only kept what I needed for those two horses if I decided to ride again which was a two horse trailer, saddle, a couple of my favorite bridles, a couple sets of boots, one set of therapy items, and a few other small items that I would need and moved on from my previous life. We down sized from 6 horses, two trailers (a LQ and bumper pull), 6 saddles, two trucks, a farm with barns, hay operation, tractors/farm equipment, unlimited tack, therapy equipment/items for 6 horses, anything and everything that was needed for 6-8 horses plus some, to a smaller place, a smaller truck, a 2 horse trailer, two saddles, one tractor, no excessive horse or tack items. Basically enough for two horses and not anything more and a freedom that I have not known for over 30 years. I wish I could say I missed it but I have ran 1 time since June 2017 and I have ridden my horses maybe 10 times since June 2017, and each day that goes by the desire goes with it. I absolutely don't miss it, I don't feel sad when I see barrel race advertisements, results or videos of my friends which to me speaks volumes that I am at peace for once about my decision to take a break. I have even kicked around selling out completely but to be honest the horses I have now and have had for so long just don't cause me any real grief and they are pretty happy being pasture pets. A huge plus is that I am financially comfortable for once in my life because I have gotten rid of such an expensive part of it and it took taking this break for me to see how much money it takes for this particular hobby.
I say all of this to say its okay to take a break, move on or just do something different. I was so amazed that I could actually enjoy something besides barrels or roping and this year my husband an I joined a bowling league, went on our first actual vacation that did not involve a horse in 28 years and I have actually met people that are not horse related that I am having fun doing stuff with. So for me it was time and maybe I will want to ride again for fun or maybe I won't but I know that what ever I decide I am completely okay with and that is what you have to find.
So take a break, enjoy doing something different and find out if its something that you want to do again. You don't have to sell everything to take a break you just have to put it aside for a while to see what You want to do.
Good luck!! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 614
Location: Usually on my horse | I just did and as much as I thought I would miss it, I don't. I haven't even been on a horse since last September and really have no desire.
Sadly, what I realize now is that I missed is a lot of important things with my family and friends for the last 18 years. Although I had barrel racing family and friends, I feel bad that I put more importance on that and them then my blood family.
I also feel that I accomplished all I could in barrel racing so it was time to move on.
I still have my original barrel horse who is now 24 and he and his two old girlfriends will be with me until they cross the rainbow bridge.
Although I cried for a couple days when I sold my good mare, but she is in a great home and loved very much.
It was much easier to quit than I thought it would be and I am not looking back.
I feel a sense of relief that I have unloaded something that was becoming less and less enjoyable for me, not to mention the financial part of it.
I had a blast with it for many, many years..... Just isn't what I want to do anymore.
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 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | Yes. In April of 2017 we made an offer on a house on the lake. I was 65 and had bought, sold, trained and competed on barrel horses for over 40 years (pretty successfully, I might add). We owned 65 acres and I finally had it pretty close to how I wanted it; arena,lights, freestyle exerciser, cut our own hay, etc. I had already retired from teaching and was doing the horse life full time. My husband could retire in September 2017. He is not a horse person. He'd always wanted to move to the lake, and has supported me in my horse dream for almost 30 years. I had one daughter who was living and working 2 hours away, and it seemed like any time she could come visit, I had a barrel race, or someone coming to try a horse and couldn't visit with her. I had gotten hurt several times in the last couple of years on horses, and my confidence was shot. Buyers were wearing me out, coming back after buying a horse years or months before and wanting to blame me for problems they were having, and the ones looking were driving me crazy with endless demands on horses that were priced very reasonably for what they were worth. I was burned out, and tired of feeling guilty about putting the horses before my family. I had found the perfect house that had everything we'd been looking for, so I told my husband that I was ready to sell out and move to the lake. From April to May, I moved 4 horses and 2 trailers, the exerciser and over $9K of used tack. We hired an auction company and they sold the rest of our stuff, along with my brand new diesel dually I'd only bought months before (it had 15K miles on it)and our place on June 10. On June 16, we moved into our lake house. I felt like I had a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I love the lake and I love my house and my neighbors, but unfortunately, a barrel racer is what I am. By January, I was going crazy just cleaning house, cooking, and visiting my neighbors. I missed my friends, I missed traveling and most of all, I missed riding and competing. On January 10, I bought a 10 yr old gelding that was patterned and very well broke and safe. He needed work, but I knew that. I rode him maybe once a month after that, and not I am entering on him. My confidence is low and I don't dedicate a lot of time to riding and tuning, so we run 2 to 3 seconds off, but we're getting better together. I am not in the horse business any more, and I'm not having to ride horses I'm unfamiliar with or worry about getting them ready to sell or dealing with prospective buyers. I ride when I want and when I don't want to, I don't. Luckily, a friend of mine offered to keep him for me, as I no longer have any land, and she goes with me a lot. I went to an NBHA on Sunday and placed in the money in the 4D, so I'm happy. I just couldn't give it up entirely; it's in my blood and what makes me, me. However, it doesn't consume my life anymore. I have a half ton pickup and a 2 horse slant, and my husband is now retired and we spend a lot of time doing what he wants to do and I have time to spend with my daughter when she visits. It's a great life, and I'm glad it worked out the way it did. | |
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 Quarter Horse HIstorian
Posts: 2878
Location: Aubrey, Texas | Welcome back, Diane! | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | dianeguinn - 2018-07-03 1:29 PM
Yes. In April of 2017 we made an offer on a house on the lake. I was 65 and had bought, sold, trained and competed on barrel horses for over 40 years (pretty successfully, I might add). We owned 65 acres and I finally had it pretty close to how I wanted it; arena,lights, freestyle exerciser, cut our own hay, etc. I had already retired from teaching and was doing the horse life full time. My husband could retire in September 2017. He is not a horse person. He'd always wanted to move to the lake, and has supported me in my horse dream for almost 30 years. I had one daughter who was living and working 2 hours away, and it seemed like any time she could come visit, I had a barrel race, or someone coming to try a horse and couldn't visit with her. I had gotten hurt several times in the last couple of years on horses, and my confidence was shot. Buyers were wearing me out, coming back after buying a horse years or months before and wanting to blame me for problems they were having, and the ones looking were driving me crazy with endless demands on horses that were priced very reasonably for what they were worth. I was burned out, and tired of feeling guilty about putting the horses before my family. I had found the perfect house that had everything we'd been looking for, so I told my husband that I was ready to sell out and move to the lake. From April to May, I moved 4 horses and 2 trailers, the exerciser and over $9K of used tack. We hired an auction company and they sold the rest of our stuff, along with my brand new diesel dually I'd only bought months before (it had 15K miles on it)and our place on June 10. On June 16, we moved into our lake house. I felt like I had a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I love the lake and I love my house and my neighbors, but unfortunately, a barrel racer is what I am. By January, I was going crazy just cleaning house, cooking, and visiting my neighbors. I missed my friends, I missed traveling and most of all, I missed riding and competing. On January 10, I bought a 10 yr old gelding that was patterned and very well broke and safe. He needed work, but I knew that. I rode him maybe once a month after that, and not I am entering on him. My confidence is low and I don't dedicate a lot of time to riding and tuning, so we run 2 to 3 seconds off, but we're getting better together. I am not in the horse business any more, and I'm not having to ride horses I'm unfamiliar with or worry about getting them ready to sell or dealing with prospective buyers. I ride when I want and when I don't want to, I don't. Luckily, a friend of mine offered to keep him for me, as I no longer have any land, and she goes with me a lot. I went to an NBHA on Sunday and placed in the money in the 4D, so I'm happy. I just couldn't give it up entirely; it's in my blood and what makes me, me. However, it doesn't consume my life anymore. I have a half ton pickup and a 2 horse slant, and my husband is now retired and we spend a lot of time doing what he wants to do and I have time to spend with my daughter when she visits. It's a great life, and I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
I'm so glad you checked back in---I was wondering how lake life without horses was going!!! Glad you found a happy medium. | |
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| Here's my story ... quit everything a couple of times and am at the point of wanting out but afraid to get out. Quit to go to law school. Restarted. Quit when I went through an ugly divorce. Restarted. Now my son is in high school playing football and that takes up a lot of his time. He doesn't care to go with me. My husband isn't into rodeo, is supportive but doesn't want to go with me. So riding is a totally me thing. With that said, it's no fun anymore. I'd rather spend the time with my husband and son. Now that my son is a sophomore, I know my time with him is very limited as he'll be off to college very soon and is of the age where spending time with friends is important. I also have a busy job and run my business. Racing is expensive and I have to board, so that's expensive too. To be competitive, you have to be able to invest the time. That being said, I turned my horse out for the summer as its just to hot here. He has navicular but can still compete in the 2d/3d. The last time he saw the barrels was September 2017. He won me a 2d buckle series. On a cognitive level, I know I'm done running barrels. On an emotional level, I'm afraid to not own a horse because it will confirm that I'm done running barrels. I keep thinking when my son starts to drive or graduates, I might have more time and desire but I need to pull the trigger and find my horse a nice home. Thing is he's quirky, 17 and won't be changing. Finding the right home is the challenge. I'm afraid that someone will buy him thinking "I can fix that" when I KNOW they can't since he is who he is. Anyone have any insight? | |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
Location: Kansas | Sadly, when you enter the senior citizen years you genuinely worry that even a minor horse accident could put you in a wheelchair. Nothing changes the fact that your bones are more brittle and you're not as agile. When you watch older barrel racers as compared to the youngsters, you can see a world of difference in the way they sit a horse even though they may have once been a world champion. You just have to watch out for yourself. I chose to eliminate the possibility of crutches. It was easy. They built a casino four miles away. 
Edited by Frodo 2018-07-04 6:02 PM
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 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | I didn't sell everything but I did breed my mare and prompty moved 13 hours away a couple years ago. Lost the foal last year, tried legging her up and barrel racing just didn't have the same appeal to me. Got in a hgue wreck with her at our second barrel race back and blew out my good knee so I just figured it was a sign that I shouldn't be barrel racing right now. Bred her, boarding her at a breeding facility and paying stupid amounts in board but I know she's being taken care of. I'll eventually get a 2 yo and do that for awhile but I'm okay not riding right now. If I get the urge back, I can always climb on a friends horse. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1446
Location: California | Griz - 2018-06-28 9:17 AM
I sold all the horses, didn't sell the truck, trailer (TRIED but couldn't) or tack, a year later, have a horse again. I wouldn't sell all the "stuff" it's TOO expensive to replace unless you are SURE.
I agree completely with this!! It’s okay to take a break! We all do it. But I highly recommend not selling all of your stuff. Try selling the horses first and taking a break. Costs way too much to buy all of the odd end things again. | |
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Has Anyone Sold Everything And Taken A Break From Horses?