With the New Year fast approaching, we ask the question of how to avoid burn out with your involvement with horses–whether it is training, judging or showing. We tracked down several people and asked them that very question….do you take breaks, set realistic goals, travel, have other interests and hobbies, etc? Have you felt burnt out in the past and come back? If so, what changed your thoughts and attitudes?
Leonard Berryhill–My definition of burnout is when one wants to have a fire sale, buy a boat and start pumping gas rather than do what he or she is doing for a living. Most of us that do this crazy horse business for a living have gone through this and thankfully, most of us have come through with renewed vigor and a new life pattern that will not allow those feelings to attack again. We all go through periods when we are not very excited to get up in the morning and get going but don’t you think that normally passes with some sort of change in the daily routine? A new horse in the barn, a change for the better in the weather and even the end of the fall show season and the outlook for the new year seem to perk me up.
But there is one scenario that truly troubles me and I can speak from experience. I see many people, from many walks of life, but particularly our industry; be it professional or amateur, who walk away from a vocation or hobby that they once loved because of not coping financially. We get burned out with the expense and sometimes those expenses will snowball until the pressure of mounting bills becomes more than we can bear. Leigh and I started out in this business poor, but we both had good breaks and and though we were smart enough to take advantage of those, we were stupid about money and finances. It was always easy for me to borrow money for that new truck and trailer. Buy that horse? Sure! You bet! Just let me make a call. After a few years, we added up how much we made and how much we paid in interest and guess what, thanks to a few lessons from some old friends, we cut back, made more money after we cut back and can now breathe instead of wondering what we were going to do when we went broke! We would “burnout” due to the pressures of paying bills and not seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
For professional horse trainers to avoid burnout I feel that keeping ourselves financially sound is number one. Only borrow when absolutely necessary and try to have money left at the end of the month. There is not much we can do about the fatigue or the weather so all I have to say there is “pace yourself”. The very biggest thing I hate to see is the non-pro that burns out and leaves the industry because they too have suffered financial strains. Mostly I have seen that from people who could actually afford to do this gig, but for whatever reason, got so big, and the return on the investment was so small, or the personal labor becomes too great, and they just disappear. You have all seen what I am talking about. I think that we as professionals should take some responsibility for this and try to keep our non pro folks active for years by advising them correctly on how to invest their money towards a rewarding and long term hobby.
Sid Griffith–Years ago, I felt burned out from the horse industry. My life was not in a good place due to a divorce, which I feel contributed to my unhappiness. I always loved the horses, but the routine of training and showing away from home was no longer fun. What changed my life was raising a daughter who loved the horses more than anything. My wife and I built our business at home which included contract lesson work, which enabled us to restructure and show horses as a family for many years rather than hauling clients. Spending time with my family and doing it as a hobby was positively refreshing. I also took on head coaching responsibilities for a major university’s hunt seat equestrian team which allows me to work with young adults who are eager to learn. It is really rewarding to pass on my knowledge and teach now. The whole balance of diversity from judging, coaching, raising show horses, and helping my daughter train is a perfect balance for me. I can’t emphasize enough that working with my family is truly a blessing. To see the horse industry again through a fresh set of eyes (Dakota) has made me feel the same passion again that got me into the industry in the first place. Deciding to winter in Florida with the horses has also been a huge emotional boost for all of us. Enjoying the warm weather and pace of the Florida show circuits puts all of us in a better mindset and ultimately reflects in producing happier horses. Happy holidays to all.
Tim Kimura–I think the short version to a long complicated question…the Man of Trail is an odd guy with an odd job. I love teaching trail people at all levels if they are open minded and willing to learn and will practice, so clinics are very rewarding. Now, designing trail courses is a pain in the a$$ because so many people pull me in so many directions. Hard courses are fun to draw…easy ones with few poles are a challenge. I need to be inspired to want to draw a trail course otherwise I take old ones cut and pace and pristo chango–it’s a new pattern. Some shows I work countless hours doing trail and resetting for trail warm up which can last 14 to 16 hours in a day, ie. Sun Circuit. It’s tough and it goes on for eight days, ouch! So this year I backed away and I am not doing that show, thus yes I’m burnt out at that show. I needed a break. But then other opportunities always open up. Like more clinics, more money, less hours, less stress, more sleep, happy people–you do the math. I will never quit doing trail. I think I feel like Kung Fu or Master Yoda going around teaching trail and bringing people in harmony with their horses. I really do love my job and enjoy the people I meet on the trail tour. I’m blessed to have a girlfriend who allows me to be so mobile and still loves me when I finally come home, and I’m sure that our three beautiful boxers are good therapy too!
Blake Carney–I have always been an “all-in” type of person, so I don’t do a whole lot outside of the industry. I don’t have lights in my arena on purpose so I have to stop riding when it gets dark, which gives me a sort of stopping point each day. Each year, we set a pretty strict horse show plan for each customer’s goals, which keeps us on the road, but also keeps us grounded to a plan so we have time to do other things! When I was 17, I did burn out. I walked in my parents’ room one night and just plainly said, “I’m done, I’m selling everything,” and I did the very next weekend at an open show. That was a blessing in disguise though, because even during that time, I rode for a couple of people as a way, “just to make money,” and that is how I developed my business and started training professionally. I am glad I got back in it now! I think the most important thing for people who are thinking about quitting is to re-evaluate your goals and decide how to revive your excitement for the horse world. Maybe it’s a new project horse, maybe a new discipline, maybe just a nice trail ride every couple weeks. There is nothing wrong with trying something new and different for a while!
Debbi Trubee–Being in the horse business is not a lifestyle, it’s a way of life. It’s a 24/7 job whether it’s showing, training or breeding. We live it everyday here and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Fortunately, we do have some slower times than others but frankly, if we’re not running at mach 1, we’re not going to be successful for very long. It’s the speed required to maintain any successful program in this business.
Kelly Boles Chapman–This year was a tough one for me – I lost my mom in September, and she is the one who instilled my equine passion before I was born. Her loss has made me regroup and really pay attention to what is important – my kids, friends and family. Not that they haven’t always come first, but now I take a little more time to appreciate the little moments. It’s just good to keep life — and horse shows — in perspective, and appreciate how quick time flies and how precious “those moments” are.
Lori Gordon–I think the key to success is to do what you love. Find a way to do it that best suits you, and you can make a living at it. If there is no profit, there is no business. One way for everyone in the barn to stay motivated is to set personal goals for the year, and I make each customer set their yearly goals for a milestone to work towards. Then, we all receive satisfaction and incentive when our goals are fulfilled, and feel motivated to press on with more projects. Financially, I think the key to staying afloat in the horse business, or maybe a plethora of businesses, is to draw income from several different sources. By offering marketing, training, coaching, lessons, judging and appraisals, we are always pulling income from different areas to stay in the black. If your business is dependent on one service or two and one or both have a downward slide, you don’t have much to fall back on. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or I am working in the barn and the high is zero, I think of that office job I had out of college where every minute seemed like two hours, and I am perfectly content and feel blessed to be right where I am doing what I love!
Jenny Jordan Frid–I think we are really lucky because we do several international clinics a year. Normally, Robin is asked to judge a horse show and then they hire us to do clinic for two days. That allows us to take a few days to ourselves, after the clinic and sight see. We get to relax and enjoy a place we have never been too! It is a wonderful opportunity we are very grateful for.
Beth Case–Well I don’t really have any other interests or hobbies, this is pretty much all I do. But I love it. Probably what keeps me interested is that we have so many horses, and I get to ride and show a lot of different ones every year. I think it’s fun to try to win things again but with a new horse. This time of year is fun for me cause I start messing with all the coming two’s. I think I have about eight for the hunt seat this year so far. I guess I might get burnt out if I only had one or two horses to show, but, luckily, I have a lot. Sometimes it seems like too many but I’d rather have too much to do than be bored and I have lots to choose from. So I guess the best way to stay interested is the young horses, there’s always something to teach them.
Karen Evans Mundy–I would get burned out all the time, and I still do. So, when I did I would just take a break from showing and riding. I would do other things that I couldn’t when I was on the road showing all the time. Spend time with family and friends and take a vacation. Even though, we love our horses and love showing, it is like anything else in life……you need a break some times, or you will get burned out. I personally think that the people that want to just call it quits, don’t really have a true passion for horses and showing, and are showing for the wrong reasons. I always say horses are in my blood, and after I would take a break for a few weeks, I was ready to go again.
Tina Freeland–As an amateur exhibitor with a career as a professional bander/braider, it has been challenging at times to juggle both without being overwhelmed. Horses and horse shows seem to have completely consumed my life, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I have personally never experienced burnout, but I can definitely relate to how easily it could happen for some. I do several things that I think have helped me keep from being burned out. Everyone loves to win, and it can be easy to get frustrated. I started riding and showing because I loved horses and it was fun. I always try to keep the perspective that, “I’m doing what I love and it makes me happy. If it’s not fun than why do it?” I like to set personal, short term, and long term goals for me and my horses. When I reach a goal, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment and gets me excited about reaching other goals.
Beckie Peskin–Have a baby! (laughs) It really does force you into a new way of thinking. Because I have such a demanding job that requires a lot of travel, I can’t show every weekend anyway. But for me, I tended to buy a single event horse and then keep it for four to five years while it really learns the pattern classes. When I got pregnant, my trainer found me a two year-old. Since I wasn’t going to be in a rush with this one, it allowed me to slow down, have much different goals, and I truly appreciate every moment I get to spend on him. Also, I think leasing your horse might be a blessing for folks that find themselves in need of a break – that way you don’t have to sell your horse or face paying upkeep on one that isn’t out showing…now you have the opportunity to have someone else take the reins if you need to take a break!
Laurel Champlin–I can’t remember there ever being a time when I wasn’t horse crazy. Competing was a natural step for me. After college I started my own training business and became an AQHA judge mainly because I couldn’t afford to show as a hobby. Later I was able to become an amateur. Whether as a hobby or business I always set new goals for myself and my horses. In January of each year, I write down what I would like to accomplish for the year. It’s great to go back and look at those goals at the end of the year and see if I have been successful or if I have had to modify my goals. Some days are harder than others. In Northern Nevada winters are harsh. There is ice to break, chores to do in a snow storm or five degree weather, but it all makes my accomplishments mean so much more. I look forward to each show and the competition. There are always disappointments, challenges where horses are concerned. I try never to give up on a horse I believe in. I will get several opinions about a lameness and do a lot of research myself. I have had to sit out months at a time allowing an injury to heal. At those times though. I usually have a “back up” plan. In 2012, JJ was unable to compete at Select World so I took Art Show, my paint and came in seventh. No pressure, just fun. I don’t have any other hobbies but anyone that knows me realizes that I always have one bag packed ready for a fun time. My daughters and six grandchildren are number one in my life. They also understand that when it comes to horses and competing, I’m obsessed!
Bonnie Sheren–I’ve never shown as much in all my previous years of showing combined as I have in the last two years. But I’ve waited a long time to be able to show on this level so I’m very far from feeling burned out. But like everything, it has it’s ups and downs–the traveling, staying in hotels for extended periods, and just being away from home is hard. But, when I weigh that with the fun times and rewarding experiences I’ve had, it makes it all worth it many times over. My advice for someone who might be feeling burned out or frustrated is to not make any rash decisions. Think about what it is that is making you unhappy and whether there are solutions or alternatives. Talk to people and get their input. Talk to your trainer–maybe he or she has a suggestion. Reassess your goals–you may be putting too much pressure on yourself. And it’s possible that you may be feeling burned out by other things in your life and not by horse showing so you can always make changes in other areas and see if that helps. I’ve realized that in the past when I’d gotten out of horses; it had always been for a reason unrelated to horses.
Ashley Hadlock–The past couple of years have brought changes that has proven to me how much true I truly love the sport. Once I graduated school and entered into the adult world, show expenses became mine. When everything is coming out of your pocket, you tend to watch what you spend a little more carefully. I set different goals throughout the year that I feel will be obtainable and realistic at different levels. If every goal is set extremely high, it may not always be reached in a timely manner, which can set one up for failure and the feeling of burn out. I am fortunate enough to have a seasoned show horse at home that does not require to be at a trainers full time. This helps in my expenses a lot as well as allows me more opportunities to ride. It can be difficult at times when trying to juggle between work and showing, but when it all falls together, the feeling of accomplishment far excels the stress! My advice for someone feels like they are ready to quit is to take a step make and rethink everything. Figure out what is causing the feeling of burn out—need to go to less shows? More time with other interest/hobbies? Goals on a smaller scale? You can’t compare your success against others. The only thing that really matters is you’re having fun!
Nicole Barnes–My life involves horses 365 days a year. Being employed by the National Snaffle Bit Association allows for a full immersion in horses, and, when I’m not at the office, you will find me at the barn riding or showing on the weekends. To be honest, I don’t prefer to be detached from the industry. I am fortunate that my immediate family lives just a few minutes away so we get to have lots of family dinners together. Besides my mother, my family is not involved in the horses so they keep me grounded on other happenings in the world. We are all hockey fans and just built an impromptu skating rink in my brother’s backyard. I’m planning to spend a lot of time there this winter! As an exhibitor and owner, the industry will always be filled with highs and lows. Some days are so bad that you do want to walk away. As for anyone that is ready to call it quits, my advice would be to follow the old adage, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work again.”
Shannon Brown–It is hard for me to get tired of horse showing because I love it so much. If it is not a true passion it is probably easier to get burnt out. I get more burnt out by trying to balance a normal daily life with showing. It used to stress me out that I could not make it to every big show or an entire show. I have learned to let that go and just focus on my rides on the days I can make it to the show. I think it is very important for people to set realistic goals for their own personal life. Planning ahead makes things a lot easier. I think it is important to have a life outside of horses. I have always lived a normal life and continued to show. Although, it can be a stressful balance, it keeps showing exciting. Also, try to stay positive–I have had many set backs in my show career, but I try my best to look at the positive in everything and learn from my experiences to better myself and my show career for the future.
Kristen Galyean–Horses are my passion and time spent in the saddle for me is a blessing. I have a job working at my family’s car dealerships, so I have to juggle my time to get to continue showing. I also have an 18 month-old daughter that keeps me very busy so I don’t show as much as I’d love to. In 2013, my goal was to show VS Flatline in the Amateur Western Pleasure at the Congress. Even though he is only a three year-old, I felt confident he was very capable and it was a realistic goal for us. Due to my stallions having very heavy breeding schedules, I’m looking forward to taking them to the Arizona Sun Circuit to try and get them qualified for the AQHA World Show before they start breeding. I have not shown at the World Show since I sold their mother, Vital Signs Are Good and I’m looking forward to it. Coming back to the pleasure industry for me has been amazing, there’s nothing I love to do more than jogging into the show pen. I do think it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself, taking into account the time it takes to achieve them, but I don’t think I could ever get burned out from something I love so much.
Nikki Barba–I do not recall a time I have felt burn out with showing. It may be that I have not been able to show as much the last few years that keeps my desires strong. I do try to spend some time with friends, outside of horse shows, by going to the beach a few times in the summer. I absolutely adore showing and look forward to every opportunity I get to enter the show pen. If ever I get a feeling that I don’t want to go out to the barn because it’s too cold/hot, I remind my self there are people that would do anything for the blessings I have receved. We get to own and show horses. What could be better?
