15/10/2025
What to do when you feel like giving up? ๐
When someone feels like giving up horses (or anything theyโve loved deeply), it often comes from a mix of burnout, discouragement, grief, or just feeling disconnected from the joy that used to be there.
Here are some gentle, honest steps you can take to sort through those feelings before making any big decisions:
๐งญ 1. Acknowledge Whatโs Changed
Ask yourself: *Whatโs making me feel like giving up?
Is it physical exhaustion? Financial stress? A bad experience? Feeling stuck in your progress? Losing confidence? Naming the โwhyโ gives you clarity โ sometimes itโs not the horses you want to give up, but the *pressure* surrounding them.
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๐ฌ 2. Talk About It
It can really help to talk with someone who understands โ a trusted friend at the barn, a coach, or even another horse person online. Sometimes saying out loud *โIโm strugglingโ* lifts part of the weight. You donโt have to carry that alone.
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๐ฟ 3. Take a Step Back (Not Away)
You donโt have to make an all-or-nothing choice.
Maybe you:
* Take a short break โ no riding for a few weeks, just visit or groom.
* Change your routine โ ride for fun, not goals.
* Spend time doing groundwork, hand-grazing, or trail walks.
Small changes can rekindle the connection without quitting completely.
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๐ 4. Reconnect With the โWhyโ
What drew you to horses in the first place?
The smell of hay, the quiet moments brushing, the partnership?
Try to find one small moment that reminds you of that feeling. Even if itโs faint, that spark can help you decide whatโs next.
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โค๏ธ 5. Allow Yourself Grace
If you truly need to step away โ temporarily or even long-term โ thatโs *okay*. Youโre not a failure, and your love for horses doesnโt vanish because your life needs to change. Sometimes walking away for a while is the most loving thing you can do for yourself *and* the horses.
