07/20/2022
Last week a student took her own life. She was a beautiful, gifted 3 day eventer and a highly educated veterinarian.
More and more we are seeing that su***de is prevalent in veterinarians and horse trainers. Over the last year, I’ve been impressed to see fellow horse trainers quit their business and start new, successful careers. It’s great to see them so happy and still enjoying their horses. I’ve spoken to several other horse trainers in the last few months who told me they’re over it, ready to tap out and wonder why they’re still doing this. It’s awful to hear and I totally get it. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t contemplated quitting numerous times.
What’s sad is that we all start our business as horse trainers or veterinarians because of our love of the horse, passion for our chosen field and to share that joy and help others. Both careers are mentally and emotionally taxing and typically not financially lucrative.
The problem is that we are not miracle workers and many owners have unrealistic expectations of what we’re capable of within a time frame and/or budget. We are working with a live animal that has its own story, timeline, limitations, etc.
Being a horse trainer or veterinarian is not a get rich quick scheme. Many of us are working just to pay the bills. Overhead is huge. The animal is priority, not how much money we make. However, time, expertise and supplies = money.
Please be kind and respectful. Please understand that most of us are extremely educated and experienced. We are not trying to gouge you. We are all in this for the love of the animal. We are human, too. We all LOVE animals, just like you.
I loving memory of those who thought there was only one way out. 😔💔
🌻Cara
📸 Claudia Harris
