I’m sure I’m not the only one in the horse world who sometimes has a problem finding the motivation to ride. It seems recently I just don’t feel like doing anything with the horses. Sure I like to play with them or take pictures but lately I just don’t have the motivation to get out there and groom and tack up and take Blue or Dusty out for a spin. Has this ever happened to any of you? And if it has how did you fix it?
If I had to guess I’d say the weather has something to do with my lack of interest. One day the temperature is 50 degrees and the next day it could hit 90. We’ve been treated to three solid days of torrential rains that stopped this morning. The weather doesn’t usually affect my mood for riding but other than that I can’t figure out why I’m less than enthusiastic about working with the horses.
Now that I’ve put a hold on building the Ark I’m going to do a hard target search for my motivation. When I find it I’ll be back but in the meantime I’m taking a little mental health break from the farm and the horses and will be heading out for a short seaside vacation. Hopefully, when I get home my motivation will be with me.
Until next time
Quote for Today
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Winston Churchill
I get the picture! We have had the same crazy weather and could get another inch of rain tonight. My age has to have something to do with my lack of motivation but I will say that I've been doing more lately. Discovered that I love line driving...It's good exercise (and now my knee replacement lets me do it comfortably) and fun. Berlin and Abbe have been great. I need to get in some kind of groove so I do this more often. Enjoy the beach!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
DeleteI do think it's the weather mostly. I've got to start working with some horses on the longe lines too. Don't know if their ready for long lining yet.
wow! I thought I was the only one in the horseworld who had that problem. I feel great once I do ride but it just seems like so much trouble to catch, groom, and saddle up. But like you I still love just walking among them, watching them, being with them. Weird huh?
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia,
DeleteNo not weird at all.
I feel that way sometimes, like it is just so much work to get tacked up and hauled down to the arena. Of course then once I go I am happy that I did. I am looking forward to just being able to go out my back door and ride. It has been a while since I have done that.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I just find a way to push through my lack of motivation, other times I give into it.
Hi Cindy,
DeleteI always feel better while I'm riding and afterwards too. Sometimes it's just the thought of catching somebody and grooming and tacking up that puts me off.
It's hard to be motivated when the weather doesn't cooperate. Last summer, I lost my motivation. I stopped my weekly lessons in June. I blamed it on the heat, but now I think about it, I felt a bit like it was a chore to get out to the barn and get ready. I admit that I spent a lot of time grooming (nothing wrong with that) instead of riding. I just couldn't push myself to ride by myself if no one was at the barn. I fell the end of July out on the trails and then Gem went into boot camp for the month of August, so I had a break from riding. You know, I needed it. By the time Gem had completed his 30-day boot camp, I was ready to get back in the saddle. I felt refreshed and better focused. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from riding and enjoying your beautiful horses from the ground, in my opinion. Is it written in stone that if you have a horse you MUST ride him all the time....no. Enjoy your horses the way you want to, no pressure. I think your seaside vacation is just the ticket. Have a fantastic holiday!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about sometimes needing a break from riding. You're right too that it's not written in stone that because you have a horse you must ride. I think I just feel guilty if I don't, I'll have to get over that.
DeleteI was motivated earlier in the late winter/early spring to get Kate ready for a mini-clinic I had organized, then only did one lazy 2 1/2 hour trail ride before my big competition this last weekend... I guess having a commitment that has a healthy financial element gets me moving. (Kate and I had a ball, and did well besides!)
ReplyDeleteHi EvenSong,
DeleteGlad to hear that you and Kate had a ball in your competition and did so well. Congratulations.
It never used to happen, but lately it seems to happen with more and more frequency to me. Life is just so busy, there's always so much that needs to get accomplished, and never enough time or energy to get everything done. I find that some evenings when I get home from work, all I want to do is putter around, think about nothing and just relax. I hate to wish my life away, but I am really looking forward to not having to work outside the home someday. Hope you have a wonderful time at the beach! In my opinion, that's one of the best places in the world to relax and unwind. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteHi C-ingspots,
DeleteIt's true that we seem to be so busy we don't have time or energy for much else. I can't wait to get to the ocean and just relax for a few days. The ocean always rejuvenates me.
I'm still short on the motivation element myself.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of entering Chance in a charity schooling show, so that may put me back in the saddle more regularly.
The weather certainly does not help. One day rain, then cold, then hotter than blue blazes, and then a nice day or two. By the time you figure out what to wear for both you and your horses, riding seems to be the last thing on your mind.
If I get a good idea has to how to motivate myself, I'll let you know.
Thanks Jean, I'll be waiting for your ideas on how to motivate myself when you figure it out. I do think that if you enter Chance in the schooling show you will find your motivation. I think part of my laziness is due to the fact that I have no real goals to work towards. Except being a better rider and working on things the horses need. I guess that should be my goal but since I don't show anymore I simply don't have the work ethic I used to have.
DeleteI do periodically lose my motivation and enthusiasm. Often its the weather -- I just don't enjoy riding in the heat and I don't think Winston does either. Sometimes, its just been a long week at work and I don't have the energy. I used to feel guilty but now I just let it be. I know when the weather cools and I'm well rested, the motivtion will return.
ReplyDeleteHi Annette,
DeleteThanks that sounds like a plan. I've been following your blog but not commenting because I don't care for the Google +. So glad to see you and Winston are back riding again. Glad you're feeling well enough to get back in the saddle.
I need goals like showing or a clinic or a new project to keep me motivated. Also, nice weather :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're on to something there.
DeleteWell Gal Darn Weather Moods Motivations Anyway. Go To The Seashore, And Put It Out Of You're Head....Enjoy The Warm Sand, Salt Air And When You Get Back, It'll Come To You And That'll BeThat(For This Season).
ReplyDeleteIt HappenS To Me All The Time,I Give Myself A Break, Without Guilt, And Resume. Sometimes Slowly Sometimes Just Taking Her For A Walk. For Me, It's About Balance...And Sometimes I Need To Live Other Parts Of Life More. The Mare Doesn't Mind, I've Found!
Have Fun, Get Some Good SeaFood!
Thanks KK. I've noticed my Blue and Dusty couldn't care less if I ride or don't. I do know a good seafood place where we are headed and plan to indulge myself on lobster, shrimp, crab....
DeleteWe've had a very nice spring and even early summer for riding (aside from the rainy times, which have been regular) but I've been in the same funk wrt riding. My daughter rides Cody every day and he's looking as good as he ever has under saddle - some days I watch them and realize he's getting softer and nicer and would do well in dressage schooling shows.
ReplyDeleteI have asked her to put Keil Bay on her riding schedule too but she says his gaits are "too big." Which is what I love so much about him! Now, after saying goodbye to Salina, I've been feeling like we're on a huge hiatus here from regular routine. Not that we are wrt feeding or that stuff, but it just feels like life has changed here. The first ride since Salina left will be a big thing and I haven't been ready to do it yet.
I know you'll have a nice holiday by the sea. Enjoy it and let the motivation float for awhile.
Cody sounds like he's doing really well. I think it will take some time for you all to get used to not seeing Salina in the pastures or barn. It's only natural to go through a grieving process and you'll know when the time is right to get on the Big Bay. Just remember that Salina would want you to continue on as usual even though she's not physically there she will always be with you.
DeleteHate when that happens, especially when there doesn't seem to be an obvious reason for it. But you know what they say, cheesy & cliched tho it is: 'a change is as good as a rest' (I know, I'm cringing too). Enjoy your break and hope the seaside and change of scenery works its magic for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy. I can't remember ever hearing that cliche and it's not cheesy at all!
DeleteThe ocean is the perfect healer to return you to the rhythm of your life and what you love. GREAT idea--maybe go more often!
ReplyDeleteHi DJ,
ReplyDeleteI love the ocean and have lived near it my whole life until about twelve years ago. I do miss it and always feel better after a walk on the beach. Maybe I should go more often...
Firstly I'd say simply enjoy the ocean .....it has a wonderful effect
ReplyDeleteAs for the riding ......when I can't be bothered riding I clip a lead on the mad Lab and another on the nutty Hokey Pokey and we go for a walk up the road for an hour ......the dog drags me ......I drag the horse ......we make all the neighbours smile
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteLove picturing you walking the gog and the horse.
Oops meant dog. Hate this auto correct feature.
DeleteBlame the weather! A holiday at the seaside will be just the perfect thing to lift the spirits! It sure cures what ails me. And, by the way, both my farrier and my vet said I don't have to ride Royal to enjoy him. They also said that Royal doesn't care. I've recently discovered that. Enjoy the change of scenery. Will be glad to hear all about your adventure.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm sure it is the weather. I know the horses couldn't care less if I rode them or not, it's just I feel so guilty if I don't. I'll have to get over that ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so busy with work during the week and other things on the weekend that time just goes by and I never seem to climb on their backs. Yes, as I get older, I seem to be less inclined to go riding. And not having a riding partner is a big part of it for me, and partly for my safety. As you say, I'm sure they don't mind too much as long as they get fed regularly. The worst part for me is the rising cost of horse ownership. Five years ago, I could get hay bales for 4.50/5.00. Now I'm paying 10/11 dollars a bale. Everything goes up but my pay!!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about not having a riding partner. I'm usually alone too. Hay prices are getting ridiculous here too. We paid $15 a bale last year and with seven horses that's no small amount of money.
DeleteEnjoy your seaside vacation - after you replenish the soul, your motivation will magically come back! I totally understand how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteThanks Victoria.
DeleteHave a wonderful vacation! Sounds like fun! I hope you come back refreshed and full of enthusiasm and motivation.
ReplyDeleteI believe that riding in a less structure manner, with less traditional tack and pursuits, keeps my rides fresh and new. I spent years in rings, indoor and outdoor, going round and round, over fences and on the flat, and I basically realized it left me bored and uninspired. I took a seven year break.
When I returned to horses in 2007 I decided I would do things differently. Now I ride outside the ring for every single ride and I try to mix up the locations of my rides. It isn't always easy because I don't have a trailer, but I do try to ride out on different trails on my farm and around new paths in the local neighborhoods. Also, I use very little tack (bitless and bareback) which sounds nutty, but it keeps me involved mentally in the ride. I have to keep my focus and I never get bored. Lately I've been equating this style of riding with re-learning how to ride as a beginner. I had to start again from square one and it has made it all seem fresh and new and fun!
I bet the change of scenery on vacation will help too! Enjoy!
Thanks Juliette. I think my bareback days are over but switching things up will definitely help. It's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteChecking in to see how that vacation is going. Look forward to photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Marvel,
DeleteSo far - so good. Be back soon.
Everybody goes through this except kids! We have a lot to do and it seems like it's so much work getting them ready; even warming them up. It's worse when you have no goals and no one to ride with. Of course once you do it, you feel great. Then you wonder why you had to force yourself to begin with. Force yourself to do something you love?! It's crazy! Recently I met a friend in the area who was willing to meet with me weekly to go trail riding. Of course I fractured my back now so that's put on hold, but the idea was that we were going to set the weekly date and nothing was going to get in the way. It wasn't going to be a long trail ride. Because we're busy! If you try to do too much, you won't do it at all. We figured two hours would be good, say every Thursday, and then of course I'd have to ride my horse in between so he'd be good on the trail ride. I've done this before with a friend where I used to live and it worked well. I never canceled because I knew she was counting on me. When my back heals, I hope to get back to this. But it is maddening isn't it, that we have to work so hard to get ourselves to do something we love so much?
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right. It's so much better to be motivated when you have someone to ride with. I used to have much more motivation when I had goals, like a show to get ready for or meeting a friend to ride with. Hope your back is feeling better and you heal quickly.
DeleteI think you probably just need a little break. Also, if grooming and tacking seem overwhelming (that happens to me too sometimes) I just put the bridle on one of the horses and get on bareback, even if it's just for an enjoyable walk.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. I did need a little break. I'm planning on riding tomorrow if the weather cooperates.
DeleteI hope your seaside vacation restored you to doing what you love--the ocean has a reputation for doing that!
ReplyDeleteAfter a few days off work to recover from a series of stressful events here, I enjoyed a brief return to my blog: http://www.oakintheseed.com/
Sorry for dropping off the radar!
Diane
Hi Diane, I'll check out your post. It should have come up on my dashboard.
DeleteDefinitely the weather - and everyone goes through this. I sometimes do some long-reining to give myself a change of scenery (Echo's backside is particularly beautiful scenery!) and often once I'm out doing that, I wish I was back on board. Hope you had a nice holiday. I've nominated you for the Liebster award. Don't feel you have to do it...but I found it quite fun! You can pick it up at my blog: http://diaryofayounghorse.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of me for this award. I really appreciate it but I already have it. I've been doing a little longing with some of the horses and rode Blue. The weather here is so hot and humid it's hard on the horses too. Long lining is a great option too.
DeleteOh, look at that photo! Enjoy your break. Looking after horses is hard, hard work and sometimes I find that physical fatigue kills motivation.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you about fatigue causing loss of motivation. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIf I don't feel like riding, even though I know there will be some days when I know I will be wishing I could be riding, I don't worry about it. I do something else productive and enjoy it! don't beat yourself up about it.
ReplyDelete- The Equestrian Vagabond
You're absolutely right and I've come to just enjoy being around them when I don't feel like riding. They couldn't care less obviously whether I do or don't saddle up.
Delete