Is it a Crisis?

      11 Comments on Is it a Crisis?
 
 
Crisis
 
 
 
1. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person’s life.  
 
2. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death 
 
 
 
 
When I was 11 or 12 years old I remember telling my riding instructor that I wanted what she had.
 
 
 
She had her own stable, horses, arena, cross country course…… It was my dream. I thought I wanted to be just…. like….. her. 
 
 
 
She looked down at me, and without pausing a moment said,
 
No you don’t.
 
 
What you want is a nice job where you can board your horse at a place like this and all you have to do is come ride her after work.”
 
 
 
30 years later.  I understand. 
 
 
 
I followed my “dream”, and I started my own stable at the ripe age of 18……….
 
 
 
 
and I’ve been running a stable full time (along with my “other” full time jobs) for 24 years. 
 
 
I’ve got the farm…
 
 
 
the arena…
 
 
 
 cross country jumps…
 
 
 
 
 
And in the past 24 years I’ve spent infinitely more time mending fences, thawing hoses, and feeding horses…………….. than I ever have riding. 
 
 
 
All I’ve ever really wanted to do is ride. 
 
Stable ownership definitely didn’t make room for riding.
 
 
 
At least it didn’t for me.
 
Now that I’ve spent a few months in the land of good footing and plentiful tack shops…….
I can’t possibly imagine going back to all work and no play…………
 
 
 
If only I could tell my 12 year old self how right that advice was.
 
With great excitement I’ve decided to sell all of it. I’m going to live in my horse trailer, board my event horses at fabulous facilities (where I don’t have to mend fences) and follow my life long dream of riding……………..just riding……………..
 
 
 
I have never been more excited about anything.
 
 
 
 
Yet……. I keep getting messages like, “I’m so sorry you’re selling your farm.”
 
“Are you having a midlife crisis?”
 
“Have you been diagnosed with something terrible?”
 
“We’re really sorry to hear you’re selling your equipment.”
 
 
 
I suspect all of the so-sad messages are from people who still believe what my 12 year old self believed. They think the house & the farm is “the dream”.
 
 
 
It isn’t.
 
 
 
It never was.
 
 
And I have never been so excited and happy to turn loose of it.
 
Is it a Crisis?
 
Definitely not.
 
 
 
Anyone looking for a perfect 60 acre farm? I happen to have one for sale.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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11 thoughts on “Is it a Crisis?

  1. Rup

    to each his own. each day is a gift. Every year amateurs go to Rolex. Sometimes they finish last or not even and those are my heroes!

  2. SprinklerBandit

    Haha yes. I used to think I wanted my own place, but the truth is that I really, really, really love boarding. It's 8f outside and I'm not de-icing waterers. Life is good.

  3. achieve1dream

    I'm happy for you!! Running a business of any kind is difficult, time consuming and stressful. Running a boarding stable has to be that ten fold! I hope it sells quickly and that you get to spend a lot of time doing what you love… riding!!

  4. emma

    i'm so ridiculously grateful to have figured out a young age that farm ownership wasn't really for me. full board all the way!

  5. my bad

    You will love your new life! We sold our place 5 years ago. I live in our lQ horse trailer with two dogs, two horses, and one husband. We are avid trail ridders. Our life style has allowed us to travel the US & Canada, even AK. We have ridden in some of the most beautiful places in the world & meet good people that will have a place in our hearts forever. Our horses are happy, healthy, & fit. I wish we would have been brave enough to do this year's ago. It sure beats 9-5 at work & 5-9 at home fixing, hauling, and looking for time to ride. Welcome to the club! Ride on!

  6. Mary Sherfesee

    Congratulations for you! I can't tell you how many times I've fielded the whole "don't you want to keep your horse at home" question. Nope. I still want to be able to go on vacation occasionally.

  7. sammy

    To each their own. Having worked at barns for the past long while, I've always dreamt of having my own. But, I have no big competitive dreams. And as a 44 yr old, living and working with horses is what i want. Riding is a reason, but not the purpose. It all depends on your goals. But good for you figuring out a way to acheive what you really want! Not crazy at all !!

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