Parenthood and Horses

Many moms fall into the trap of losing themselves in parenthood. They let their passions
and hobbies slip to the wayside. Don’t let that be you! To be your best version, you
need to keep your own identity. You’re more than just a parent. If horses are a big part
of your life, then don’t let them go when you become a mom. Find a way to incorporate
them into your new life!
There are many clever ways to juggle parenthood and your barn life. Many of us
would have loved to grow up on a farm or riding horses. Barn life can be so wholeness
and enriching for children. It may not be easy and there may be days when you just pet
your horse and leave, but it is possible… You can be a mom and rider!

Balancing Your Parenting Duties with Your Horse Duties
1. Time management: Become an expert at maximizing your time! It starts with
choosing what’s important to your family and eliminating the rest. That may mean
fewer commitments like sports. You can hang a calendar and mark out the week.
Being prepared will go a long way.

2. Utilize nap time: Set up a nap space in the barn and invest in a good baby monitor.
That 1- to 2-hour window can be so useful! You can complete barn chores, ride, or
even just hang out with your horse. This time can help you fill your cup back up.

3. Involve them in chores: My two-year-old loves to help! It may take me twice as
long, but the smiles on his face are precious. He has his own wheelbarrow and
shovel, and boy do they get some use. Find simple and safe ways they can be
included. It will obviously depend on their age, but even toddlers can be helpful.

4. Create a fun & safe barn environment: Horse moms are a clever bunch! I have
seen all sorts of ways to entertain young children at the barn. Some use playpens,
strollers, or empty stalls to contain their active youngsters, while others have them
tag along. It can be as simple as letting them climb the sawdust mound or run
through a hay bale maze. You can let them help you brush or hold the lead rope
while your horse stands in the crossties.

5. A supportive spouse: Without an understanding partner, it’ll be a lot harder to
juggle parenthood and horses. Both are a huge time and financial commitment, so
hopefully your spouse is on board. For single parents, you’ll need a good support
system of family and friends.

6. Enlist the help of a babysitter: There will be times when you just need to focus
and get some work done. It can be so helpful to have a sitter. You may even be able
to find a horse-crazy teen who will watch your child for some ride time.

7. You can’t do it all: Learn to accept that everything isn’t going to get done. The
house may be messy, the horse may be muddy, and dinner may be chicken
nuggets, but everyone is cared for so consider that day a victory.

8. Consider leasing your horse: If you find yourself struggling to ride your horse, then
consider a partial or full lease on them. This will take away some of the pressure in
keeping them fit and trained. We all go through various seasons of life.

Don’t be hard on yourself if you need to take a month or a few months off. Furthermore, your

horse won’t mind hanging out in the field. If they have food, shelter, and companionship,
they’re likely very content.

9. A family-friendly horse: Don’t be afraid of change. Your green show horse may not
be the right horse for you anymore. A quiet horse that’s safe enough for the kids to
ride, but has some buttons for you may be a better fit. You’ll need to be the judge of
that. Some kids love to ride, while others are indifferent.

10. Enjoy the ride: Instead of worrying about this or that, slow down and soak it all up.
These moments are precious and you don’t want to miss them. Let your children see
a happy mom, one that has passion. You got this, mama!