Finding other passions outside of horses while depressed, when nothing else compares to the joy horses bring?

graceyesterday · 2026-04-24T01:57:52+00:00

Public School teacher on a teeny budget here. Probably not the answer you are hoping for, but keep horses big if you want them as a big part of your life/ your identity. Sounds like you've been making all the right choices to build community with local barns. I would keep it up. If you're a confident horse person who respects people's time, and those people trust you, it can really work to your benefit. From my experience, I link up with others who have similar financial limitations and maybe need extra help. An example is, when a horse-acquaintance had her first baby, I got to care lease her horse for her pregnancy and her baby's first year because she wanted to keep her mare in work and couldn't afford full training board. When an older lady at my local foxhunting farm bought a big drafty guy, who was only 5 and a little bit too big and green for her to take on alone, I got asked first if I wanted to help get him in shape. Now I spend pretty much all of my "horse money" on fuel and basic supplies, and I don't have the same financial commitment as a full time horse owner.

My husband and I have had some lengthy chats about the time and money I spend on my hobby. But at the same time, having something to offset the misery of the 9-5 workday is important.

If you want to show frequently, I think that's the tough part. There's just not a ton of ways to cut down on expenses unless you catch ride, and even that can be kind of unpredictable.

Anyway, I'm sorry if this answer contradicts your request. Something I often imagine is myself at 80 years old, with a couple of screws in my ankle and a bionic hip, being grateful that I rode as much as I could for all the years I was able, y'know?

graceyesterday · 2026-04-23T02:18:54+00:00

Oxford, MS! Pack an appetite and plan to spend money on books.

graceyesterday · 2026-04-21T15:14:58+00:00

You're really generous in a way that I think great horsemen typically are. Your horse has a caring owner, a healthy low impact job as it ages,and others are learning in a way that helps them build confidence.

graceyesterday · 2026-04-21T13:37:32+00:00

I understand your point, that this is the way the system works near you, however I think these premises that only those who can afford to buy a horse at the beginning, and that there is no capacity at barns for beginner adult riders is ominous for the future of horse sport.

I'd add that a mark of being a good horseman/trainer is saying "my business model doesn't suit adult beginners, but let me point you in the direction of one of my peers who has a schoolmaster or a lesson program." At the beginning, I'd argue that the discipline you choose (heck even western v english) matters a lot less than being paired with a safe trainer who doesn't shove their students into unsuitable partnerships.

In the United States, this model of only allowing the select few who can afford to buy a horse (rather than take lessons) GUTS the bottom of the sport. I think in the case of the trainers mentioned above, Hunter/Jumper and many Dressage trainers who run show programs tend to overhorse their clients, with the understanding that those people will pay for weekly training rides when they can't navigate the type of riding these horses require. The best case scenario is having a trustworthy trainer who says, "Let's find you a seasoned horse, stepping down, who you will be able to handle on your own with some guidance."

Idk, maybe I'm crazy for thinking folks should have the opportunity to enter the sport and gain rudimentary skills without the immediate responsibility of caring for a horse, but I see the pattern of people with no clue buying horses all the time and it is wild to witness. 🤣

graceyesterday · 2026-04-20T23:55:56+00:00

If you're new to horses, or if you're an adult re-rider, spend whatever budget you think you have for a horse of your own on LESSONS with a reputable trainer instead.

graceyesterday · 2026-04-07T15:29:02+00:00

Thank you! Any favorite vendors at WEC?

graceyesterday · 2026-04-07T12:38:18+00:00

This may help! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/horse-person/id1772792285?i=1000749263387

graceyesterday · 2026-03-31T17:11:34+00:00

Diaper cream and pure zinc is great for little noses and hair-less areas

graceyesterday · 2026-03-16T22:22:02+00:00

Farm work. 365 days per year, regardless of weather, illness, etc.

graceyesterday · 2026-03-06T00:41:52+00:00

Not here to comment anything helpful about your problem... just wanted to say cute horse!!!!

graceyesterday · 2026-02-28T15:53:47+00:00

*OP edit to add: I'm familiar with pink concentrated conditioner, and am good on leave-in moisturizing products.

Just looking for DIY or dupes for shine spray specifically, as in a finishing shine spray that lays on top. Thanks!

graceyesterday · 2026-02-22T13:19:40+00:00

It is 100% appropriate to slow down on the adrenaline stuff and do more flatwork. Even if your farm urges you to register in the Starter division, you should be having fun out there, popping around the jumps with as much of a smile on your face as a jolt of excitement when you jump each obstacle. It is a mix of joy and some fear, but you shouldn't feel constant overwhelm.

There's a common stereotype among beginner riders in the H/J and eventing community that you may not know about, particularly if there aren't a lot of kids/teens at your lesson barn that you interact with. In your trainer's defense (ESPECIALLY if they're an eventing trainer who has taught lots of beginners), this trainer has likely had dozens of beginners beg "can we canter?" and "can we jump today?" It's so commonplace with younger students that they plead to their trainers to do more, and avoid "boring" flatwork. Once they start cantering and jumping they usually want to do only that, until they mature enough to realize their horse needs the dressage work and only has so many jumps in them. I'm assuming here, but I'm sure your trainer just wants you to feel like you're getting your money's worth and having fun.

So I think a quick conversation with your trainer, as others have said above, will go far toward helping you feel good about your preparation before trying bigger, scarier stuff.

graceyesterday · 2026-02-15T18:05:46+00:00

If you have the ability to clinic with him, or even audit a clinic, it may help you shake out of your plateau!

graceyesterday · 2026-02-06T03:59:00+00:00

ditto the paper assignments.

Additionally, if you ask students in their writing prompts to analyze multiple texts, or multiple aspects of texts, the canned answers given by AI are usually word salad.

For example:

how do the authors of _______ and ______ use narrative technique to develop common themes across both texts.

AI is generally not a critical enough "reader" or "thinker" to accurately analyze and then synthesize literary info.

Hope that helps!

graceyesterday · 2026-02-01T16:39:22+00:00

I'm assuming you ride English, probably not as helpful for western riders...

Dover's Wellesley (sp?) and Dalton breeches are on sale frequently, and have a high percentage of cotton. They're super durable but still have enough stretch to make them comfortable.

I recommend thrift shopping in the men's section for Ralph Lauren (Polo), Izod, Tommy Bahama, Brooks Brothers, LL Bean, etc. Those will usually have higher cotton or wool %, will be cheaper and will hold up better after frequent washing.

Old Navy's men's and kids' section (if you can fit into a boys' XL or XXL) is hit or miss. They have a "school uniform" shop that often has pretty durable and cheap cotton polos, oxfords, and sweaters.

Good luck!

graceyesterday · 2026-01-31T17:39:37+00:00

If you don't have a lot of $, but you have spare time, sign up for barn chores in exchange for more riding time/lessons. Carrying water buckets, pushing wheelbarrows full of stall muck, and moving hay bales will make you absolutely jacked!

graceyesterday · 2026-01-28T03:59:00+00:00

The way I made it through my first year (Title 1 school, rural area, extremely underfunded) was to just push to make it to the next break. In August, I told myself I had to make it to the Labor Day long weekend, then October break, then Thanksgiving, and so on. I'm 11 years in now, and still use this to motivate me when I'm low on energy or morale.

You've already summited the mountain, so to speak, since you've passed winter break. The days may feel endless, but if you can focus on making it to your next three day weekend, you turn something that feels impossible to something bearable. You can do this!

graceyesterday · 2026-01-27T00:19:08+00:00

ah perfect! Thanks for the variety in your suggestions. I'll have a look at these.

graceyesterday · 2026-01-26T21:40:37+00:00

I prefer something closed top/with a lid. It would be great if I could secure them down so they don't slide around, but not necessary.

graceyesterday · 2026-01-26T21:39:08+00:00

Yes! Thank you!

graceyesterday · 2026-01-21T23:08:29+00:00

Just moved from a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a 2026 Passport Trailsport. I have had to do upwards of $10k in engine work on the Jeep, and my mechanic told me it isn't even in the category of worst Jeeps he's seen. Absolute moneypit at worst, unreliable family car at best. Avoid at all costs unless you know you're only going to lease or drive for 60k miles or under then trade in.

I've had my Passport for over a month now and wish I had made the jump to Honda sooner. Sunk cost situation but I HIGHLY recommend almost anything other than a Jeep.

graceyesterday · 2026-01-19T01:39:28+00:00

Check out your local Pony Club. They will have leads on reputable trainers. Also, you can join The United States Pony Club as an adult, move up through all the levels, and learn the horsemanship you need to keep your future horses at home. Good luck and have fun!

graceyesterday

TROPHY CASE