We Were on A Break

We were on a break...Latest stats show that 55% of horse riders have taken at least one break from riding due to work, family or study commitments*. We asked three Harry Hall One Club members why they took a break from riding and how it crept back into their life again. Let us know which one you can relate to the most.

Swapping time in the saddle for time at the desk

“Everyone always said, wait until you go to University, you’ll forget about horses and swap horse hooves for high heels. I thought they were mad. How could I ever give up my passion, my loves, my life? How right they were. A lot of time was spent at University in local clubs and bars, but it was also spent in the library or lecture theatres thanks to an intensive course in Food Science. I tried to keep riding, through quick weekend trips home and cramming in as much riding as possible in holidays but then I entered my third year at uni, the most important year.

Along came the realisation that I couldn’t sustain an intensive degree course with my horse-riding commitments, and it was time to find a new home for my horse. As University ended, I landed my first job and started saving for a house.

Stepping away from riding left a huge hole in my life, but it’s like riding a bike. You never forget how to ride and I’m certain that someday soon I’ll be back at the stables whiling away the days with horses. Until that day, I’ll keep riding ride my friend’s horses and I’ll stare at fields full of horses as I drive by. The smell of leather as you open a tack room door, the waft of horse manure and the calming sound of horse’s hooves will never leave my soul."

Swapping hooves for high heels 

“Mum and dad often joke that my first word as a child was “horse” not mummy or daddy!

For as long as I can remember horses/ponies and anything related to them have filled my world; films, books, you name it. I got my first pony when I was four years old, Dad had his own business and a customer of his, unfortunately, went bankrupt. He owed Dad £100 and called him to ask if he could pay his debt by giving us a pony that he owned. Dad said yes and so did the start of having horses in my life.

Fast forward to my 30’s and my career took off, I was travelling all over the place and staying away from home Monday to Friday. I’d retired my old horse and the intention was to buy a new one, but my career didn’t give me time. So, for the first time in my life, I stopped riding. At first, I didn’t have time to think about missing it, but then weekends would arrive, and I’d find myself bored, so I developed a bad habit (shopping - mainly for shoes).

It didn’t matter how many new shoes I bought, I was still bored. After two years and countless pairs of new shoes, I realised I needed to get back in the saddle, much to my husband’s relief, he was starting to think he had married a centipede! I was offered a horse called Flash to loan. He was a stunner and from the moment I rode him, the feel-good factor returned. Shoe shopping stopped, and lessons, hacks, grooming and mucking out started.

It was two years of not having a horse to ride and goals to make. Two years of shoe shopping and this constant feeling that something was missing. The two years of having a break from horses brought me back to horses in a stronger way than before.

Nothing gives you the same feeling, the bond you build with horses, the friends you make on the way and the life lessons the beautiful creatures teach us.

Swapping poo-picking for nappy changing

“How am I going to ride with a baby, then a toddler then a young child? Was the question I constantly asked myself when I was pregnant with my first child Daisy. I had owned my horse for nine years and it would break my heart to have to sell him, but how would I juggle both?

A friend convinced me he would be OK turned out for a year and I could get back on when I was ready but I knew field life wasn’t for him. Rehab following kissing spines surgery meant he needed to be kept in constant work to ensure the muscles around his spine were strong enough to support the affected area. Plus, the thought of not being around horses every day filled me with dread. Being at the stables was my safe place, my relief from the busy world we have become accustomed to.

Then I had a light-bulb moment, I needed to have a break from riding but didn’t want to sell my best buddy, so the hunt for a full-time loaner commenced. Two years and one baby later, he is still on part loan with Shirley and it couldn’t be going any better. It's the perfect solution and means I can juggle my horse with my new, rather hectic home life. Having a year off to become a mum made me realise just how much I love being around these incredible animals, they heal us on grey days and add to the sunshine on brighter days. I’ve had my break but now I’m back."

 *55% of people take a break from horse riding.