Bridging the Gap: 6 Tips for Balancing Your Passion for Your Horses with Family Time

We all know that “just 2 hours” at the barn can easily turn into 6. Our non-equestrian family tries to be understanding but it’s truly a balancing act sometimes. We do our best to juggle caring for our horses, spending time with our family and managing a household. 

While our passion for horses can be incredibly fulfilling, it can also create a divide between equestrians and our non-equestrian family and friends. Others may not fully understand or share the same passion for horses. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies to help equestrians approach and communicate with their non-equestrian loved ones. This can help you find a balance that allows for quality time with both family and horses. In addition to counseling nervous riders and equestrians who have experienced riding accidents, helping clients find this balance is a part of the work I do as an equestrian therapist in New Jersey.

Share Your Passion

One of the first steps in bridging the gap is to openly share your passion for horses with your family. Your non-equestrian family and loved ones may be wondering why you’re spending countless hours at the barn and what exactly you’re doing while you’re there. Explain why horses are so important to you and the joy they bring into your life. Share the sense of fulfillment you get from riding and caring for them. Use this as an opportunity to educate your non-equestrian family members about the horse world, its challenges, and the benefits it offers. For example, sharing that going for a ride after work helps to clear your mind before coming home. Letting your loved ones know how meaningful your horses are to you, may help them understand and be more receptive to the amount of time and energy you’re putting into being at the barn.

Set Clear Boundaries

While you love spending time at the barn, it’s important to set clear boundaries that ensure you don’t miss out on your family time. Come up with specific days and times for equestrian-related activities and communicate these to your family. Having a structured schedule will help your loved ones understand when you’re available for them. Even if there are no solidified plans scheduled outside of your barn hours, leaving that time free for family-related activities may be appreciated!

Prioritize Family Time

Make a conscious effort to prioritize quality family time. Plan outings, dinners, or activities that don’t involve horses. By demonstrating your commitment to spending time with your family, you’ll show them that they are important to you, too. Perhaps there are activities that your family enjoys doing together. Finding common ground can help strengthen your connections and provide opportunities for meaningful time outside of the horse world.

Show Appreciation

As an NJ equestrian therapist, I know how demanding a life with horses can truly be. The commitment it takes to own and care for horses takes a lot of time and energy. While our non-equestrian friends and family members may not be partaking in the day-to-day with horses, they are impacted by it, as it’s time away from home. It’s important to express your appreciation to your family for their support and understanding of your passion for horses. Small gestures like thank-you notes, thoughtful gifts, or simply verbalizing your gratitude can go a long way in strengthening your relationships.

Partake in Your Loved One’s Passion

While relationships don’t need to be transactional, it’s nice to be able to spend time in your loved ones “happy place.” For example, if your non-equestrian spouse has a favorite activity, participate or attend an event with them. Even if you don’t fully understand their passion, stay curious! There are many reasons why we love to spend time with our horses and at the barn. Your loved one most likely feels similar while engaging in their favorite activity.

Balancing your love and passion for horses with your family life is a challenge that many equestrians face. However, with open communication, clear boundaries, and a willingness to involve your family, you can bridge the gap and maintain strong relationships with your loved ones. Remember that finding a balance may take time and effort, but it’s worth it to keep both your passion for horses and your family connections thriving. If you’re finding it hard to maintain a healthy balance, seeking the assistance of an equestrian mental health therapist may help. 

 

Interested in Equestrian Therapy in NJ? Contact an Equestrian Therapist in Branchburg, NJ or Scotch Plains, NJ 

Our team can provide a safe space for you in your journey to finding balance between your passion for your horse(s) and your family. Our NJ equestrian therapists work with nervous riders and equestrians experiencing riding anxiety, especially after a horse riding accident. We are here to help you process it all with equestrian therapy in New Jersey. We have options for your care, including in-person sessions at our Scotch Plains or Branchburg, NJ counseling offices. Or if you prefer, we can meet with you virtually using online therapy in New Jersey and Florida. To get started, follow the steps below.