• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • Europe
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • Clinic
    • Horse Shows
    • Lessons
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Movies
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Farm Life, Horses, My Life
/
January 18, 2017

My Non-existant Life Balance

Above is the closest I’ve been to riding a horse recently. And that’s not even me playing it! That’s Dave playing an online horse jumping game. He would miss the jumps, but magically, the jumps would become transparent for him to just canter through. This was only a safeguard to avoid injury though, the rider was still very disappointed in Dave’s performance.

"You need to work on your spacebar skills!"

“You need to work on your spacebar skills!”

I wish I could work on my real life spacebar skills. I haven’t ridden since my guest lesson, and I am feeling an itch that a powder won’t fix. It’s been unseasonably warm, but it’s been very wet. So wet, I would not be able to get my tractor to my arena to drag it. I can’t even remember the last time it was dragged.

Now, keep in mind I can still only do this on the weekends. Most of my week looks like this:

PSX_20170118_095825

Don’t worry, traffic was at a standstill, therefore allowing the picture to be taken safely.

My opportunities for riding during the week are slim to none. Occasionally, we have a holiday. But then it’s cold and it rains, or snows. It’s been a mostly mild January, but usually it’s mild during the week – those times when I need to be at work. I like my job and my company, so I’m not complaining about that aspect. I just need some telework, or it needs to get sunny again, and stay sunny until like 7pm.

Recently, we had a company event, and due to the hours, I decided to stay in the city. I stayed with my friend and got a reminder of apartment living. I can see why people would live in a stacked column of housing, especially when work is mere minutes away, as well as an entire mall an elevator ride away. Although we are a bit older than the last time I was living in an apartment, so we weren’t exactly snacking on ramen.

Salmon!? I distinctly asked for lobster frittala!

A free salmon dinner?! Ugh! I distinctly asked for lobster!

I also did some fine arts and crafts. Who knew I was so talented at the pipe cleaners?

Only $1600 on my etsy store!

Only $160 on my etsy store! Act now, and I’ll throw in used play doh I’ve collected in my travels. 

I’m basically waiting for to get more free time. Eventually, I’ll be able to ride during the week again… I’ll start taking a lesson every week again… and keep advancing. It’s just another period of life where I have to accept that not riding now will benefit me in the future, career-wise. The waiting isn’t so fun though.

I’m brainstorming some ideas to get Berry working again while I’m at work, none of which sound appealing, financially. But, it could end up extremely beneficial to send Berry to a trainer for a few months until I get more time.

Or I could install some arena lights. I kind of like that idea. What I don’t like is the thought of doing anything on my mud slick of a pasture.

On the positive side, since I’ve been stuck inside on the weekends, I decided to seriously tackle redecorating my house. Before and after pictures to come!

Good job to all of you that make the riding/work/life balance work. One day, I will be among you.

Share

You May Also Like

March 1, 2016

Update on the Barn Terror

September 17, 2019

It’s Time to Train Stu

February 23, 2016

Flying Changes

Previous Post
Cruising Part 3: More Island Photos
Next Post
Winter Ride #1
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • horse sticking its head out of the stall door

    My Trainer Called Me a Weanie

    June 12, 2025
  • horses fighting in a dry lot pasture

    “Should I buy a Horse That Hurt Someone?”

    June 10, 2025
  • stylish equestrian standing next to a chestnut warmblood

    Looking Stylish in the Heat – Summer Riding Shirts

    June 7, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.