Title: Rider Burnout

Author: Bill Dunigan

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Article:
 Rider Burnout Bill Dunigan

 Over the years I have noticed a situation that develops much to
often. That is the problem of burn out on the part of the rider.
How often have we known someone who started riding, and at some
point decided to pursue a particular discipline to the exclusion
of any other activity involving horses. I am sure you have
encountered this just as I have. The sad part is that it doesn't
need to happen. Think back to when you first began to ride. You,
just like I, enjoyed doing almost anything you could imagine on
horseback. Remember the trail rides, those days at the barn that
never seem to have enough hours in them, all the new friends,
and what about the different shows you were so excited to
attend. It didn't matter what kind of show it was. It had horses
and that was all that mattered.

 Somehow a lot of riders got side tracked. By that I mean they
reached a point where they became enthralled with a particular
discipline. Now I m not saying that there is anything wrong with
having a real desire to excel in any of these specialties. What
I am trying to highlight is the total exclusion of the vary
things that attracted us all to riding in the first place. Now I
know there are those who really enjoy being completely immersed
in one aspect of riding. However, I do believe they are not the
majority of those owning and riding horses. Far to many times I
have heard someone say, " I'm bored with horses, and selling out
and taking up golf". Others are going skiing or traveling or a
myriad of other activities. Why is it that these individuals are
losing interest in riding while others are almost fanatical
about it?

 I have been riding, competing and teaching for over forty
years. During that time I have had the opportunity to observe
and listen to many comments from a wide variety of horse
enthusiast. That's why I am so concerned about what I am seeing.
At a time when Expos are packing in the spectators by the
thousands, how can any of this be true.

 As I see it, the real problem is in the limitation of our
activities involving horses. Once we embark on a path to focus
on one discipline, unless we garner an enormous amount of
success, it's only a question of time before the discouragement
sets in. While I do firmly believe that people are the happiest
when they are learning and progressing in some endeavor, few can
sustain interest indefinitely without some obvious success.

 Once an individual starts competing, things change. At that
moment you are thrust into a world of professionalism. It's
tough out there. Then the real costs kick in. It's very
difficult for someone to justify the enormous expenses incurred
by showing without some real measured level of success. These
are simply the cold hard facts.

 What I am advocating is a return to those things that first
held our interest. I do not feel it is necessary to abandon the
interest in a particular discipline. Instead, think of it as
adding to, expanding, or enhancing your fundamental interest in
horses and riding. Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed by
something to the exclusion of everything else. We must protect
ourselves from becoming burned out by overkill.

 Enjoy to the fullest those aspects of riding that really hold
your interest, but maintain a balance. That balance is the key.
Remember, the more you limit yourself, the sooner the decline
will begin. I don't mean to suggest that we are all domed, I am
merely trying to bring your attention to a possibility which
could arise for some, if we as a group do not address it.

 I would suggest that we look for opportunities to expand our
activities rather than limit them. Suggest that trail ride, get
a group together and go watch a show in a completely different
discipline, not to criticize but to learn, find one of those
stable tours. I think you get the idea. Start expanding your
exposure and take along some friends and most of all relax,
learn, and enjoy.

 You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided
there are no changes made to the article and credit is given to
the author and the link to his website remains in place. Please
notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You
may contact Bill Dunigan through his website:
http://www.barrelracingclinic.com/

About the author:
Bill Dunigan has been teaching and competing in excess of 40
years. He has taught and competed in Barrel Racing,
Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Dressage and served as President of a
local Dressage Association. During this time, he Fox Hunted four
days a week with two different Hunt clubs, one of which he
served as Joint Master. Bill qualified six years in a row for
the World Championships with the National Barrel Horse
Association.
 

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