7 Powerful Ways to Prevent Burnout

Let’s be honest, us equestrians are a hardy bunch. Not many can say that they wrangle 600kg animals for a living and have the immunity levels of superheroes (I know you also eat sandwiches with grubby hands!). However, on a serious note, as mighty as we are…. the pace of this rodeo lifestyle can leave us feeling weary.

Grooming, especially at a professional level, means revolving your entire lifestyle and routine around that of the rider you work for. Shows, endless washing loads, being away from home and the constant travel can cause feelings of burnout and stress to rise. Don’t get me wrong, there’s many highs along the way, but it’s useful to have a little help every now and then when that internal petrol light begins to flicker. 

According to the World Health Organization, burnout can be defined as “a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Symptoms include:

·      Feeling a lack of energy or exhaustion.

·      Increased feelings of negativity related to one’s job.

·      Reduced professional efficacy/effectiveness.

That’s why EquiHaven has provided some digestible steps with the intention of topping your tank up! Don’t panic, you don’t have to implement ALL of these techniques into your life all at once – we don’t want to add even more pressure. Why not give a couple a try?    

Here's a few helpful options from us to think about whilst driving the truck…      

1. TALK ABOUT IT: As obvious as this sounds, I can guarantee that many of you keep how you’re REALLY feeling to yourselves. Talking to someone/others about what’s going on internally can be a serious blessing. We all can moan to each other about covering those extra night checks of the horses or staying late for the vet*(check the P.s below) … but getting beneath the surface is what we’re aiming for! Besides the instant relief from saying how you’re feeling out-loud, you never know how others can help lighten the load a little or offer a helpful suggestion and/or perspective on your situation. Taking time to socialise with family, friends and of course our animals is equally important, even if only for finding time to laugh and enjoy the little things in life!  Finally, if you’re seriously struggling to open up to someone, then begin with journaling. Ask yourself questions like “what emotions lie underneath the prolonged stress/burnout feelings?” and “how would I treat a friend who was experiencing this much exhaustion?”.           

2. MEDITATION: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… meditation can hold the key to truly transforming many areas of your life if you listen to yourself! A solid meditation practice can seriously reduce stress (amongst other health benefits) and help you recognise where anxiety and burnout symptoms show up in your body. And no, this isn’t as difficult or vague as it sounds—sometimes, it’s as simple as a short breathing exercise or a body scan to wind down and experience the benefits. You never know, just sitting with yourself for a while might bring clarity to important decisions and next steps in this journey called life. If you’re interested, check out our blog post “Mad About Meditation?” to learn more about how meditation techniques could help you!
   

3. GOALS: This is a BIGGY. Keeping track of goals and what is really important for you in life can truly help keep things in perspective in times of need. Take time to set out mini stepping-stone targets to maintain forward momentum. You don’t have to overcomplicate! Simply start with one goal as easy as meeting a friend once a week for coffee or practicing your plaiting skills to be confident at bigger shows. We all have to start somewhere, and often small steps lead to big leaps. Maybe planning the direction of your life and career can excite you once more and remember, you’re never trapped!   
   

4. RECHARGING: A huge contributor to burnout is the inability to release and process stress in a healthy way. Learning to recognise your triggers and knowing how to relax and unwind are essential for long-term balance in a lifestyle with horses. But remember—your entire life does NOT have to revolve around work and the never-ending tasks of horse care.

   If you have your own horse alongside work, cherish your time with them. Slow down, enjoy the moment, and resist the urge to rush through everything. Pay attention to the little moments that bring you joy or a sense of warmth—and make space for more of them.

   At the same time, setting healthy boundaries with your employer and those around you is crucial. Taking time for yourself is invaluable, and saying “no” is not selfish—it’s necessary.
   

5. GRATEFULNESS: I know, but just hear me out! You’re possibly thinking “how can I feel grateful when I feel so frazzled?”. It’s hard to get your head around, but in times of extreme stress, burnout and exhaustion, turning to what is going well or great in life can be just enough to turn the ship around. Everyone has at least one personal thing to be grateful for, even if it is only the mental clarity to decide what is or isn’t working in this stage of life. Plus, there are now plenty of scientific studies that have proven the effectiveness of expressing gratitude!
   

6. SLEEP: We’re all guilty of it… but there’s only so long you can keep chugging those energy drinks and sweets to keep you going! Like I said earlier, we’re a tough bunch. But seasons of relentless go, go, go will catch up. Taking the time to treat your body to good sleep is so important. I get it, I’ve been there too. Night check is finished after a long day, and you feel like you’ve not had any evening for yourself. Cue the hours of Netflix and scrolling to compensate, only to wake up early the next morning to rinse and repeat. Consider, even if only for a couple of days per week, getting an earlier night. I can guarantee you’ll approach the workday with a completely different attitude, more refreshed and able to cope with work stress easier. Humour me and give it a try!  

   
   

7. EXERCISE: As contradictory as this sounds, exercise can be a great tool to avoiding feelings of burnout. Increased heart rate caused by exercise can flush out toxins from the blood and replace them with endorphins, the ‘feel good’ chemicals. Combine exercise with being outdoors and you’ve got the secret sauce. The calming effect of nature often helps you to forget your troubles and find solutions.       

P.s If cause for feelings of burnout symptoms are due to constant overwork (as sadly often experienced within our lifestyles) and less than ideal situations, please reach out to your employer. They may or may not be aware of the pressures placed on you and be willing to find better solutions to help. However, your health and happiness should always remain top priority! 

Please note that at EquiHaven, we’re all about sharing insights and support, but if you're struggling with burnout, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You deserve to feel your best!

Steven,

Team Equihaven