Self-Care for Horse Owners During Rehab: Tips to Avoid Exhaustion

Here's the thing.... you're not on your own. Through all the rehabs that we have had come into the practice there hasn't been one without tears at the beginning, middle and happy end.

You're busy working full time, the kids need your help with another school dress up day for "book-day" and your house-work in piling up. Then the horse is sick and really needs you. You're coming to terms with your new "normal", you can't ride, you're trying to do limited turn-out but the fields are a mud bath and you're constantly worried about re-injury through slipping and you're tired. So, so tired.

If you can relate to any of this then the following article is for you, to help you through this period of rehab if you are edging on or eyeballs deep in burn-out, to remind you that there is a community for you, a support network and that there is an end.....

How are you and give me the long answer....

When your horse is injured, your role often shifts from rider or companion to caretaker and advocate. The rehabilitation process demands time, effort, and emotional energy, leaving many horse owners feeling physically and mentally drained. This intense period can lead to burnout, a state of emotional exhaustion that can impact not only your well-being but also your ability to care for your horse effectively.

To prevent burnout, it’s essential to recognise its signs, understand the underlying causes, and adopt strategies to maintain your energy and resilience throughout your horse’s recovery journey.

Recognising Burnout in Horse Owners

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it creeps in gradually. Here are some common signs to watch for:

- Physical Exhaustion: Constant fatigue, trouble sleeping, or frequent aches and pains.

- Emotional Drain: Feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally detached from your horse.

- Loss of Motivation: Struggling to keep up with daily tasks or feeling apathetic about your horse’s progress.

- Negative Self-Talk: Criticising yourself for not doing enough or doubting your caregiving abilities.

Acknowledging these signs early is key to addressing burnout before it takes a significant toll.

Understanding the Causes of Burnout

Several factors contribute to burnout during the rehabilitation process:

1. Time Pressure: Juggling vet visits, rehab exercises, and daily care can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with other responsibilities like work or family.

2. Emotional Strain: Worrying about your horse’s recovery and future can weigh heavily on your mind.

3. Physical Demands: Managing a recovering horse, especially one on restricted movement, can be physically taxing.

4. Social Isolation: Spending long hours at the yard or avoiding activities you once enjoyed can leave you feeling lonely.

Strategies to Prevent Burnout

1. Create a Support Network

You don’t have to do everything alone. Build a team to share the workload:

- Ask a trusted friend or yard mate to help with daily tasks like feeding or hand-walking.

- Work closely with your vet, trainer, or equine rehab specialist/physio to create a realistic care plan.

- Join online forums or local groups to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

Understand that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Accept that some days will be harder than others and that progress isn’t always linear. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.

3. Prioritise Self-Care

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

- Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and taking breaks when needed.

- Nutrition: Fuel your body with nourishing foods to maintain your energy levels.

- Exercise: Even a short walk or yoga session can help reduce stress and boost your mood.

- Relaxation: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.

4. Delegate and Simplify

Rehab can feel like a full-time job, so don’t hesitate to simplify your routine:

- Use meal- prep to get your horse's feeds made up into zip-lock bags on a weekend for the week.

- Delegate non-critical tasks to yard staff or fellow equestrians.

- Focus on essential rehab exercises and adjust your schedule as needed, don't get over-whelmed with searching for all the opinions to optimise healing - use the wealth of knowledge from your physio to design a clear and optimal recovery plan .

5. Stay Connected

Isolation can amplify feelings of stress and exhaustion. Make time to socialise, even if it’s just a quick coffee with a friend or a call to a loved one. Sharing your experiences and venting frustrations can be incredibly therapeutic.

6. Seek Professional Support

If the emotional toll becomes too much, consider talking to a therapist or counsellor, particularly one with experience in equestrian or caregiver issues. They can provide tools to manage stress and maintain perspective.

A Shared Journey

Rehabilitation is a journey of resilience—for both you and your horse. As you navigate this path, give yourself the grace to step back when needed, celebrate the small wins, and remember why you started this journey in the first place: the deep love and connection you share with your horse.

Together, with patience and care, you’ll both emerge stronger.