\n1. Time management: Become an expert at maximizing your time! It starts with
\nchoosing what\u2019s important to your family and eliminating the rest. That may mean
\nfewer commitments like sports. You can hang a calendar and mark out the week.
\nBeing prepared will go a long way.<\/p>\n
2. Utilize nap time: Set up a nap space in the barn and invest in a good baby monitor.
\nThat 1- to 2-hour window can be so useful! You can complete barn chores, ride, or
\neven just hang out with your horse. This time can help you fill your cup back up.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/little_girl-scaled.jpg\")
3. Involve them in chores: My two-year-old loves to help! It may take me twice as
\nlong, but the smiles on his face are precious. He has his own wheelbarrow and
\nshovel, and boy do they get some use. Find simple and safe ways they can be
\nincluded. It will obviously depend on their age, but even toddlers can be helpful.<\/p>\n
4. Create a fun & safe barn environment: Horse moms are a clever bunch! I have
\nseen all sorts of ways to entertain young children at the barn. Some use playpens,
\nstrollers, or empty stalls to contain their active youngsters, while others have them
\ntag along. It can be as simple as letting them climb the sawdust mound or run
\nthrough a hay bale maze. You can let them help you brush or hold the lead rope
\nwhile your horse stands in the crossties.<\/p>\n
5. A supportive spouse: Without an understanding partner, it\u2019ll be a lot harder to
\njuggle parenthood and horses. Both are a huge time and financial commitment, so
\nhopefully your spouse is on board. For single parents, you\u2019ll need a good support
\nsystem of family and friends.<\/p>\n
6. Enlist the help of a babysitter: There will be times when you just need to focus
\nand get some work done. It can be so helpful to have a sitter. You may even be able
\nto find a horse-crazy teen who will watch your child for some ride time.<\/p>\n
7. You can\u2019t do it all: Learn to accept that everything isn\u2019t going to get done. The
\nhouse may be messy, the horse may be muddy, and dinner may be chicken
\nnuggets, but everyone is cared for so consider that day a victory.<\/p>\n
8. Consider leasing your horse: If you find yourself struggling to ride your horse, then
\nconsider a partial or full lease on them. This will take away some of the pressure in
\nkeeping them fit and trained. We all go through various seasons of life.<\/p>\n
Don’t be hard on yourself if you need to take a month or a few months off. Furthermore, your<\/p>\n
horse won\u2019t mind hanging out in the field. If they have food, shelter, and companionship,
\nthey\u2019re likely very content.<\/p>\n
9. A family-friendly horse: Don\u2019t be afraid of change. Your green show horse may not
\nbe the right horse for you anymore. A quiet horse that\u2019s safe enough for the kids to
\nride, but has some buttons for you may be a better fit. You\u2019ll need to be the judge of
\nthat. Some kids love to ride, while others are indifferent.<\/p>\n
10. Enjoy the ride: Instead of worrying about this or that, slow down and soak it all up.
\nThese moments are precious and you don\u2019t want to miss them. Let your children see
\na happy mom, one that has passion. You got this, mama!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Water_fun-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Many moms fall into the trap of losing themselves in parenthood. They let their passions and hobbies slip to the wayside. Don\u2019t let that be you! To be your best version, you need to keep your own identity. You\u2019re more than just a parent. If horses are a big part of your life, then don\u2019t…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":38339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[161,183,181,182],"class_list":["post-38338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-horse-care","tag-horse-lifestyle","tag-horse-mom","tag-parenting"],"yoast_head":"\n