The equine industry is a high-risk industry for burnout because horses require care 24/7. Feeding, mucking, medical checks, emergencies, inclement weather, and other factors all translate to long, sometimes unpredictable hours. Client and owner expectations add pressure. Clients might (intentionally or unintentionally) compel staff to be available around the clock and deliver unsustainable services. Because breaks from work are rare in the equine industry and staff care deeply for the horses, even routine setbacks can feel personal.

People working as professionals can also succumb to perfectionism. With every ride, every client, and every show, putting that level of pressure on yourself can lead to exhaustion.

The culture of toughness in this industry can make equestrians more susceptible to burnout. Historically, employees have worked through exhaustion “for the love of horses.” While passion is important, owners and barn managers shouldn’t normalize unhealthy habits or make employees feel guilty for needing rest.

Why Should Owners and Barn Managers Take Burnout Seriously?

Barn owners and managers should take burnout in the equine industry seriously because it becomes a safety risk. Exhausted staff are more likely to make mistakes. They might not handle horses properly, not feed the correct amounts of feed or supplements, overlook signs of equine injury or illnesses, or have accidents with farm equipment.

When someone keeps working in a stressful environment and can’t recharge, when they cope in unhealthy ways, and have negative thoughts about their work, the burnout cycle will likely continue.

What are some practical strategies for creating work-life balance when horses require care 24/7? 

Accept that balance does not mean spending equal time on work and personal life. It means intentional time. Create working routines so both horses and staff know what to expect. Cross-train employees and rotate tasks. Build in time for water and lunch breaks. Try to delegate where you can and use technology for scheduling the farrier and feed deliveries, for example. 

How can stable owners and general managers set boundaries without compromising horse welfare or client expectations? 

Communicate clearly. Post the barn’s rules, when you are available for communication, and what will happen if there is an emergency. Use signs, client agreements, and quarterly emails to keep expectations consistent. Have a designated system for emergencies.

What role does building a strong team and delegating tasks play in preventing burnout? 

No one can do everything. When you delegate, it will create consistency and reduce mistakes. Again, cross-train staff so their skills run deep, and they can cover in other areas. Empower your team with responsibilities, not chores, which can build pride and retention. Remember a strong team helps each other out so others can take vacations, have sick days, or handle life’s unexpected challenges.

How can technology, such as apps, cameras, or scheduling tools, help reduce stress and streamline stable operations? 

Try to incorporate software to standardize property records, bookkeeping, horse records, vet records, feeding schedules, the ring(s), and vet and farrier appointments to keep everyone on the same page. Use a shared calendar and group texts to give shift reports to avoid miscommunications with staff.

What advice would you give to barn managers who feel guilty about taking time off? 

We give our horses down time; we need self-care too. Time off only makes you sharper and more attentive. Your team also grows when you take time off.

For someone just starting out in the horse business, how can they set themselves up for a sustainable career? 

Learn to say no. Think twice about taking on an owner that all the other barns in the area have asked to leave. Set boundaries that suit your needs—this can look different for everyone. Establish your financial tools early, create a savings account, and secure good insurance. Use technology to help you budget and track your spending. Practice meal prepping, and take your meals to the barn and shows. Be sure to hydrate regularly and make it a priority. Find a mentor and talk to them regularly. They can help you navigate situations and help you avoid costly mistakes. Talking with a therapist can also help you develop the tools needed to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being.

What simple, everyday practices can you do to stay grounded and energized in a horse-centered career? 

Start each day with a grounding ritual. This can be having a cup of coffee, stretching, journaling, doing a quiet barn walk and listening to the horses eating. Take short mindfulness breaks to breathe and think about what you will do next and say next.

Let things go and don’t dwell on the past or future. Overthinking about future situations is an anxiety response called anticipatory anxiety. Yes, life is a balance, and you can’t just live in each moment and not think about planning for a future event, but do not allow yourself to dwell on “what ifs.” You will spend valuable energy thinking about scenarios that might not even happen. Try to keep nonhorse hobbies and friends to remind you of the other parts of your life.

So, how do I recover if I am burned out?

First, recognize and admit you’re burned out. Journal your symptoms, notice when you’re feeling fatigued, being irritable, or losing your joy. Take a few days away from the barn. Remove stressors and delegate nonurgent chores/tasks to lighten your load. Replenish physically and mentally by engaging in nonequestrian activities you enjoy such as hiking, art, or spending time with friends and family. You can identify your needs by taking the time to think about what you currently need to feel better. If you’re overcommitting, set clear boundaries around the number of extra things you take on and practice assertive communication to express your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully to others.

Be sure to reintegrate slowly to avoid overdoing it and build sustainable systems at the barn. This could include scheduling regular breaks to allow yourself moments of rest and relaxation throughout the day to recharge.

Take-Home Message

Burnout doesn’t just affect you; it puts horse and human safety at risk. Building balance isn’t about working less—it’s about working smarter. Set clear boundaries, cross-train your team, and use tech to lighten the load. Take meaningful breaks and trust that rest makes you better at your job, not weaker. Whether you’re managing staff or just starting out, protecting your energy protects your horses, too. A healthy, grounded barn culture starts with leaders who model balance—and remind everyone that caring for yourself is part of good horsemanship.