Horse Industry Burnout

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458 – September/October, 2026

By Laura Jobson

As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty bucket. Burnout has become an increasingly common reality for the people who keep this industry moving, while horses themselves can also experience mental and physical burnout from demanding training schedules, travel, and competitions. Protecting both ends of the lead rope may be one of the best ways to preserve the future with our horses.

Types of Horse Industry Burnout
According to Licensed Social Worker Melissa Hall, burnout doesn’t always appear the way people expect. It can show up differently depending on the person—and in the horse industry, several patterns appear again and again.

Overloaded – Feeling overwhelmed by excessive workloads and responsibilities

Signs may include:
• Spreading yourself thin
• Rushing through projects
• Feeling pulled in different directions
• Taking shortcuts to keep up
Perfectionist – Striving for unattainable standards and
becoming burnt out from the constant pressure to be flawless

Signs may include:
• Comparing yourself to others
• Experiencing defeat when faced with difficulties
• Feeling anger when mistakes are made
• Constantly questioning skills and talents

Neglector – Ignoring personal needs and well-being while prioritizing work or other people’s obligations

Signs may include:
• Exhausting yourself by seeking approval
• Constantly taking care of others
• Very limited self-care
• Feeling detached from your life

Self-Talk vs. Burnout

Click here to read the complete article
458 – September/October, 2026