Recognition and Management of burnout

Burnout in the equestrian industry is a prevalent issue. Megan’s masters research found that 47% of dual-career equestrian athletes are experiencing a high level of burnout. This statistic is alarming statistic and highlights the importance of equipping individuals with strategies to understand and manage burnout.

It can be challenging to acknowledge burnout, especially amidst life’s daily demands. Taking steps to reduce burnout and minimise its impact on your well-being is essential for avoiding long-term negative effects.

Signs of burnout

Key indicators of burnout include emotional exhaustion. This refers to feeling emotionally overextended or drained (Wright & Cropanzano, 1998). Emotional exhaustion can lead to a lack of motivation for things you once enjoyed and may bring on a low mood. A hallmark of burnout is the prolonged experience of these feelings.

Physical exhaustion is often present as well, along with sleep difficulties and an overall inability to cope with life's stressors. For equestrians, one significant sign of burnout is a reduction in enjoyment of the sport.

For equestrians, an important indicator of burnout is a reduction in enjoyment in the sport. Sport entrapment theory (Schmidt & Stein, 1991) describes that when experiencing burnout, an athlete’s sporting commitment changes. They go from doing their sport because they want to, because they enjoy to doing it because they feel like they must. This entrapment is a result of prior investments in the sport; for equestrians, it is more than just years of training or monetary investments - a horse, who needs daily care, is also involved. Long-term feelings of entrapment pose a risk for developing burnout, so it is important to be able to notice these feelings when they begin happening, and take appropriate measures to reduce the chances of burnout developing.

Identification and Management

The first step in managing burnout is to acknowledge the feelings you're experiencing. Recognizing burnout allows you to implement appropriate strategies for coping. Burnout is a complex, individual experience due to the varying stressors and coping abilities of different people. Therefore, the strategies for managing burnout will differ from person to person. It’s important to remain open to trying different approaches without becoming discouraged—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

For equestrians, the unique demands of horse ownership may limit the applicability of certain burnout management strategies. A common recommendation in burnout literature is to take time away from the stressor, but for equestrians, this can be impractical. Other strategies include seeking social support. Talking to others who are in similar situations—such as a friend at the yard or a coach—can be incredibly helpful. They may share your stressors and experiences, and may offer valuable perspectives on how to prioritize demands and manage stress.

Prioritising demands is crucial when managing burnout. This means putting yourself first. Reducing demands may be uncomfortable, but considering the long-term impact of burnout on your health is essential.

Self-care is another useful strategy for managing burnout. Simple self-care practices, such as getting enough quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and finding effective stress-management techniques, can make a significant difference. Integrating these practices in a small but regular way into your routine ensures that you’re taking care of yourself without adding more stress.

It’s easy to feel like you need to use every free moment to tackle your to-do list, but prioritising your well-being can help you manage burnout. Adjusting your daily load is an important part of self-care. If you're feeling particularly exhausted one day, consider altering your plans. Maybe skip riding and take the time to rest and recharge. Your horse will be just fine, as long as their basic needs are met.

Final thoughts

Burnout is complex and difficult to navigate, but the unique pressures of horse ownership on top of everyday life stressors make it even more important for equestrians to be aware of burnout and learn how to manage it.

If you feel you’re experiencing burnout, don’t hesitate to reach out to Megan for support. She will be happy to help guide you through the process.