It is Mother's Day and we thought we would show some appreciation for the Mamas and horse Mums out there! Juggling family life and maintaining a passion that takes up a lot of time and energy it can be incredibly difficult, but extremely rewarding. Being a horse Mum is a tough role but also highly rewarding. We wanted to delve further into the ins and outs of what it takes.

Country & Stable Horse Mums

Here at Country & Stable, our team consists of many equine enthusiasts, several of which have children. So we understand the struggle! Here's what some of our lovely associates had to say about being an equestrian Mum!

Amy - General Manager

"There is only one thing to say about being a horsey mum – it’s hard!!!

In the early days it was timing the horses around naps, and making sure she was warm enough. I am lucky enough that my horse is at a private yard with one other person. Meaning when she got bigger I was able to set up a little play area for her with a kitchen. She also has a toy car that she could play with which helped in entertainment. The trick for me was letting her do things that she could get involved with. Most importantly setting boundaries when the horses were on the yard.

Riding is hard as you need someone to look after the little one when you ride. My non horsey husband knew that this was also going to keep me sane. While he looked after her it allowed me the time and the freedom to go and ride. Sometimes they would come with me so he would play with her or take her to see some of the other animals that we have around.

Organisation is key, and so is snacks – snacks will always solve every meltdown that they might have!"

Lucy - Customer Service

"It’s every Mums dream to share their passion with their children and horses are no different. Seeing your child enjoy the sport you love and interact with an animal you adore is like no other feeling.

This is a great lifestyle for children to be part of. From a young age my daughter spent summers climbing haybales, exploring fields and bathing the ponies. In the cold winter mornings she was wrapped in a horse rug eating porridge and chatting away to me while I mucked out.

Juggling the two can be hard but it’s so rewarding."

Gemma - Customer Service

"Well, I get asked a lot about how I cope with being a horse Mum especially a single horsey mum! I guess in doing so you are balancing a normal mum life of trying to spin a thousand plates at any one time. All this whilst trying to stay calm and remain in control… which is the part I regularly fall at!

Parenting is challenging when trying to hold down a job, run a house and get three girls to three different schools in the right uniforms with a packed lunch all at the right time! My three girls all ride so throw into the mix looking after 3 horses and two dogs. All of this while trying to keep some kind of a social life! Well, that part takes a back seat unless it is a pony club, riding club committee meeting or social event. then it takes full priority! But would I change any part of it, no of course I wouldn’t. Maybe perhaps the times they have fallen off or had a show disaster. Along with the hideous job of pony shopping which all non-horsey people seem to think is a fun joyous thing to do!

The best part is when all the hard work pays off and they reach a huge achievement. Whether it is getting placed at Champs or just to have survived a hack on a crazy young horse! All my girls have learned the life skills that horses can teach us. From hard work and determination to of course being loving and caring."

Liz - Markerting

"My baby is only 9 months old, but she is already a regular at the stables! Unfortunately, due to the constant rise in the cost of living, along with being a new homeowner, I had to make the heart-breaking decision to sell my pony when I fell pregnant. There was no feasible way to cover the soaring livery, feed and veterinary costs and support my growing family whilst on maternity pay, so I had to do what was right for all of us.

Having a horse has always been the greatest escape from the daily grind. I found my mental and physical health took a big hit when I sold my pony. Before long I realised that regardless of being exhausted from the demands of being a new Mum, I still needed a horse in my life! I am fortunate enough to visit my old pony once a month and knowing that I cannot afford to own a horse, now share a gorgeous little horse.

No matter how sleep deprived I am, the mornings spent at the stables with my daughter are always the highlight of my week. She is always most content whilst parked in her pushchair watching me groom and muck out. Best of all she finds the horses absolutely fascinating. I really hope that horses are a passion that we will share together".

Jess - Brand Ambassador

“Being a horse Mum is definitely a talent itself, finding the balance is hard. Becoming a parent changes you and your life! Your prime riding time has gone, you have to pack a million snacks and keeping your tiny human alive is now the most important job. Before having Tel, I would have these notions of him napping in the corner of school so I could ride. Then my mum watching him at competitions while cheering us on from the side lines. You could tell I had never really spent much time around children.

What I love about being a horse Mum is the fact it can be done. I can balance being a Mum to a toddler, owning two horses and having a corporate career, to me that is so empowering. It makes the successes I have with Jim, whether that be a hack on a Sunday or competing at a competition, feel even more sweeter. Horses are a part of my identity and I never want to give that part of me up. It can be very easy to lose yourself in parenthood and having a horse helps you keep that identity in my opinion!

Time management is key, and you do have to plan carefully because it’s a balancing act. Building a support network around you will help, that can be in many forms and not just support with childcare. You are not a failure if you have help with riding your horse, having Hannah in my life has been an incredible help for me. It’s ok if you need a sharer to help with the workload of horses.

The struggle at times of feeling that you are stretched too thin. You realise that you can’t be amazing at everything, are totally normal - accepting that will be tough. However, there’s nothing more magical than watching Tel’s face light up when he sees Jimmy and Sidney coming towards him. I would love my passion for my horses to pass onto Tel. However for now, I’m happy raising my son, enjoying both my horses and rolling with the punches - that’s ok!”

It's not easy being a horse Mum, but it is worth it

In summary, being a horse Mum is TOUGH. But the positives ultimately outweigh the negatives. Managing day to day life as a Mum is incredibly hard without the added pressure of our demanding, four-legged fur babies too. At times when it feels all too overwhelming, know you are not alone! Also there is no harm in reaching out to partners, friends and family members to step in and help. Even if it's just so you can spend a few hours plodding around the countryside on your horse to escape the continuous cries of 'Mummy Mummy Mummy'.

To be the best Mum possible, you need to be the best version of yourself and sometimes this means taking some time out. Those that have horses, understand there is no better feeling than galloping through an open field, perfecting your flatwork skills in the arena or cuddling up to your horse in the stable whilst they nuzzle your pocket for treats. These moments of mindfulness allow you to be more appreciative of the time you have with your children. When you arrive home, damp from the rain and covered in hay, and your little one is so happy to see you, you realise it is all worth it.

Owning horses is also a huge financial commitment. With livery, vet, feed and bedding to consider, it can be a little overwhelming when you also receive your childcare bill. Offering quality products at a reasonable price is something we are passionate about. So, to make things a little easier for horse owners, we have created a range of EVERYday affordable essentials. Make sure to check it out!