Voluntary Simplicity and Horse Sports, A Tough Combination [Archive]

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Wanderer

10-19-15, 12:49am

I'm having a hard time being interested in both ways of life simultaneously. Horses can be costly, especially if traveling and competing. I dream of living in a rustic shack and needing very little money, yet I'm training some young horses and I'd like to compete on them next year.

I competed in amateur and college level rodeos a decade ago. I quit due to the financial difficulties of my situation and because I became much more concerned about environmental issues than I had been before.

Now, I'd like to use my youthful body to compete some more before too many more years pass. I'm trying to learn English riding, so that ads a little complexity.

Most of what I've come up with are compromises. I got BLM mustangs which have a hard time finding a home when compared to horses with nice bloodlines.

Second, the trailer I've chosen is an antique 1-horse trailer that is quite easy to pull.

Second, I'm planning to stick to very local horse shows with the rare regional show within 400 m miles.

Still, I have trouble reconciling my choices. The lifestyle of many horse show people are much more affluent and conventional than the little village lifestyle that dream about.

Do you have any suggestions on how to pursue both types of lifestyles, and remain very frugal?

sweetana3

10-19-15, 2:27am

ctg492

10-19-15, 6:22am

sweetana3 said it best.

Ultralight

10-19-15, 10:45am

Life is all about choices. You can choose to live simply to "afford" a special hobby. Just be aware it is your choice and be proud of the decisions you make. Just because you work or live around others making conventional lifestyle decisions, doesnt mean your decisions are any less valid or unimportant. Be proud of what you choose to do and how you choose to live.

I agree with what sweetana3 says!

I also think that this brings up a broader issue that can relate back to what you are asking.

By this I mean, many of us live simply and frugally so we can do that one really important thing! Some of us, and this is more my style, live simply and frugally to afford a cool hobby for a few years and then switch to a different one and so on.

But either way, we living simply and frugally so we can take part in our passions.

Now, obviously if your passion was meditation, then you would not need much to do it! Right? haha

But I like fishing. This requires some gear! I am getting into bike commuting; this requires gear too!

kib

10-19-15, 11:20am

I've written about this before, but my most influential exposure to simple living was a situation where the people were off grid and growing most of their own food, deeply involved in conservation work, but they had computers and internet, back in the day when that was unusual, cutting edge, and quite expensive. I said is this a joke, computers, internet, do you have a Rolls Royce stashed in the barn, ha ha? And they very graciously explained to me that their version of simplicity / frugality revolved around making deliberate choices that worked for them. Giving up everything they valued or needed in their particular situation would have been the Better Homes And Gardens version of simple living that looked nice on paper, but it would have worked in opposition to their goals. Basically, they took what they needed and left the rest.

There are people in the world who live in a style I would truly call voluntary poverty, for the benefit of the rest of the world. They are admirable and inspiring but, for most of us, a balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves with things that bring us satisfaction and joy is necessary to keep us whole, to make us into our best selves.

Have you considered combining your hobby with something that makes you feel like you're making a difference? ... taking a kid from your family or community and letting them get a taste of horse love? Donating some of your winnings to an animal charity? I'm not saying you have to, just that it might help you feel less uncomfortable about your hobby.

Wanderer

10-20-15, 7:18am

I have combined my interest with horses with doing something to better the world. I got mustangs instead of well bred quarter horses. There are 50K + that need a home. Also, I took in a cripple roping horse from a sibling.

My long standing idea of doing something good for humanity and the environment with horses "instead" of riding in competitions would be to plow and grow organic food with them. It just turns out I'm slightly more interested in competitions at this time. That's part of what I feel conflicted about.

I'd love for the cripple horse to be taken in by a therapy place. He's well trained for handling, but I read that one place nearby won't take a crippled horse, which makes sense.

I've considered volunteering at the therapy places instead of owning horses myself, but that was briefly before I got a horse 4 yrs ago.

I suppose I'm attracted to versions of voluntary poverty, especially the type John Michael Greer writes of (with broad examples ). A pieced together homestead, working less, earning less, and living car free appeal to me a lot.

I've considered going to competitions for a few yrs, then raining myself in a sticking to farm work and trail rides with the horses.

Ultralight Angler I noticed your thread. I'll probably drop in a take a look.

kib

10-20-15, 10:12am

I think you are on the right track, and there is nothing wrong with being into one part of this more than another. It's all a process, and while your horses are young and beautiful, why not show them off. You sound like a person with a conscience who will be helping the world. ... I sound like a fortune cookie, time for more coffee. :)

Ultralight

10-20-15, 10:15am

Float On

10-20-15, 11:31am

If I could afford to get back into horses I would but probably just for pleasure riding. Missouri Foxtrotters are popular around here for trail riding. I showed dressage, jumping, and western pleasure, barrels, and pole bending, and raised foals to help pay for the expenses. A wide range and I loved both english and western. I sold everything to help pay for private college. My most expensive horse, a thoroughbred broodmare in the Secretariat line, was killed by lightening before the buyer picked her up and right after my dad dropped the insurance on her (dang it).

Wanderer

11-4-15, 1:49am

Thank you all for the replies. I still feel conflicted as to how much I'll go to shows with these horses, but I will definitely finish training these mustangs and take them to local shows to introduce them to hauling.

TxZen

11-4-15, 10:07am

I will say this. My minimalist/simple living allows me to pursue my true passions in life. I am a huge animal advocate. I have 3 big dogs and 2 cats. People judge me for having so many animals and putting time and money into them but they are my life, outside my family and health. We also travel quite a bit, mostly local. Again, we live a simple life to be able to do this. We are happy and I say follow your passions and live your life your way.

pony mom

11-6-15, 11:38pm

As a horse-poor horseowner I get it. By having mustangs you have become a sort of advocate for them; taking them to shows and letting people see their versitality and hardiness is a great thing. Have you heard of the Mustang Makeover competition?

As for your lame horse, that's tough. Pony parties? Teach kids about horse care and grooming and composting?

When people hear I own a horse they assume I have money; more like a money pit! I can't remember what I did with my time and money before I seriously got involved with horses again. Wouldn't have it any other way. Show off your horses and your old trailer and enjoy it all. Then if/when the fun wears off, do something else. You can still live a simple life by not competing with other people's lifestyles.

jp1

11-7-15, 2:39am

The OP's question really goes to the basic premise of YMOYL. They obviously value taking care of horses, riding, going to shows, etc. He/she is doing so in a frugal way. And they want to do so now while still young. The whole point of YMOYL is that you spend your money on whatever you deem important. Clearly this IS important to the OP and as long as he/she isn't going into debt to fund this hobby I hope they quit fretting about the extravagance and enjoy themselves. There will be plenty of time to be super frugal and not have the expenses associated with horses. How much happier will that time be if you have all these great memories to look back on of your time with the horses.

razz

11-7-15, 7:10am

May I add the thought that solutions evolve over time and experience,OP? Don't try to find tomorrow's solutions today. Explore what works for you now and modify to suit the circumstances,- financial, emotional, practical - that arise and gradually come up with what feels and seems right. Life is a lot of trial and error by exploring and that is the adventure. You are doing it thoughtfully which is all one can do. Have fun doing it as well.