Motherhood is a wild, beautiful ride, and if you’re like me, you’re trying to balance chasing toddlers and chasing dreams. Finding time to ride as a mom isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned a few things that help me make it work, even on the hard days.
When my son was younger, it was a little easier. He’d nap in the Pack-N-Play while I rode a few horses, and I could squeeze in a quiet moment in the arena. Now that he’s a year old and constantly on the move, I’ve had to adjust how I make time to ride, but I haven’t given up. If anything, I’m more determined than ever.
Here are five things that help me to keep riding and chasing my dreams :
1. Have a Village
This is the number one thing. You need people around you who lift you up, call you to be your best, and support your dreams. Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, a neighbor, or your mom, having someone who says, “I’ve got the baby, go ride,” is a gift. My husband and a few amazing friends have made this possible for me, and I’m forever thankful.
2. Get It Done Early
If you’re still in the thick of sleepless nights, this may not be your season for early mornings, and that’s okay. But if you can, I highly recommend starting your day in the barn. Watching the sunrise while I saddle horses is one of my favorite parts of summer. The stillness of the morning helps me focus, reset, and step into the rest of my day with a clear mind. In our home, the mornings I ride, my husband takes over the morning routine, and then meets me at the barn so I can trade off and head home.
3. Adjust Your Expectations
You don’t have to be Superwoman. Some days you might work every horse, clean your barn, and somehow still manage to tidy the house. Other days, you’ll barely have time to toss hay and fill water trough, and that’s okay too. Progress is still progress, and giving yourself grace is essential.
4. Maximize Your Time
If I only have an hour, I make every minute count. I’ll work both of my horses on the lunge line or in the round pen, give them a quick brush, and knock out the barn chores all in one go. The biggest shift in motherhood is realizing that time is precious, and if I want to accomplish my goals, I can’t lollygag.
5. Get Your Kids Involved
This one might be the most important of all. Our life as a family is centered around the barn, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My son met his first horse just days after he was born. In those early newborn weeks, the barn was one of the only places he would nap, and now, it’s where he’s happiest. If he’s fussy, we head out there and run up and down the alley, play in the dirt, or just enjoy the fresh air together. The barn has become a place of peace, growth, and connection, not just for me, but for my child too. Letting him grow up in this environment means he learns to value hard work, animals, nature, and the dreams his mom is chasing. Bringing your kids along doesn’t hold you back. It helps them see what passion looks like up close.
Whether you’re deep in the newborn haze or chasing a wild toddler through the barn aisle, just know that you’re not alone. It takes creativity, support, and a whole lot of determination to keep your horse dreams alive while raising babies, but it is possible, and it is worth it.
Chasin' Cans & Kids 
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