By Sarah Montrowl

Where has all the daylight gone? The days of racing down the dirt road at three o'clock, with backpack dangling from one hand and hard hat from the other, are gone. After hours of currying and dawdling and layers of hoof dressing, instructors gently chide their students to hop aboard.
Now, as an adult, one wakes up in the dark and returns home as the sun slips behind the hills. In the midst of a career, days seem to pass without so much as seeing a horse. For many, this marks the end of this wonderful outlet, until a child shows interest or until they reach the milestone of retirement.
Horse lovers are left with a gaping hole, the unique relationship between horse and rider. Although a full-time job is overwhelming and time consuming, there are some means to stay connected to the world equestrians love so much.

Owning vs. Leasing
While there is the stigma attached to leasing, that it is for beginners or children who will grow out of their ponies. A half-lease is a fantastic choice for those who don't have enough time for a horse.
It is vital that one chooses an appropriate match in terms of riding style and experience (no one wants a beginner bombing around on an off-track thoroughbred). If pursued with diligence, half-leases can yield a positive partnership, halving chores, ride time and money. Best of all, it ensures that the horse gets the care and attention that it deserves.
Alternatively, one can buy a horse and share it with a riding school or a trainer. Although sharing inevitably unearths differences in methods and approaches, first priority should be the horse's health and happiness.

The Right Horse
The personality of the horse is vital in determining what routine works best. In most cases, a young horse is difficult to find enough time for, and proves an even greater challenge when hunting for an apt leasing partner.
The formative years for a horse should prove to be uncomplicated, consistent in discipline and praise. This is when a horse should learn to love the relationship it has with people, find a mutual respect and understanding of boundaries. All of this takes patience, and above all, requires time! For this reason, an older horse, that has a good understanding of the world, is a better choice for half-leases or erratic riding patterns.
Age, however, is not always a good measure of suitability. There are always the exceptions to the rule. Even some older hot-bloods are not the type you can pull out of a stall after days of rest and expect to have an uneventful ride.
Shauna, from Ramona, chose a young cold-blood cross after the realization that her thoroughbred needed more time than she could afford. Her horse Destiny is by all accounts "bomb proof." Despite leaving Destiny to her own devices for extended periods of time, Shauna can hop aboard her bareback with a halter and lead rope. This was a great decision for Shauna, who commutes daily from San Diego Country Estates to Encinitas.

Boarding and Turnout
Shauna will admit that she owes part of Destiny's laid-back demeanor to her turnout situation. Shauna knows that her schedule doesn't generally permit rides during the week, so she searched for a ranch that allows her to keep Destiny outdoors 24 hours a day with some seasoned older horses that would set an example.
Determining the best boarding scenario is equally important to finding the right tempered horse. The horse you put away in a box stall is not the same one that emerges four days later. Finding a facility with sufficient turnout, or space to mill around, is paramount for those who will not be able to get out during the week. This is essential in promoting mental and physical stability.
There are also several barns that have lighted rings for those who wish to trooper on after work. Once it becomes a routine, it gives you more energy and reduces your stress levels. What better way to get exercise than doing something you love.

While these are solutions to staying on the horse, there are other ways to include horses in one's life, from the ground. Local pony clubs and 4-H groups are always looking for experienced volunteers who can help run events and teach on the weekends. This is a great way to spend hours with horses, in addition to bringing along the next generation of responsible equestrians. For those with even a mild interest in horses, shows are always looking for jump crew, jump judges, clean up and general organization.
Whether actively riding or taking part in horse-related activities, there are endless opportunities to include horses in your life.
For many, horses are a lifelong passion. A career does not dictate a 30-year hiatus from what brings one a sense of peace and joy.