juggling running event yard with new baby. Advice?

[drdoolittle1000]

Im due to have my baby in may and im on maternity leave at the mo from running event yard. Im going to tick over my event horse by lunging once I stop riding. But has anybody got any tips on what I don when I go back to work. How do I juggle work, baby, competing, childcare, etc? I think something may have to give!!

[shufflebum]

Get a sharer? Not ideal but I couldn't make it work financially and time wise, hopefully someone else will be able to give you some more positive advice.

[cedmonds]

Hi my sister evented hers up to advanced with two young children. She used to muck out when they had a morning sleep and then ride when they had an afternoon sleep. They and mine slept in a pram so we could get on with doing the horses. When we used to stay away at events we would take them with us and just had someone to groom for the horses and someone to look after the children. If it was a one day they would sometimes stay at home as she expressed milk from tiny for them. It was hard work but we did it for years. They three days were the worst and the lorry was full to the brim with everything. With everything for the children and the two horses. We have very good photos of them having baths in water buckets and dressed up in full xc gear.
She now dosnt event as she is running hers DC around to pony club etc.

[ManateeEquineOhara]

Do you own the event yard or work there? If it is your job I assume you will be going back with child care in place, which you could also use for some riding time for yourself?

I don't compete but I have managed to keep my horses (now just the one) fit enough for all day hacks. It is do-able but you will be busy! :)

[marge2]

I think it really depends on what help you have? Is your DP supportive? I didn;t run a yard, but even with one horse, I think I could have managed a lot better if my DH had been prepared to help me a bit more with looking after babies while I rode etc. There was NO WAY ON EARTH he would have come to a show and stood around holding the babies while I rode. I'm lucky if I manage a short hack on a saturday morning without him sulking for the rest of the weekend.