44
TheHorse.com THE HORSE June 2017
W
e all know the feeling of return-
ing from a vacation happy and
energized. Research shows that
vacations are not only good for our health
but also increase our post-break produc-
tivity. People on a holiday have reported
feeling better and having fewer physical
complaints. If this is true, why can going
on vacation be so difficult for us as horse
owners, and what can we do to make it
easier to take time off?
Taking a vacation can be especially
challenging for those of us who keep
horses on our own property because it
often involves a to-do-list that's a mile
long. So unless the trip revolves around
a horsey event like a show or a clinic,
vacation time can get pushed to the back
burner.
Lori Nevin realizes the importance of
vacations. She and her husband, Jeffery
Harr, both lifelong horse people, live in
the Cascade Mountains of Eastern Wash-
ington. They keep three horses, a goat, a
cat, and a parrot on their 6.25-acre ranch.
Nevin says getting away gives the
couple perspective and improves their
relationship. "Jeff and I get a chance to
really be present with each other without
the typical home and work life business
that keeps us constantly on the go," she
says. "And when we come back (to the
horses and property) we're reminded of
how blessed we are with so much that we
have right at home."
Nevin and Harr are planning an ex-
tended European vacation this year, one
that has been in the works since 2015.
"A vacation itself is challenging enough,
but being gone out of the country for six
weeks is a lot to undertake," she says.
"You've got to think about all the parts
and pieces."
That said, Nevin, a project manage-
ment professional, is an excellent planner
and has enjoyed several extended vaca-
tions away from her horse property.
Preflight Preparation
"Once we have an adventure in mind,"
Nevin says, "we want to pick a time of
year for our travels that will work both
for where we're going as well as for what
we're leaving behind (to manage on the
property)."
Depending on the part of the coun-
try you live in, this might include
FARM & BARN
ALAYNE BLICKLE
TheHorse.com/FarmandBarn
Yes, You Can Take a Vacation
How to find the perfect farm-sitter to provide seamless
care for your horses while you're gone
ALAYNE
BLICKLE
PHOTOS
Put your itinerary, daily care
instructions, and emergency
contacts in writing for your
farm-sitter.