8 years ago, I went shopping for what I hoped would one day be my dream horse. I had a lot of goals back then. I really thought Id be doing the big shows, the big jumps, and living my best life.Well, turns out its a bit hard to predict where life goes. A lot of things changed based on my own choices. I chose to have kids. I guess I just thought it would be easier. Spoiler: it wasnt easy. They take a lot of time. I dont even remember much of the twins baby years because I was so tired.And then things just change in life. People arent who you think they are. Situations dont play out how you expected.It came to a point in my life where my stress levels were through the roof trying to make time for everyone and everything. I was just stretched too thin. Something had to go, and that something was Stu.My trainer sold him for me. My level of involvement was actually very low. They put a lot of training on him, and its actually a bit sad that I didnt even get to ride him after he had the training. He was doing full courses with lead changes. I missed out on the actual fun part.Selling him was sad, of course. It felt like the end of my horse dreams. It felt like the end of my riding journey. I dont have a riding horse anymore. Berry has been gone for years, and Vintage died a year ago. I have the two ponies still, but I hardly have time for them. Plus they are pretty small, I dont think I could realistic ride them on a regular basis. Which I cant, because I dont have time. Im hoping one day Ill have the kids riding them maybe.But Im also just tired in general. I used to love having my own farm, with the horses on the property. But now it just seems overwhelming. Its too much, and Im just so tired. 2025 was a pretty terrible year for me.In regards to horses, I dont know what the future holds. I know eventually Ill be riding again, but who knows when that will be. I hope to still be involved in horses in some way, but I just cant commit to anything at this point. I actually thought about shutting down this blog, closing the book, so to speak, but Ill give it a little time. If I go a full year and have nothing to say, that could be the end.But, I am still a bit of a dreamer and/or schemer, so I do have another venture going on. It has literally nothing to do with horses, so might not interest many horse lovers, but Ill share it just in case.I started a new business, selling hats. Its called Proper Icon. Ive always loved hats, but the hat selection America is so boring so I decided it was time to jazz it up. If you like hats, you should check it out. If you dont, well, maybe you should learn to love hats!But, thats where Ill be focusing my public time now. So if for some reason you get the thought, I wonder what that woman is up to now... thats where youll find me. Probably a bit more restrained and proper though, Im trying to run a business here! (and hopefully that business will lead me right back to horses.)Im a little bit proud of myself, so this is my debut collection:Check them out if you are so inclined.Overall, its been a fun journey with everyone Ive met through this blog Ive greatly enjoyed watching you progress with your horses. I really loved seeing women living their best lives with their horses, sharing the quirks, the humor, and the victories, large and small.One day Ill be back with you, the horsewomen.The post I Sold Stu appeared first on An Equestrian Life.