Let’s Begin Again: From Burnout to Boundaries with Horses by My Side
A guest blog from Maxine Smith
My journey began in a South London secondary school, where I stepped into the role of Director of Sports and Games with a mix of excitement and deep imposter syndrome. I wasn’t sure I was ready — but my new Principal saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. I chose to trust his belief. And I’m so glad I did.
Over the next five years, our team transformed a struggling PE department into one of the most loved in the school. Students named our subject as their favourite. Our lessons were consistently rated good to outstanding. Though I stayed longer than I’d planned and watched my first Year 7s graduate, I felt proud.
But behind the scenes, I was unravelling.
The signs of burnout crept in slowly: sleepless nights, a racing mind that wouldn’t switch off, and a constant pressure to prove myself. My identity became fused with my performance. There was no space left for me.
I believed I had to work all hours to show my commitment — to my role, my students, and my team. I couldn’t afford to let up. But that mindset led to a more frustrated, irritable version of myself. No matter how much I gave, it never felt like enough. And as I became more tired, my relationships with staff and students began to suffer.
The turning point came with yet more time off.
This time, I had completely lost my voice. I wasn’t visibly ill, but my throat was so constricted I couldn’t utter a word without straining. There was no sound — only silence. And in that silence, I knew: If I didn’t make a change now, something would happen that I could no longer control.
And then… I met the horses.
In their presence, I began to breathe again. To feel. To notice. They didn’t need my CV, my outcomes, or my endless to-do list. They just needed me to be me — and in return, they gave me honest, non-verbal feedback I couldn’t ignore.
Through them, I began to understand what boundaries really are — how they work, and the deep, lasting impact they have on our relationships. Boundaries are often seen as rigid or uncaring. But in truth, they are acts of self-care, self-respect, and self-acknowledgement.
That insight became the foundation for the work I do now.
With horses by my side, I created a 3-part Healthy Boundaries Framework:
- The 6 Principles help you understand why boundaries matter — grounding your leadership in clarity and presence.
- The 7 Anchors offer the practical how — tools to set, establish, and maintain boundaries in daily life.
- And the Values Compass provides direction — helping you align every boundary with what truly matters.
Because our wellbeing begins with better boundaries.
When what we say, what we do, and who we are have something solid to stand on, we unlock the power to change culture — in our classrooms, our schools, and in the lives of the young people we serve.
We enhance what we teach by modelling the capacity to care without burning out, to lead with integrity, and to honour ourselves as much as our roles.
When our boundaries are strong, our leadership becomes contagious.
We (re)claim our voice, protect what matters, and guide young people to become not just capable — but confident, empowered, and whole.
If that speaks to something inside you — I’m ready when you are.
Maxine Smith, August 2025
About the Author
Maxine Smith is an Equine Facilitator for Human Development and the founder of The Boundaried Horse. She works alongside her three horses to support school leaders in creating sustainable practices that protect their wellbeing, strengthen their leadership presence, and reduce the incidence and impact of burnout.
Through experiential workshops, coaching, and values-led frameworks, Maxine empowers leaders to establish healthy boundaries that allow them to lead with clarity, resilience, and compassion—without losing themselves in the demands of their role. Her work equips leaders to navigate complex pressures while protecting their energy, their teams, and the young people they serve.
📍 Based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire — programmes are available on-site, online, or delivered directly in schools.
📩 Contact Maxine:
Email: maxine@theboundariedhorse.com
Phone: 07572 363041
Website: https://www.theboundariedhorse.com/
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