Is this level of obsession normal?

[Annahibiscuits]

Dr1 is 12 and has been riding since she was 4. She has always totally loved it. We have changed stables as her needs changed, so we have been to 4 over the years. Been at the most recent one for approximately 7 months I think, she helps out all day Saturday (8am to 5pm). I've just signed loan agreement for a horse as she has showed consistent commitment and interest.

But she's OBSESSED. It's great that she has a passion, I recognise that. And I am pleased that it's a healthy outdoor activity and she's learning lots of useful skills. But, she speaks about nothing else. All conversations end up at horses. She does no other activities and has no other interests. She much prefers to hang out with friends at the yard and hasn't much interest in her school friends, outside of school

I used to ride when I was younger and I understand the enjoyment. But, I didn't have the bug like this. I'm just looking for reassurance really, because I know people DO get 'obsessed' with horses.

What do you think? Go with it? Or enforce some computer game playing/hanging out with non-horsey friends?

Aw gawd...just read my last post back, & have realised that I come across as a right snotty cow.

Sorry Cat.

I've asked mn to delete it, but it'll probably take ages on account of it not being libelous , or controversial, and everyone might have seen it by then.

Have given myself a good talking to in the meantime!

I was like this, and even now many of my non horse friends will avoid even asking after them as I go on...and on.... And on!

I think most teens develop obsessions, sometimes a whole host of different ones and sometimes just one they sustain. Your dd is sustaining one with horses. Being a fairly competent teen can be exhilarating, you're learning so much, you're usually allowed to judge your own ability more and try new things and that adrenaline rush is amazing.
My mum used to ban horse talk sometimes, and I totally understand why! So if she's just too much then yes, ban it for a while. Or say that you've listened for half an hour, it's someone else's turn now.
I wouldn't try and force any other activities though, other than the ones she needs to do like school work etc, if my mum had done this it'd have made me so unhappy, one way I was guaranteed to behave was the threat of losing my Saturday at the stables!
My obsession waned as I got older, late teens and early 20's and returned in my late 20's and I have 2 now (retired though) my daughter loves them as part of our family but she's not like I am. I accept that, maybe it's because she's never been without them and I waited until I was 30 before I had my very own, always loaning or riding friends.
Go with it I'd say - but yes give your ears a rest when you need one!