I'm unsure if you mentioned this to your boyfriend as you did not refer to it in your original post - Did you even tell your boyfriend your NEED to have horses in your life and that kind of lifestyle? Granted - I'm sure you did as you were with him for 3 years but just in case...
I'm in the same boat as you - horses are my PASSION and drive for life and I need them in my life... no ifs, ands, or buts! I'm also a dog and cat lover and need those in my life but horses #1. My first boyfriend, hated pets and did not want any... I decided I could "live" without them in order to be with him but I was depressed. We broke up and I got my own cat (find out later that he soon got a dog with his 'now' wife). HA - now I won't date anyone who doesn't want a cat! Met my 2cnd boyfriend - likes cats but not dogs! But I wanted a great dane so bad and I tried to convince him but he always told me how dogs are stupid. We broke up so my new stipulation was.... get a boyfriend who likes cats and dogs!
I'm currently in a relationship with my boyfriend and we have 2 cats and I was allowed to get my great dane. I was tired of always trying to change my passion in order to be with a guy. I found a guy who also wanted a similar lifestyle. I made sure from the beginning I let him know that I WILL and MUST get horses, whether with you or without you. He doesn't know anything in the slightest detail about horses but he is willing to learn. Actually, he's quite excited about the idea of having horses and is trying to come up with business ideas, as that is his passion (ie. trail riding, horse boarding, tack shop, etc).
I just wanted to let you know my experience. Does you boyfriend know of your passion and is willing to accommodate your needs? Have you had this discussion before? If so and he does NOT want horses.... then yes, go ahead and find someone who wants to live the same life as you (as that's no way to live
) I don't mean necessarily go date that cowboy you were talking about.... stay single for awhile and grasp what you want in life. And sure enough, YOUR cowboy will come your way (and he may not even be a cowboy - just someone who knows nothing about horses but wants to be your cowboy).