Sounds like it may have been too tight or just simply worn out or both.
When you adjust your chain, have someone press down on the back of your bike and compress the suspension ALL THE WAY DOWN. You will notice, the chain starts out loose and gets tighter at one point of the stroke. Adjust your chain at the tightest part of the stroke and make sure you have the proper amount of play at that point. All bikes are different. Some, the chain will start out tight and get looser. Some start out loose and get tight at the end of the stroke. Some start out loose and get tight in the middle of the stroke and then get looser at the end of the stroke.
How often the chain is replaced is up to you and how you ride and maintain the bike. Conditions such as mud or sand will wear a chain out sooner. Try lifting the chain off of the rear sprocket with your fingers. A new chain will stick close to the sprocket. If the chain is worn, you will be able to lift the chain up off of the sprocket teeth. Your manual should show you how to do this.