Even if you never plan on showing, you still need to have riding goals.
Having big goals and dreams is great! It can keep us motivated, and it is great to start with an end in mind. You and your trainer should be working towards your dreams and goals. I think even if you never plan on showing, you still need to have goals. Maybe your goal will just be to canter around the entire ring twice.
Starting with “the end in mind”
When I was an elementary teacher we were supposed to make our lesson plans by starting with the end in mind. What is the big goal? What do you want your students to be able to do? Those were the questions that we would need to start with. You and your trainer should be on the same page and know what your end goal is. Think about it, when you go on vacation, you know where you are going to go. That is how you plan out your trip and the steps you are going to take to get there. Riding goals should not be any different.
Time Period
School teachers have a limited amount of time in which EVERY student is supposed to be able to do certain skills. The second part to the end goal is the amount time it will take you to get there? Is your goal 10 years away? Is your goal 10 months away? I think having a time on the goal helps to keep you motivated, especially if you are not showing. Having a time period can keep you and your trainer on track.
Breaking it Down – Smaller Steps
Now that you have the end goal, what is the first step to getting there? Think about what skills you and your horse will need to accomplish in order to reach that bigger goal. If your goal was to be able to canter two laps around the ring, what smaller steps do you need to accomplish to be able to get there first? Some examples might include: having a stronger seat or getting your horse to move quicker from your leg.
Don’t Blame Your Trainer For Your Unreasonable Expectations
If your goal is to ride in international competitions and you are only riding twice a week . . . It’s probably NOT going to happen. Setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself will make you happier and keep you from getting frustrated. But, what happens when your goals are unreasonable for what you can afford to do or have the time to do? I’ve seen it time and again. A student starts out excited and ambitious. Everything is great in the beginning. Then, you don’t do well at a show, or your horse is acting up. Maybe you aren’t reaching your goal as quickly as you want. Guess what? It’s not always your trainer’s fault. Sometimes things just happen. Horses have bad days. We as riders aren’t always our best either. Ask yourself a few of these questions:
• Am I actually practicing what my trainer is telling me to do?
• Am I putting in the time that it takes to get where I want to be?
• Did I stick to the plan that my trainer and I had discussed?
• Are my expectations reasonable?
Be Realistic About Your Goals
What is that saying? Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. While I love that saying, I think it is important to not get frustrated if you do “land among the stars.”
Here are some steps to take to set achievable goals.
1) Start with the end in mind. What is your big dream or goal?
2) Work backwards from your big goal by breaking it into smaller steps.
3) Ask your trainer or coach to help you.
4) Now go do it!
Happy Goal Setting! Subscribe to our newsletter to get the Goal Setting Guide. Please feel free to share your goals (big or small) and what your first step is going to be to get there.