Happy New Year! …Wait, what? It’s nearly February! I know what you’re thinking— Neil, New Year was ages ago, so what are you talking about? But here’s the thing: you don’t need January 1st to set goals. You can start anytime, and today is as good a day as any!
If you set goals for the year but haven’t started working towards them yet, don’t worry—you can start now and simply adjust your timeline. The beauty of goal-setting is that you are in charge. However, there are a few key strategies that will help you be more successful in achieving them.
So, let’s talk about why goal-setting is essential for every rider and how you can set yourself up for success!
Goal-Setting is for Every Rider
You might think that goal-setting is just for professional equestrians—those with top showjumping, dressage, or eventing horses. But that’s simply not true. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a happy hacker, having clear goals will help you stay motivated, track progress, and celebrate small wins along the way.
Think of setting goals like using a satnav for your riding journey. Without it, you might end up trotting in circles! A goal gives you direction, purpose, and the drive to keep moving forward. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of achieving a goal you’ve worked hard for!
3 Essential Goal-Setting Tips for Equestrians
Ready to set goals that will actually stick? Here are my top three tips to help you create and achieve riding goals this year:
1️. Write Them Down – Turning dreams into written goals makes them real. It keeps you focused, accountable, and motivated. Research shows that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. So grab a notebook or use the notes app on your phone—just make sure your goals exist somewhere outside of your mind!
2️. Be Specific – The clearer your goal, the easier it is to chase! Instead of saying, “I want to get better at riding,” set a clear, actionable goal like, “I want to improve my canter transitions and ride a smooth, balanced 20m circle.” Whether it’s perfecting your riding position, building confidence over fences, or finally making your competition debut, be precise about what success looks like for you.
3️. Set a Deadline – Without a timeline, goals have a sneaky way of turning into “someday” dreams. A deadline creates urgency and keeps you on track. If you tell yourself, “I’ll do it later,” chances are, you won’t. Your horse isn’t buying that excuse either! So, set a realistic timeframe for achieving your goal, whether it’s in three months, six months, or by the end of the year.
🚀 Bonus Tip: Take action! A goal without action is just a wish. Even small steps in the right direction will add up over time.
Join the Gallop to Goals Challenge!
If you’d like some extra support in setting and achieving your riding goals, I run a Gallop to Goals Challenge inside my Positive Mind, Positive Ride Membership group. This challenge is designed to help you gain clarity on your goals, stay motivated, and take action—so you can gallop towards success like a racehorse out of the starting gates!
Interested? Come join us and let’s make this your best riding year yet!
Final Thoughts
Setting goals isn’t just for elite riders—it’s for everyone who wants to improve, stay motivated, and enjoy their riding journey to the fullest. Whether you’re aiming for a dressage personal best, mastering pole work, or simply feeling more confident in the saddle, having a plan in place will help you get there.
So, what are your riding goals for this year? Drop me a message on Whatsapp or give me a call on 07535 129407 , and let’s chat about how you can make them happen!
Happy riding!
Neil