How to Set Attainable Goals

Have you considered what you want to be doing with your horse in five years’ time? Or settled on your primary goals for the coming year? Or thought about the progress you want to make before your next riding lesson?

The horse world can be a very goal-orientated place, and achieving your goals starts with defining them. How can you reach your goals if you don’t know what they are? Goals help you focus on your path and determine the direction and effort you’ll need to reach your targets.

Although you can set goals at any time, the start of a new year seems the perfect time. First, reflect on the year gone by, your accomplishments, your disappointments, and think about what motivated you and why.  

Goals can be short-term, long-term and anything in-between. The important thing is to determine what they should be, and then put a plan in place to achieve them.

Decide

Think about what you want to accomplish by the end of the year, or by another milepost that has meaning to you. Goals should be specific, measurable objectives that will help you and your horse grow from where you are now. They should be relevant and in your own best interests, not designed to please someone else. Think about the time and effort it will take to attain your goals and make sure they are realistic and that you are prepared to do the work. Set yourself and your horse up for success, whatever that means to you.