How to Set Attainable Goals

Write It Down 

Putting your goals in writing establishes your intention and builds focus and commitment, increasing your chances of success. Define your goals in specific terms and include a timeline. Instead of I want to have a successful show season, outline in some detail what that would look like for you

Break It Down 

Break your larger goals down into manageable sections with shorter terms. Think about the steps along the path to the larger goal, and create a timeline for those steps. These smaller milestones will help you track your progress and give you a feeling of success as you reach the lesser goals along the way. 

Tell Someone

Review your goals with your coach, and a friend or fellow rider who understands your aspirations and can help you achieve them.

Plan your First Step 

The famous Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So, once you decide on your first step, just get going! It might be something as simple as trying to find more riding time, or making a change that contributes to the bigger picture ahead.

Keep Going 

The process of achieving your goals can at times be downright frustrating, especially when they involve an animal with a mind of its own. If you get stuck or feel that what you are doing isn’t working, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is more than one way to reach a goal and sometimes getting an outside perspective can help you to see things in a different light. If you are really stuck, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break or reevaluating your objectives. Sometimes the goalposts need to move or change, and that’s okay too.    

Celebrate! 

And once you’ve reached the goals you set, savour the moment and celebrate! Thank everyone who helped you to get there, and especially your horse. Then when you’re ready, set new goals and start all over again. Enjoy the process and everything that you learned along the way. With horses we should never stop learning and growing, that’s part of what makes this sport and working with horses so very special.