During my slight blogging hiatus I've had all kinds of blog ideas running through my head but with the start of the new year I figured I would start with goal setting. I am an extremely goal orientated person but even more so when it comes to riding and teaching. Having a goal allows us to have a focus for each ride and something to strive for even on the tough days.
When setting a goal for yourself, your horse or both of you be sure to consider what type of goal you have set; goals can be short term or long term. This semester I asked my students to set three goals and share them with me. I asked that they set a short term goal, a long term goal and a competition goal. I wanted their short term goal to be something that they felt they could achieve by the end of the semester, their long term goal was what they wanted to with their riding overall and their competition goal was something that they wanted to achieve while competing in the IHSA.
Once the girls set their goals I had them share their goals with me, this way I could be sure to focus lessons on their goals as well. It is so important to share your goals with your trainer/instructor otherwise you'll never really know if you are both working towards the same end goal. Sharing your goals also gives you a partner in your goal, when two people are working towards a goal together there is even more momentum! Sharing your goals with your instructor/trainer also ensures your happiness with your lessons or your horse's training, if you never share your goals then your instructor/trainer is just shooting in the dark to make you happy. And yes we want to make you happy!!
One thing that I made sure to relay to the girls was to make sure that their competition goal was not ribbon related. It is very difficult to set a goal that is influenced by factors beyond your control. For instance say your goal is to place in the top two of your hunter equitation on the flat class in your next show. You can't control who the judge will be, what type of rider or horse they prefer or who else happens to be in your class. The only thing you can control is how you perform. So instead of setting a ribbon related goal think more along the lines of improving your own performance. For example, "I want to improve my downward transitions so that they feel effortless" or "I want to feel more confident in the canter no matter which type of horse I draw." These goals are something that you can work on at home and something that you will be able to measure after your ride. Each time you ride you should think about improving on your previous ride rather than who you can beat. George Morris says it best "If riding was all blue ribbons and bright lights, I would have quit a long time ago."
What will your goals be for this year?
My personal goals are to continue my education in teaching and riding. How am I going to get there? By attending every clinic I can possibly drive to, reading every article I can get my hands on and taking advantage of each opportunity that presents itself.
Happy New Year!
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