Happy New Year! I can’t believe 2024 is here already. Wow! It makes me so excited because a new year means it’s time to set new goals as we progress towards our dreams! Did you know that over 83% of the population doesn’t have goals? It’s true, but when you set and write down your goals, research shows that you will be ten times more successful in reaching your dreams.
So, with the New Year just beginning, I wanted to share my top five tips for achieving your riding goals so that you can make 2024 the best year ever with your horse.
But before I get into the tips, I wanted to invite you to join my all-time favorite program, Strides. This course is ONLY open once each year, so this is your only chance to join!*
*Sorry! You’ve missed this enrollment. Don’t worry thought! Click the link and put your name on the list to be notified the next time Strides opens again. We would love to have you.
Now, let’s get into the tips! Here are my top five tips for setting goals and making the most of your time with your horse this year:
· Consistency – Just like us, horses are creatures of habit. Consistent training, even if you don’t ride your horse every time you go to the barn (groundwork days are great too!) is a great way to set you and your horse up for success. When you establish a weekly routine with consistent workout sessions, you will soon find your horse will slide into routine with you and begin expecting and looking forward to your rides and time together!
· Rider Position – Getting your horse fit is important, but your fitness is just as important! When you take the time to focus on your symmetry, straightness, and balance out of the saddle, your riding will get so much better! Plus, it makes it easier for your horse to perform as you ask and become straighter and more balanced when you are fit.
· Film Your Rides – Getting footage of your rides at least once per month is a great way to measure your progress over the year and see what areas you need to focus on improving.
· Commit to Education – You can only do so much on your own, and I find that it is important to commit to education whether that means going to clinics, getting consistent lessons, or signing up for an online program. Getting advice from a trainer can really help prevent you from getting stuck in your training. Even I have to make sure that I get consistent education so that I can keep making steady progress with my horses!
· Expect Failure – I know this sounds crazy, but it’s true. Expecting failure during your journey towards your goals and dreams can help you work through the setback. Thinking about possible failures and how you will overcome them if they happen helps if something comes up as you are working toward your goals.
Perhaps most important is that you write down your goals for the year and your action plan to work towards those goals. If you need help writing down your goals in a way you can keep track of them, check out my FREE Goal Setting Worksheet, which will walk you through step-by-step how to write your goals and make a plan for the year ahead! Download your worksheet here.
I hope these tips help you set some awesome goals for 2024!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
