What Are Your 2023 Goals?
Photo credit: Bar H Photography
By Delores Kuhlwein
Are you developing a list of New Year’s resolutions for yourself and your horse? Experts say if you’re going to come up with a list of goals, you should make them “SMART” goals to have the best chance for success. The definition:
S = Specific. What will be accomplished? What actions will you take?
M = Measurable. What data will measure the goal? (How much? How well?
A = Achievable. Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources?
R = Relevant. How does the goal align with broader goals? Why is the result important?
T = Time-Bound. What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal?
*Source: University of California
For most horsemen, improving performance is the ultimate resolution. So if your goal is:
I want to improve my performance in Horsemanship.
Specific: I received minus scores on some of my maneuvers in my recent Horsemanship class. Improving my skills requires that I perform my patterns more flawlessly and efficiently and to plan for my patterns more carefully. I’d like to be more proficient at my next major horse show.
Measurable: By my next horse show, I should be able to perform the elements required of me in the pattern. I should also be able to develop a plan to execute the pattern.
Achievable: I can make more of my practice about pattern elements and developing a better partnership with my horse, as well as strategizing with my trainer about how to approach patterns.
Relevant: Horsemanship patterns demonstrate the strength of my partnership with my horse and are applicable toward other goals, too. Showing in Horsemanship is necessary not only as a discipline, but as a tool to strengthen our bond.
Time-Bound: By the time I reach the Fall Majors or my biggest shows this year, I should be communicating better with my horse and have a better plan of attack for each pattern I encounter.
What are your goals, and how can you make them smart goals?
