By Emily Hamel
The coming of a new year is always exciting. It’s a fresh start, a catalyst for change, an inspiring time to set new goals for the year ahead. Chances are, you and your horse had a break over the holiday season and now you’re ready to start thinking about what’s next. I’m here to encourage you to set new goals and plan for your best year yet.
The most meaningful goals come from the heart. When you connect with your deepest values and desires, you’ll feel more inspired and motivated to pursue them. Take time to understand why you’re chasing the goal. The more you can attach a sense of purpose to the goal, the easier it will be to keep going when things get tough. Forget about the logical, superficial part of your brain for a second and dare to dream! People can get so caught up in the practical side of things that it stifles their growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone can yield the most outstanding results.
To illustrate this point, here is a personal example. My big goal for 2026 is to complete the Adelaide CCI5* in Australia with my horse of a lifetime, Corvett, aka Barry, and become the first combination to complete all seven of the world’s five-stars. The word “daunting” comes to mind when I really think about what it means to set such a lofty goal. If I let my logical brain take over, I wouldn’t even try to do this because of all the time, effort and money it would take to make it a reality. However, I know in my heart that I have to give it my best try because this goal aligns with my deep-rooted belief in the importance of partnership and being an inspiration to others. Also, how often do you get a chance to do something no one else in the world has done?
My goal may sound unrelatable to some because of its scope, but I promise the principles I’m using to chase this goal are the same ones I’ve been using since I did my first two-star. Whether you’re aiming for your first event, qualifying for the American Eventing Championships (AECs) or preparing for a CCI long format, these planning steps are adaptable. Whatever it is, I’ve got you!
As they say, a goal without a plan is a wish. So the first step is to come up with a plan. The best way to do this is to work backwards. For instance, if your goal is to compete at the AECs, you need to figure out how many events you need to get qualified and feel prepared. With that in mind, it’s time to get out the Omnibus (old school term for the USEA event schedule) and your favorite planner/calendar.
When choosing events, I like to have options. I love when Plan A works, but as eventers know, things can change quickly, so it’s always good to have a backup Plan B-Z. Having options can help you feel more secure and confident, knowing you’re prepared for unexpected changes. It’s good to pick events that suit you, but it’s also essential to choose events that will set you up for your goal. With the AECs example, you need to understand your goal venue: There is more atmosphere at the Kentucky Horse Park, especially in show jumping, which takes place in the main arena, Rolex Stadium. It can be challenging to replicate that venue, but try to choose at least one event or show that exposes you and your horse to a more atmospheric environment.
Once you’ve chosen your competitions, it’s time to get even more granular: How many lessons, jump schools and conditioning days do you need leading up to each event? When you plan for these things in advance, it builds confidence and a sense of readiness. That’s why I urge my students to schedule their lessons early and talk to me about their goals so we can develop a training program to help them succeed. When things are on the books it keeps everyone accountable, and when goals are talked about it sets things in motion.
With a good plan in place, it’s time to get down to work because a plan is only as good as its execution. If your goal is deeply rooted, you will be more inspired to do what it takes to make it happen. When the going gets tough, remember why it’s important to you and keep going. Things don’t always go according to plan, and sometimes goals need to adapt. At the end of the day, you get to decide what your success looks like. I hope you achieve everything you put your mind to, but regardless of the outcome, be proud of the progress you made along the way.
Photo courtesy of Cavalor
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