By Valerie Pride
And just like that—2025 is upon us! Thinking about the year ahead can be exciting and a little overwhelming. You are not alone! Let’s talk through a few strategies I use this time of year to mentally and physically prepare for making the most out of the upcoming year.
I always challenge my students to submit a goals email to me by January 1. There’s always some resistance for this team task; but deep down I know it makes them better, and they eventually admit that, too! I also save everyone’s emails from the year before. We start these sessions by revisiting those, and it’s obvious how much was achieved in the past year. We will chuckle that a goal that meant so much to them in January was achieved in February and onward we went only to forget about it entirely! Occasionally there will be a pattern of the same goals being unfulfilled—this helps rally me as a trainer to make sure I’m putting enough emphasis on that goal, even if it’s utilizing outside resources like a sports psychologist or a physical therapist.
Next, we move on to their new goals. I think it’s important that my students submit these in writing, as it’s often easier to write down your wildest ambitions and not have to say it in person or be afraid of initial reactions. It’s taking the time to put it in writing that takes the commitment to a new level. Very similar to journaling, when you put it out there for the universe to see, things start aligning and working out for you! This information enables me to structure students’ days on an entirely different level. Sometimes it means talking about personal issues that don’t come up naturally but certainly have a lot of impact on what we’re able to achieve.
Sometimes I’ve rejected goals—yeah, it’s true—to help as a reality check so that students really have something attainable to work toward. But I love stretch goals—when students challenge themselves to dream their biggest long-term dreams. It’s hope and belief like that that keep us going through the lowest of times which, let’s be honest, we must be prepared for with horses. And don’t forget, your goal should always include being a well-rounded horseman and learning more about related topics like grooming, health care, fitness, trailer safety and much more! A happy horse feels better, performs better and will be your partner, not your adversary, to achieve those goals.
A normal reaction to goal-setting usually goes like this: “One year is hardly enough time to do all the things. Where do I even start?” I like to start with small steps and short-term goals, and then work backward. We winter in Florida and that time is spent getting the horses going again. The focus will be on what strength and development that horse needs based on how their fall finished, and then develop a plan from there. I then take advantage of all of my instructors that flock to Florida and get as much information, feedback and challenges to jumpstart my year. Even if you don’t get to go south, many areas host indoor clinics that can serve the same purpose to help inspire you even when the weather outside is frightful! Maybe seek a gym routine to keep you going if the weather shuts you down.
Then I identify a spring three-day or destination event that I want to attend. Ideally, I will run my horses in one or two horse trials and one or two FEI “short format” events. The horse trials are there to knock off the rust. Do I remember how to manage my warm-ups? Have I been jumping enough show jump courses to look ahead for my turns and ride straight enough down the lines? What is the base level of fitness for my horse, and is he a little too sharp or too dull after the holiday? Gain as much feedback as you can before heading to the FEIs and getting those qualifications, which will set horses up for a bigger fall competition.
Even if you’re not competing at the international level, you can adopt a similar schedule. Use combined tests or straight dressage schooling shows to save some money but still get the show experience. Challenge yourself to use your new skills you’ve started over the winter, and maybe you will trust them more in a low-key environment. Then when you’re feeling ready, identify one horse trial a month and send in that entry. I don’t mind lower-level horses running twice a month or sometimes even back-to-back weeks—in the right situation it can really jumpstart confidence and new learning. But your horse does not need to campaign heavily through the entire year, or else your 2026 goal will be “How do I keep this horse more sound?” and we just gave you the answer. Otherwise, make the goal to buy a second horse!
Marking a spring or early summer goal will then translate into highlighting the other areas for improvements. Circle back and work, work, work on your horsemanship skills. Challenge yourself to never stop learning! That goal alone will take you to amazing places.
Excited to hear what your goals are and that you’re making them happen. Kick on into 2025!
