Happy New Year! Seven Goals for Equestrians

With the New Year settling in, everyone is looking for ways to improve their routine and enhance their day-to-day life. And while incorporating a new exercise is beneficial for all equestrians, this is the year where we add substance and value. Here are Seven Goals for Equestrians!

As equestrians, looking for new ways to change up the routine is few and far apart, usually just falling complacent with the typical tack-up-and-ride phenomenon. But lately, I’ve personally been seeking a deeper connection with my love for the sport, which has led to discovering certain aspects that add some extra value.

Back in 2019 when I bought my horse, Theo, I was longing to compete and keep my heart in the sport. But as injuries occurred (for the both of us), competing became some dream of the past. Devastated by this, my love for riding diminished, of course.

Over the next several years, I increasingly became more and more determined to find something to love within the sport again. And while Theo was still waiting out in that pasture, I just didn’t know where to go from this alleged stalemate.

With competing off the table (hopefully not forever), I started incorporating more grooming time, confidence building, and simplicity into my routine. Which is ultimately how I came to this conclusion: equestrianism isn’t just something that you do… it’s how you live. Maybe that sounded more poetic in my head, but you get the idea nonetheless.

happy new year! seven goals for equestrians

Going into the new year, it’s time that we re-establish our love for horses, gain courage in the saddle, and educate ourselves in every aspect of equestrianism. So without further ado, here are seven goals for equestrians!

Check out: How to Set Goals as an Equestrian

Linger longer

Why are we always in a rush? Too busy trying to check off the next thing on our agenda, to even appreciate the former?

I know you have picked hooves a thousand times and will do so a thousand more. I know you’re excited to raise the jump but how about one more pat on the neck?

It’s time that we really take in our time at the barn. Sip your hot coffee while he eats his grain… Braid her mane and put a bow in her tail… Run around in the rain after a hot summer ride. These are the moments that make life so sweet; is the next really that much more?

Micro-bravery

“Do something everyday that scares you.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Micro-bravery suggests that if you challenge yourself with small things, you’ll be able to trust yourself enough to be brave when the time comes. When you cancel out the fear, you cancel out the what-if’s and the cannot’s.

Incorporate something into your daily or weekly routine that is relatively unsettling. Maybe it’s going to the far side of the arena, or riding the horse you don’t feel entirely comfortable on (within reason). Anything that is going to grow the confidence within yourself.

Only sustainable purchases

With more and more research coming out about the effects of fast fashion and consumerism, equestrians can still do their part in adopting a greener lifestyle.

Sustainable purchases for equestrians — via pinterest

While most equestrian brands are small vendors who are deemed as sustainable, going into the new year is the perfect time for equestrians to start lengthening the lifespan of their attire, tack, and riding essentials.

Remember that it’s okay to have old brushes, scuffed-up boots, and mud stained breeches – it’s all apart of the sport. And while owning the shiniest saddle in the barn is still something to be grateful for, practicing appreciation for what you already own will be applauded as well.

As you purchase tack and attire this year, try to map it out and only buy things that are going to add value to your life + are made to last.

Check out: Sustainability in the Horse World: Top 5 Brands for Equestrians

Stay active outside of the barn

It’s a universal resolution for a reason. And as athletes, always striving towards improving our physique is essential.

staying active outside of the barn — via pinterest

Try adding more movement into your day – whether you’re at the barn or not. There are plenty of exercise routines on platforms like YouTube – but if you want some equestrian-targeted ideas, check out this post on How to Stay Fit and Healthy as an Equestrian!

Develop your personal style

Though riding attire tends to be pretty uniform based on your discipline, there’s still room to add a personal aesthetic.

developing your personal style for equestrians — via pinterest

Start a Pinterest board and find pieces that are consistent with your discipline, that speak to you. Whether it’s a color palette, certain cuts, or brands. And just remember that your style doesn’t have to be strictly clothes either; you can incorporate hairstyles, certain tack, and accessories as well.

More casual rides

Within these seven goals for equestrians, this one should be a big priority for all equestrians. Let’s re-establish our love for horses this year. No more high-stress environments and lack of time for the animal.

more casual horse rides — lanie equestrian

Start planning for casual rides – that could look like a trail, a nice wall-hugging ride, or even a bareback hack around the farm. Putting so much pressure on ourselves and our horses is a sure way to lose sight of why we started in the first place.

Check out: How to Ride Your Horse Bareback: The Ultimate Guide

Read The Valiant Equestrian

This might be a little biased, but it really is out of love and good intentions. A couple of big mistakes I see equestrians make are a) not taking enough time to learn about every aspect of the sport, and b) not spending enough time networking.

The Valiant Equestrian is a place where you can learn how to overcome your mental blocks, find the best resources, and meet other equestrians who are also looking to grow as a horseman. And whether you find community within TVE or on another platform, spend this new year indulging in the sport – not just within your time at the barn.

Follow TVE on Instagram and TikTok to join the community ; )

These seven goals for equestrians…

are perfect for any rider looking to become more attuned to this lifestyle. Reading books, developing your style, growing trust, and finding community are all ways to turn a sport into so much more. Just be sure to save this post for later!

Here’s a quick round up of the seven goals for equestrians: