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Horse training is known for its intense high and lows. Often as trainers and riders, it can feel like we are chasing progress in circles. Having a clear set of goals can help us feel like we are traveling down a path towards success. For many, goal setting has never been a part of our plan. The modern training industry is inundated with step-by-step programs promising a "perfect" horse if you just follow these exact steps. While these programs look good on paper, once we get out with our horses to put these steps in practice, they often don't go as planned.
Training is individualized. One person on the other side of the country can't tell us how best to train our own horses or improve ourselves as riders through the internet. These exercises may be helpful, but we should still take responsibility for our own journey. The best way to do this is to create a set of goals that can be continually looked at and adapted over time. It's not a fool-proof program but it will give you the direction out of this endless circles. The best way to start creating goals to drive achievement is to use the SMART format.
What is a SMART goal?
A SMART goal is a highly structure template for planning goals and creating a path to success. This format gained popularity in education, but the applications are endless. For horseback riders and trainers, it helps create goals that are specific and achievable.
What does SMART mean?
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Relevant
T - Time-Bound
SMART goals in practice
Once you get the hang of the SMART goal format, you will be able to create attainable goals for all aspects of your riding and training journey. Better yet-- you can use SMART goals for more than just working with horses.
Example SMART Goals
Posting At The Trot:
Improving Canter Depart:
Improving Horse's Fitness:
How to use SMART goals to achieve more on and off the horse
The SMART template allows us to create goals that can be achieved. Many riders and trainers go to each session with an idea of what they want to do but don't always have a specific vision for the future. Always keeping an eye on the bigger picture helps us keep our progress on track and achieve more.
Stagnation is often reached when goals are not put into effect. Once one short-term goals is achieved it can be hard to know where to go next. Having a set of both short and long-term goals is a good way to ensure you are always on track for something. Thus, training sessions can become streamlined and process made quicker.
If you ever feel unmotivated in your riding or training journey, setting concrete goals is a good way to build drive. Setting and achieving goals can become an addictive venture once you knock off your first few SMART goals. Start setting goals and go further in you horse journey.